Development Lead, Operations & Writing

About the role - Development Lead, Operations & Writing

This role involves supporting development at Project EATS by assisting in the planning, execution, and management of fundraising campaigns, events, and donor relations. The Development Lead works closely with senior staff to identify potential donors, maintain donor databases, and prepare grant applications and reports.  In this role, you will leverage a variety of skills, from developing creative engagement solutions to attracting prospective supporters to creating a communications system to ensure ongoing touchpoints with our existing base of supporters. Your attention to detail also gives way to high emotional EQ as you pick up on the small things, knowing that it goes a long way to be personable and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Reporting to the President, the position works with fundraising consultants and PE staff to make sure Project EATS has the funds to continue to advance its strategic goals and vision.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Develop and manage the fundraising schedule, including work plan, deadlines, and follow-up of development activities, including the anniversary campaigns, annual gala, and donor cultivation by the board. 
• Proactively research to identify and qualify new prospects for major gifts, grants, and other funding opportunities.
• Oversee stewardship for all annual donors, including acknowledgment and renewal correspondence and benefits administration. 
• Support ad hoc research and content development for fundraising proposals and other collateral. 
• Manage, refine, and upkeep systems to support the overall fundraising goals of the department. 
• Maintaining accurate records of current and potential donors, tracking donations, and ensuring timely acknowledgment of contributions.
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including logistics, invitations, and on-the-day activities.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.

We’re looking for someone who is

• An Effective & Excellent Writer. You write well and take pride in your ability to do so, especially when communicating an idea, topic, or vision that you are passionate about.This is far and away the number one thing we are looking for in a candidate. 
• A Convener. - You recognize that a well-prepared and supported community can achieve far more than a single, highly talented individual. You can bring together sector leaders and facilitate conversations to identify ways to attract resources to our cause.
• A Relationship Builder. You thrive on meeting new people and like to foster relationships. You like learning what motivates people, what inspires their giving, and what makes them feel appreciated.
• Meticulous. You’re highly organized, with an eye for details, and excellent proofreading skills.
• Resourceful and Adaptable. You’re at ease with ambiguity and rapid change. You possess a positive attitude and identify creative solutions to obstacles. You can juggle many important responsibilities at once and you’re rigorous about prioritizing.
• A Humble Teammate. Nothing is beneath or above you. You are quick to always lend a hand or two! You are able to earn influence without authority and naturally seek to support small projects or large strategic goals.
• Organized. You’re a strong project manager, capable of driving multiple work streams toward deadlines and juggling changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated. You proactively take the initiative, identifying problems and opportunities across your portfolio, developing recommendations, and taking action on those recommendations.

What You'll Need 

• 5+ years of overall professional experience (we are background agnostic and are excited by candidates with unique and different work histories; with that said, you need to be able to attract and secure dollars confidently).
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and complete assignments with minimal supervision in a fast-paced workplace.
• Impeccable organization; you are highly detail-oriented and someone who gets a real sense of satisfaction from producing polished work and managing smooth and orderly processes.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion. You're always asking: "whose voice is not at the table?" You have experience working with diverse teams and successfully navigating cross-cultural communication in both local and global contexts, and you deeply value creating a workplace that is supportive of difference.