Development Director

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 

About Darkness RISING 

Darkness RISING Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides direct mental health resources, connects individuals with therapists of color, and helps those in the Black community have conversations about their mental health and emotional well-being. We accomplish this by partnering with mental health providers, mental health educators, and Black performers from the Broadway community to create events, seminars, and direct resources where the intersection between mental health education and the arts collide. 

Our Mission

• Improve the health and wellness of the Black community
• Raise awareness about mental health in our community
• Empower and engage our community via resources, events, and services
• Erase the negative stigma of mental health issues

About this Role

This position is an exciting opportunity to get in on the ground floor with a growing organization. It offers an impactful nonprofit experience while substantially contributing to marginalized communities. Darkness RISING seeks an experienced Development Director for its 501(c)(3). Initially, the position will be part-time with growth opportunities. We are seeking someone  to join our growing team and increase revenue for operations and programs. The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director.

Job Type: Contract to Hire

Pay Rate: $55/hourly

Hours: 20/week 

Location: Remote

Duration: Ongoing, 1-month review period. 

Essential Functions

The following statements describe the principal functions of this role and its scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Grants Management

• Research federal, state, and foundational grants available and the criteria to qualify for each using Grants.gov, GrantWatch, JustGrants, and other research platforms 
• Write and submit federal, state, and foundational grants via Grants.gov, GrantWatch, JustGrants, and other submission software
• Discuss available sources of funding with the DR Team.
• Compile necessary information for the application process through database research,  other fact-finding actions, and meetings.
• Draft and complete grant applications  according to application requirements.
• Create and/or edit grant budgets according to application requirements.
• Ensure timely grant submissions according to application parameters.
• Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects that are funded by grants to ensure compliance.
• Develop, track, and maintain master files on grants and paperwork connected to grant-funded programs.
• Maintain the DR grant tracker to document grants submitted and other pertinent information.
• Prepare and submit grant reports.

Individual Giving

• Work with the DR team to design and execute a calendar of touches to reach major and mid-level donors
• Make weekly phone calls and emails to donors 
• Coordinate a two-part annual appeal by email and snail mail
• Send monthly donor emails 
• Use our CRM, Little Green Light, to donor tracking and management, ensuring clean, quality data is maintained. Make edits as needed. 
• Manage gift acknowledgement process for all giving levels.
• Identify and cultivate major donors and monthly donors in collaboration with ED and Board of Directors.

Corporate Sponsorships

• Identify and research potential corporate sponsors (funded & in-kind)
• Develop and maintain a corporate sponsorship pipeline using our CRM
• Reach out and follow up with potential donors/sponsors/funders to pursue financial sponsorship for Darkness RISING: Live and DR operational funding
• Negotiate and secure sponsorship agreements in collaboration with the ED
• Steward existing corporate relationships to encourage renewal and increased giving

General

• Coordinate with DR accounting team to request financial reports, draft and submit Board reports, flag issues
• Chair the Finance and Development Committee
• Work with Marketing & Media Coordinator & DR Team to facilitate fundraising campaigns
• Develop and maintain a strategic plan for development 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Promote a cooperative working environment.
• Promote the mission and goals of the Darkness RISING Project 

Goals & Success Metrics
The Development Director will work toward an annual fundraising goal of $500,000, with revenue distributed across three primary streams:

• Grants (federal, state, and foundational)
• Individual Giving (major donors, mid-level donors, and monthly giving)
• Corporate Sponsorships (funded and in-kind)

Success will be measured by revenue secured, donor retention rates, grant application success rates, and the growth of Darkness RISING's overall donor pipeline.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Prior experience managing individual giving programs, including annual appeals and major gifts.
• Experience in identifying, securing, and managing foundational, federal, and state grants.
• Thorough understanding of local, state, and federal funding sources and platforms, including the ability to locate potential sources for funding.
• Thorough understanding of grant funding policies and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Prior experience working in Little Green Light, or a similar CRM platform.
• Experience using email platforms such as MailChimp.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of effective grant writing techniques.
• Proficient in Google Suite or related software.
• Extremely organized and meticulous with details.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to prioritize work and resources.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to interpret financial data and prepare budgets and financial grant reports.
• Ability to be discreet with personal information that may be needed for some grants, such as employee salaries or upcoming projects.

Education and Experience

• At least three years of experience in nonprofit fundraising including managing individual donors, writing and securing grants.
• A strong writing background is required.
• Passion for our mission.

Please email info@darknessrisingproject.org with a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to express interest. The writing sample should include the grant question and the applicant’s response. 

GET TO KNOW US: 

WEBSITE: darknessrisingproject.org    SOCIALS: @darknessrisingproject

We believe in:

• Actively affirming the Black community, the LGBTQIA community, and intersecting, marginalized communities 
• Providing access to underutilized mental health resources 
• Respecting relationships with sponsors, partners and community members
• Acting with integrity in all circumstances
• Using innovation and creativity to enhance our resources
• Recognizing the value that each individual contributes to our overall goal

CONDITIONS: All work is subject to approval by the Executive Director. This job description is subject to change by the employer as the organizational needs and requirements of the job change.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:  To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Most work will be performed indoors in a home/school office. Work may be conducted occasionally in other indoor locations, such as meeting or event spaces, or in outdoor venues for special events.
• Work requires frequent written communication with partners and/or donors. 
• Most work requires frequent sitting and operating a computer and other office equipment. 
• If based in RDU or NYC, this position may request you to attend events by our partners, funders, and sponsors.
• Some travel for potential in-person meetings with donors
• Some travel for our 1-2 annual programs 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Darkness RISING values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture — women, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, individuals with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, creed, religion, physical ability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, previous incarceration, languages spoken, socioeconomic status, veteran status, union membership or activism, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

Note: Research shows that while men apply for positions when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women, Black people, people of color, and other historically underrepresented groups only apply when they check every box. If you feel like this is the position for you even though you don’t check every box please apply, you could be exactly what we’re looking for.