Development Director

FOR THE PEOPLE

Development Director - Job Description

For The People (FTP) is the national nonprofit working with prosecutors to identify people in prison who can be safely released, reuniting families and strengthening communities for generations to come. We work with elected prosecutors to reevaluate past sentences and, where it can be shown that a current sentence is no longer in the interest of justice, we support the prosecuting agencies through the resentencing and prison release process. To learn more, visit fortheppl.org.

About the Position 

We are seeking a Development Director to lead For The People’s fundraising and development strategy during an exciting period of growth. This is an opportunity to build and strengthen the systems, relationships, and strategies that sustain and expand FTP’s impact. Working alongside the CEO, the Development Director will drive efforts to identify, engage, augment, and steward our funders and funding streams as FTP  continues to grow and expand.  

The Development Director will collaborate closely with leaders across the organization to align fundraising strategy with programmatic priorities, organizational goals, and long-term growth plans. The Development Director will play a key role in helping FTP achieve its fundraising objectives while continuing to strengthen the organization's development function. The successful candidate will bring a fresh perspective and be a creative and strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a passion for FTP’s mission and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Fundraising Strategy Development

• Lead the development and execution of FTP’s annual fundraising strategy in support of the organization’s strategic priorities, long-term sustainability, and growth.
• Partner with the CEO and organizational leaders to identify funding opportunities, establish fundraising goals, and develop plans to achieve them.
• Grow and diversify FTP’s funding streams, including foundation, individual, corporate, and public-sector support.
• Partner with teams across the organization to identify compelling stories, case studies, impact data, and organizational priorities that strengthen fundraising strategies, proposals, and donor communications.
• Strengthen board engagement in fundraising, stewardship, and ambassador activities. 

Funder Prospecting, Cultivation and Stewardship 

• Build and manage a robust funding pipeline that ensures diverse funding streams for stable, long-term funding.
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal efforts for major donors and institutional funders, partnering closely with the CEO on priority relationships.
• Grow FTP’s giving program through donor engagement strategies, giving campaigns, and fundraising events.
• Expand FTP’s portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
• Provide strategic briefings for the CEO in advance of key funder meetings and opportunities.
• Lead the development of compelling proposals, applications, and reports, serving as both a strategic thought partner and hands-on contributor.  
• Partner with the Communications Team, and other FTP teams as appropriate, to develop fundraising materials.

Development Operations, Analytics & Reporting

• Build and oversee development systems, processes, and reporting to support  effective donor management, stewardship, and revenue tracking.
• Partner with the Finance Team on revenue forecasting, grant tracking, and financial reporting related to philanthropic funding.

• Monitor fundraising performance and regularly communicate progress toward goals, key metrics, opportunities, challenges, and strategic recommendations to the CEO, the CFO, and Board, as appropriate.
• Oversee all reporting requirements for donors/funders, ensuring reports are completed accurately, thoughtfully, and on time.
• Continuously evaluate and improve FTP’s fundraising strategies, systems, and practices to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Team Leadership & Management

• Manage, develop, and support members of the Development Team.
• Manage and coordinate external consultants and contractors to support development priorities and fundraising initiatives.
• Establish priorities, workflows, and accountability across development activities.
• Partner closely with the Senior Executive Assistant & Development Manager to ensure strong coordination of donor engagement, stewardship, and development priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• A  deep  passion  for  FTP’s  mission  to  reduce  the  number  of  people  serving  excessive  sentences  across  the  nation,  end  institutional  racism,  and  restore  human  dignity  to  the  incarcerated,  formerly  incarcerated,  and  all  who  are  impacted  by  the  criminal justice system. 
• 9+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or philanthropy.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience required; advanced degree a plus.
• Proven success developing and executing fundraising strategies and operations that have grown and diversified philanthropic revenue.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing staff while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Experience partnering closely with executive leadership and serving as a trusted advisor on fundraising strategy and organizational growth.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, securing, and stewarding major philanthropic support from foundations, individuals, corporations, and other institutional funders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a clear, concise, and compelling communication style.
• Deep experience developing compelling grant proposals and funding applications.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective strategies, and use data, statistics and metrics to execute and achieve goals.
• Demonstrated ability to secure awards, fellowships, and corporate giving. 
• An entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves approach, with enthusiasm for contributing across every stage of the fundraising cycle.
• Demonstrated Experience using Salesforce CRM for fundraising. Familiarity with GrantHub (a plus).

Location

We believe there is great value in working and collaborating face-to-face; therefore, our preference is to have the Development Director located in California and able to work in our Oakland office a minimum of 2 days per week.  However, we are open to considering a flexible arrangement for the right candidate. 

Benefits

• Salary of $135,000-$155,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications
• 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
• 25 paid hours for professional development/coaching
• Option to enroll in 403(b) retirement plan

How To Apply

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Submit the information below at:  https://fortheppl.bamboohr.com/jobs/

1. a resume;
2. a cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role, your qualifications, and specifics regarding your experience and successes in prior development roles;
3. 3 references from people familiar with your qualifications.

Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement

FTP works every day to serve justice and that begins with our team.  We are inclusive.  We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view.  We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after.  We strive to create a team that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Request for Accommodations

If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position, please contact For The People at [email protected]  and appropriate accommodations will be provided.

For the People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our  staff to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals.  We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant.  We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.  Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.