Director
of Development

Location: Flexible. Preferred locations are NYC, LA, Denver, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Minneapolis

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY

From burgeoning social movements around the world to the student-led organizing work that we’ve catalyzed at Our Turn, it’s clear that young people are the most qualified to dismantle our inequitable education system and put something in its place that will serve all students. We are hiring a Director of Development to lead our fundraising strategy and build revenue-generating partnerships that accelerate our impact for social justice. 

Our Turn activates the next generation of diverse civic leaders who know what’s possible for all students because they’ve built power in their communities through leadership development, grassroots organizing, and movement building. In the past few months, our work and members have been recognized by Fast Company, Buzzfeed, The 74 Million, and more. In this role, you will build our value proposition for philanthropic support and grow our network of foundation, individual, and corporate partners. You will be joining a relationship-focused team and raising money for causes that directly impact BIPOC communities. As Director of Development, your development practices will honor the experiences and voices of people of color and other marginalized communities. 

 

 

WHY WORK FOR OUR TURN?

We approach our work with the audacity of believing that students have the power to rewrite the rules of education in our country and the humility to know that thousands have come before us in this fight. We know that young people, especially young people of color, have been shut out by decision makers who shape their educational experience and respond by providing transformational leadership development and grassroots organizing experience that flip the traditional power dynamic on its head. Our team is highly collaborative and works with urgency, passion, and — most importantly — a lot of joy. We create intentional spaces to build our relationships and set aside time to celebrate milestones, problem-solve together, or just share our latest Our Turn swag! We are looking for purposeful, entrepreneurial social justice activists to join us and continue the fight for educational equity.

We believe that supporting, developing, and retaining our team is the most critical investment we can make for achieving bold outcomes. To ensure that our team is prepared and excited to do their job with excellence every day, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: a performance-based culture with generous paid time off; flexible working environment; opportunities for internal and external professional development; health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan with an employer match.




YOUR GAMEPLAN

Donor Relations (50%)

  • Develop, oversee, and implement a development plan that raises $2.5M annually for our 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) operations.
  • Build and maintain relationships with our donors to strengthen their support for Our Turn, through meetings, events, and communication. 
  • Expand our network of donors through prospecting, outreach, and cultivation. 
  • Support the CEO and local staff in building and expanding relationships with the board of directors, donors, and prospects.
  • Create a communications plan in collaboration with our marketing team that grows relationships and enhances Our Turn’s brand.
  • Write emails, proposals, and reports that compel people to say, “how do I get involved?”

 

Team Management (20%)

  • Manage a full-time Senior Development Associate and support their personal and professional trajectory + wellbeing.
  • As a member of the Management Team, partner with senior leaders to shape the organization’s long-term vision, strategy, and culture.
  • Bring an anti-racist lens to our work and ensure that we are being intentional in our implementation of DEI practices. 

 

Development Systems and Operations (15%)

  • Partner with the Senior Development Associate to manage our day-to-day operations including the grants calendar, moves management, and gift processing to ensure that t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted, we’re on our Ps and Qs, ABCs are as easy as 123s, and all other letters of the alphabet are covered.
  • Collect data and insights about our work and external best practices to grow and evolve our development processes.

 

Program Collaboration (15%)

  • Support program staff in designing initiatives that maximize impact for our stakeholders and inspire support among the philanthropic community.
  • Partner with the finance team to manage budgets and ensure that our resources are aligned with operational strategies. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • You have at least four years of experience in meeting development goals and directly raising five and six figure+ gifts. 
  • You are an excellent relationship builder with a proven track record of working across internal teams and developing external partnerships including, but not limited to, funders or the offices of elected officials.
  • Your passion for impact is exhibited through defined outcomes, evaluation systems, and communications strategies. 
  • You have demonstrated success in managing people and teams to shape visions, collaborate, and achieve strong outcomes.
  • You already know where the game is going. Strategy excites you and you can point to examples of formulating and engaging in strategies that reach their intended, measurable goals.
  • A commitment to anti-racism, as demonstrated by a strong desire to learn about and implement equity practices.  
  • You’re a compelling oral and written communicator who can move a strategy, move a team, or move money with comfort.

 

VALUES

  • Growth. We give and get a high volume of feedback and work relentlessly to improve.
  • Voice. We exist to amplify the voices of our members and ensure that their experiences are a powerful force in the policy sphere. 
  • Tenacity. We set big goals, persist in the face of challenges, and commit to excellence.
  • Audacity & Humility. We are willing to take risks, think big, and work hard to bring about transformational change, even while acting and listening with humility, respect, and empathy.
  • Dignity. We commit to social justice work because we believe in the fundamental value of every child and person.
  • Collaborative Leadership. We emphasize both personal growth and shared responsibility while investing in our greatest resource: our people.

 

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and a comprehensive benefits package is included.  

 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY 

Our Turn encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position and is committed to recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of our student movement (BIPOC, members of the LGBTQIA community, first generation college students). Our Turn does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nation of origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, or parenthood. 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Fill out the application here. You will be asked to upload a resume / CV and a one-pager about yourself, your interest in the role, and a paragraph about your favorite song from the past year. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. Please email [email protected] with any questions or requests for accommodations. We’re happy to help!