The Organization
Demos is pleased to invite nominations and applications for its Associate Director of Foundation Relations position. With a visionary President and high impact staff, Demos works at the intersection of democracy and racial and economic justice, to achieve transformative social change for Black and brown communities. Demos’ work recognizes the importance of power building in service of creating a society that is equitable and that works to ensure that Black and brown communities are fully thriving. In doing so, Demos helps create the conditions for all of us to thrive. Demos moves ideas powerful enough to improve the lives of everyday Americans through the full life cycle of change. Through championing over-the-horizon policy solutions and shifting the dominant narrative, Demos works to galvanize acceptance and support for radical change and commits to sustain advocacy until that change is implemented. Demos’ program model leverages litigation, policy research, strategic communications, and movement building to meet the ever complex and shifting demands of the moment. This braided approach to impact has translated into real victories, from landmark credit card reforms to over 3 million new voter registration applications from low-income citizens. Throughout all their work, Demos is advocating not just for people, but for the very idea of the people – of one nation, united by shared fate.
Position Overview
The ADFR will join an extraordinary team of individuals that include a committed group of staff and a thriving community of movement partners committed to securing and strengthening our democracy and driving racial justice and impact in our communities. The ADFR will lead in the following areas:
The ADFR will support and lead the high impact Foundations team at Demos. They will be a valued member of the broader Demos Development Team, contributing to a healthy, results-oriented team culture. They will model organizational values and will translate a compelling vision into action. They will support and build the leadership capacity of their direct reports and ensure that they have the tools they need to be successful. Additionally, the ADFR will:
- Participate as an active leader within Demos’ Development Team, working closely with the Director of Development and Demos’ President;
- Directly supervise the Grant Writer in drafting proposals, reports, concept papers, letters of intent and any other needed communications;
- Directly supervise the Senior Manager, Foundation Relations in goal-setting, relationship management and fundraising;
- Work with the Director of Development to develop compelling funder communications as part of a broader outreach and ongoing engagement strategy;
- Work with the Director of Development and senior staff to project and monitor foundation gifts towards one-year and multi-year revenue projections.
Fundraising and Funder Stewardship
With foundations making up close to 80 percent of Demos’ funding, the ADFR will be responsible for key relationships and partnerships. The ADFR’s portfolio will contain the majority of Demos’ foundation partnerships. The ADFR will also support the Director of Development and President in their work and relationships with foundations. In addition to fundraising and managing funder relations, the ADFR will also help to foster a greater awareness of the importance of fundraising across the organization. Other fundraising and stewardship responsibilities include:
- Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive foundation fundraising plan;
- In collaboration with the Director of Development, lead the cultivation and stewardship of an approximately $9 million foundations program, including leading relationships with approximately 50 existing and prospective foundations and philanthropic networks, in support of Demos’ activities;
- Manage ongoing strategy for outreach; cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of foundation funders and relationships; prepare and staff key Demos personnel across relevant foundation relationships;
- Oversee prospecting and research to develop new leads for foundation funding;
- Help coordinate grant-related aspects of joint projects between Demos and partner organizations to ensure that funder requirements are met.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal ADFR candidate will be first and foremost committed to Demos’ mission and the visionary evolution of the organization. They will be eager to step in and help Demos maintain and strengthen existing funder relationships while also building new relationships. They will be passionate about advancing racial equity and bring compelling people leadership skills.
While no one person will embody all of the qualities listed below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Leading on Racial Equity: You have a sophisticated understanding of how race dynamics impact supervisory relationships, organizational culture, partnerships, campaigns, and coalition work, and can demonstrate a history of successfully intervening in problematic dynamics and deepening a racial justice approach within an organization, team, or campaign.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Verbal and written communication is a significant component of this role, and the right candidate must possess proficient skills and have substantial experience with persuasive writing, understand writing to unique audiences, and editing other people’s work.
Demonstrated background in foundation fundraising: You’ve worked in development preferably at a think-tank, advocacy organization, grassroots organization, or political campaign, and are very familiar with the progressive field. You have significant experience raising money from foundations and have directly created grant prospect strategies, engaged in prospect cultivation, solicited gifts, and stewarded funders post-gift. You are flexible with an entrepreneurial spirit and can identify – and are willing to seize — fundraising opportunities as they arise.
Intellectual curiosity: You are naturally interested in the work of the organization and are eager to learn from and collaborate with program staff. You have a demonstrated practice of continually educating yourself and staying up to date on organizational programs and priorities and you conduct your foundation relations work from a place of strong organizational understanding.
Exceptional detail-oriented project manager: You can delegate effectively, manage multiple priorities, organize a large volume of work, and keep it flowing through the pipeline. You are a problem solver, tenacious and proactive with the ability to get things done, and are comfortable working in a fluid, multiple-stakeholder environment. You come to the table with ideas, a plan, and motivated to implement strategies both independently and with a team.
The strongest candidates will also have some of the following skills and experience:
- Familiarity with 501c4 fundraising approaches.
- Demonstrated understanding of or experience managing individuals; planning and coordinating workflow for yourself and others.
- Familiarity with some of Demos’ core issue areas.
Additionally, candidates need to bring a strong commitment to excellence and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & WORK LOCATION
Work Location: Demos staff are currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Workplace attendance criteria is still being determined as public health conditions continue to evolve. This is a full-time position and will ideally be based in the New York City or Washington D.C. area. For the most highly qualified candidates, remote work locations with limited ability to travel will be considered.
Salary and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $95,000 – $115,000 and commensurate with experience. We have a generous benefits package which includes health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 10 paid holidays, 18 vacation days per year, 5 floating holidays per year, 12 sick days per year, paid time off Dec. 25-Jan. 1, and a voluntary 403b plan.
How To Apply
For more information about Demos, please visit: www.demos.org
This search is being led by Julian Jackson, Sarah Hecklau, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez of NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website.
Demos is an Equal Opportunity Employer–people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.