Fundraising and Development Manager

About U.S. Digital Response

U.S. Digital Response (USDR) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort that helps governments and organizations respond quickly and efficiently to support the critical needs of the public.

Leveraging a network of pro-bono technical expertise and modern, resilient technology, USDR addresses and uncovers solutions for common, systemic challenges that public servants are facing, leaving them better equipped to deliver services and support to millions of people nationwide.

We operate with humility and deep respect for our partners and believe that modern and resilient technology applied in the public interest can deliver people-centered services at the speed of need.

During our first 18 months, USDR built a year’s worth of deep partnerships with over 200 government and nonprofit partners, strong expertise across more than 300 projects, real-world impact to 18 million people, and repeatable processes to solve some of the most pressing challenges of this pandemic year.

Learn more about our last year in our U.S. Digital Response 2020 Highlights or by reading our recent press coverage.

Position Overview

As a rapidly growing organization, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraising and Development Manager to work closely with the Development Lead and the CEO to build on our strong momentum to date. The Fundraising and Development Manager will play a key role in collaborating with other senior leaders across the organization to accelerate our fundraising efforts and secure the funds we need to continue to expand our programs and services. This is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about improving technology for the public and nonprofit sectors so they can more efficiently and effectively meet the needs of the communities they serve.

The Fundraising and Development Manager will report to the Development Lead and work in close collaboration with USDR’s senior leadership team to manage an existing pipeline of donors and find new philanthropic funding opportunities. This role will require strong project management, research, grant writing and donor communication skills to support our fundraising efforts with individuals and foundations. The ideal candidate has experience in a cause-based nonprofit fundraising team helping to build and manage a portfolio of donors, has excellent communications skills, responds quickly and cheerfully to changing conditions, and is grounded in the importance of the work.

We’re looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, a team player, and willing to jump in on tasks of any size. As a small organization, every member of the team collaborates on org-wide priorities. While fundraising, grant management, and donor stewardship will be the primary focus of this role, this person may also work on strategic, cross-functional priorities that touch, but also go beyond, fundraising.

We aim to be a supportive community where anyone can thrive and find a balance between working hard to make a difference and taking care of themselves.

In this role, you will:

• Support the Development Lead to strengthen relationships with current and potential funders, including:
  • Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with individual and foundation donors through regular correspondence, quarterly reports/reporting requirements, mailings, etc.
  • Overseeing and managing donor-related information, tracking donor interests and needs
  • Following up with donors and drafting emails where appropriate
• Expand USDR’s donor base in collaboration with the Development Lead, by
  • researching and scoping new potential funders,
  • finding unique ways to engage with potential new supporters, and
  • tapping into an existing base of prospects through USDR’s extensive personal and partner networks.
• Build strategic and aligned partnerships by determining strategic fit and outreach plans for potential prospects. This will require thoughtful cultivation and maintaining a pipeline of these prospects that is closely monitored, tracked diligently and acted upon with rigor.
• Drive internal project management for the Development team, by
  • implementing and maintaining a CRM to manage current and prospective funders,
  • building processes to track and report on grant obligations for Finance and program teams, and
  • determining fundraising budgets and targets in partnership with the CEO and Finance team.
• Generate content that logically and persuasively outlines USDR’s vision as it aligns with current and prospective partners’ priorities. Write, revise, and submit targeted funding proposals, grants, letters of intent, pitch decks, meeting briefs for senior leadership, and concept papers. Work closely with USDR’s marketing team to help create content and materials that share USDR’s value proposition in a compelling way.

An ideal candidate has:

• 3-5 years of relevant experience on a cause-based nonprofit fundraising team – experience with a tech-focused nonprofit is a plus.
• A startup mentality – understanding that priorities may shift, but the overall goal of building a fundraising engine for USDR will remain consistent.
• Experience communicating with funders of all kinds - experience with foundations is a plus - and sharing impact in a compelling way.
• The ability to manage complex projects and multi-task with excellent organization skills, and a joy at getting the details right.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• An entrepreneurial spirit - proactive and comfortable with a fast-paced environment and changing requirements.
• High computer proficiency; very capable in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Workspace.

Application process:

• Applications will be accepted until the role is filled, but the team will begin reviewing applications on October 19th. USDR will conduct an application and resume review, followed by a series of interviews with various members of USDR.

What you’ll get:

• A competitive salary, consistent with similar roles in other tech non-profits in the Bay Area where USDR is headquartered. The annual salary range for this role is $75,000-$100,000, depending on experience.
• Full health, dental and vision benefits.
• A budget for team-level learning and development.
• A supportive community where everyone can thrive and find a balance between working hard to make a difference and taking care of themselves in a difficult time. This means that we are committed to a fully remote work environment (for US-based employees) along with flexible schedules and time off policies that work with your life.

Equal Employment Opportunity

U.S. Digital Response is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We encourage and welcome all interested potential applicants, regardless of background or prior experience volunteering with U.S. Digital Response, to apply.

You can submit an application via Breezy. Applications will be accepted until the role is filled, but the team will begin reviewing applications on October 19th. USDR will conduct an application and resume review, followed by a series of interviews with various members of USDR.