Donor Development Manager (Volunteer)

Donor Development Manager (Volunteer) - REMOTE

*Note: The following is an opportunity for flexible, part-time, volunteer work. Please DO NOT APPLY if you are only looking for paid employment.* This is a remote-from-home position

WhoWhatWhy is seeking an experienced, dynamic leader for our fundraising development team. Qualified candidates will have a proven track record of raising substantial funds for a nonprofit in a competitive space, with a primary focus on high net worth individuals. 

WhoWhatWhy offers an opportunity to do exciting, meaningful work in concert with other smart and talented professionals committed to producing, publicizing, and funding great content in the public interest.

Check out WhoWhatWhy.org. You’ll quickly see that we’re a credible solution to the raging debate over whether the news is “fake” or not,” with agenda-free research and bracingly fresh analysis. Not left-wing, not right-wing, not consensus-seeking. We just want the truth — whatever it is. 

And because we’re straight to the point, we make clear that we’re a nonprofit that wasn’t funded by a zillionaire and that we decline to accept corporate ads. Our revenue is entirely based on public support, and our budget is modest, so we currently rely primarily on motivated, skilled individuals who work as volunteers. However, anyone who can help us significantly improve our fundraising can expect to move toward compensation over time. 

If you are ready to plunge into an exciting “disruption” of the news space — and can commit to 15-20 hours a week or more for at least 6 months, working remotely on your own schedule — we’d love to hear from you.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Planning and Programing

• Work with WhoWhatWhy executive leadership in creating an annual strategic funding plan and a long-range giving plan
• Oversee a move management system with all donors
• Manage a major gifts portfolio, a business giving portfolio, and a foundation giving portfolio. Cultivate, solicit, and close a predetermined number of gifts
• Plan and implement the annual individual giving campaign and administer a planned giving program
• Develop and manage a departmental budget and resources to optimize efforts
• Define metrics and creates methods for tracking progress of all fundraising activities
• Communicate relevant aspects of the Development Department to stakeholders
• Research prospective donors’ and grantors’ interests and requirements to find alignment and opportunity for WhoWhatWhy

Donor Relationship and Stewardship

• Manage donor stewardship, from cultivation to acknowledgment, including preparing and editing correspondence and support materials, tracking gifts, and preparing reports for board meetings, funders, and the Executive Director
• Prepare the Executive Director and other leadership team members to effectively cultivate, solicit, and close gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Actively develop and support the Board of Trustees in its fundraising.
• Create, implement, manage, and evaluate a year-round events portfolio, including a signature event
• Oversee reporting to comply with partner institutions’ funding requirements

Marketing and Communications

• Oversee development of WhoWhatWhy’s donor and donor prospect communications including subscriber newsletter,; annual report,; marketing collateral materials, and phone and email pitches
• Serve as the liaison in cross- functional marketing and editorial initiatives that help promote and/or impact the organization

Team Management and Development

• Keep senior organization and department leadership informed and involved so they support our fundraising objectives, and bring the Development perspective to broader strategy discussions
• Recruits and actively develops staff to meet current and future staffing needs. Works to maintain good communication and high morale 

Performs all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and ability to develop fundraising programs and events that drive positive donor and community relations
• Ability to quickly build trust and partnerships across various stakeholder groups (e.g., including major donors, trustees, volunteers, staff, and students)
• Communication skills that create a positive impact and engagement (written, verbal, and presentations)
• Ability to develop and implement recommendations and plans to achieve organization, donor, and partnership goals
• Project management and execution skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities
• Driven to continuously identify opportunities to improve the organization’s effectiveness
• Proficiency in development database management (e.g., SalesForce) and other applications
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills are essential

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with significant exposure to all key aspects including strategy, donor research, marketing, event planning, and public relations
• Proven track record of fundraising success and extensive network within the American philanthropic community
• Experience with Internet-based giving strategies

Perks

• Enable us to provide critically important information to the American and global public 
• Channel your passion in a stimulating environment where creativity, courageousness, and independent thinking are prized 

Expectations 

You should be able to provide the leadership necessary to derive quality results from a remote team. Plan to commit 15-20 hours or more a week on a flexible schedule that works for you, though we will ask you to attend fixed meetings. 

To Apply 

Send your resume and a customized cover letter explaining why you're a good fit for this position. (We will not review applications that appear to be mass submissions.) If there is no option to attach a cover letter, please send a cover letter to [email protected]. Please also confirm your understanding that this will be, at least initially, a volunteer position. Thanks!