We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
The Marshall Project is a nonprofit news organization covering America’s criminal justice system. In 2016, The Marshall Project was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for explanatory journalism and was a Pulitzer finalist for investigative reporting. We are not advocates but we have a declared mission: to create and sustain a sense of urgency about the criminal justice system. Our newsroom produces stories that other news organizations miss, underestimate or misunderstand.
We are hiring a Deputy Director of Development (Frontline Gift Officer) to help grow The Marshall Project’s philanthropic capacity and ensure that the organization can fulfill its mission. This is a new role and will be a key member of a small team of fundraising professionals. The person in this position will develop and manage a portfolio of donors, with a focus on individuals, and works directly with The Marshall Project’s leadership on soliciting, cultivating and stewarding prospective donors capable of giving $10,000 or more annually.
Since March, face to face meetings, in person events and travel have been off the table. Our team is nimble and adjusted our approach, holding exclusive online briefings for friends and supporters, convening conversations with thought leaders, and increasing personal outreach and communications. While social distancing, we are finding ways to connect our work to prospective donors and reinvent major gifts work.
We are a small team with big ambitions. We seek to make an impact on the criminal justice system with journalism, rendering it more fair, effective, transparent and humane. We are looking for someone who is eager to build and develop a portfolio of prospective donors and volunteer leadership. You are fearless - you are not intimidated. You love connecting with individuals; you are a keen listener which enables you to match the philanthropic interests of donors with organizational priorities. You thrive working with and managing volunteer leaders, knowing the difference volunteers can have on philanthropic pipelines. You understand that journalism done well can be a meaningful driver for change; but you understand the concept of editorial independence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage a portfolio of approximately 125-150 donors and prospective donors.
Create a comprehensive cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategy for donors and prospects in the portfolios.
Directly solicit major gifts, and partner with senior staff on donor engagement opportunities.
Identify and create meaningful opportunities for philanthropic volunteer leadership through the development of councils, committees, ad hoc assignments.
Manage and support volunteer leadership in securing leadership gifts.
Provide support to senior staff in preparation for solicitation and stewardship opportunities, including concise briefings for meetings with donors and prospects.
Develop special cultivation and stewardship opportunities, such as small events for select donors/prospects in the portfolio.
Track portfolio activity, communication and progress. Create reports to reflect portfolio activity and performance.
Maintain working knowledge of The Marshall Project’s programmatic priorities and issues as they occur.
Work closely with and provide support as needed to all development team members.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of five years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with a proven track record of soliciting, closing and stewarding major gifts, or comparable experience.
Experience engaging volunteer leadership specific to fundraising, recruiting volunteers and managing committees and boards in philanthropic work a plus.
Strong people skills. The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully on the phone, via email and text and in person with donors, board members, volunteers, staff and the general public.
Persuasiveness and perseverance in attaining goals.
Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Ability to develop long-term plans, set objectives and track progress towards achieving goals. Familiarity with moves management.
Personal initiative and a sense of humor. Friendly, outgoing,and collaborative approach, and a strong team-oriented style.
A confident and professional work style. Ability to work independently and to exercise good judgment in stressful circumstances. Flexibility and a willingness to take on new tasks as the responsibilities of the position evolve.
Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts.
Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships within the team, department and across the organization.
Commitment to the mission of The Marshall Project.
This position is full-time and will be based in our New York City newsroom. However, due to COVID-19, this position will start remote.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity. We welcome qualified applicants of all races, ethnicities, physical abilities, genders and sexual orientations, including people who have been incarcerated or otherwise involved with the criminal justice system.
To apply, use this form to submit a resume, cover letter and references.