Description

Organizational Overview
Advocacy Institute supports social justice organizations to build the advocacy skills, knowledge, and power they need to shape government policy for a more just and equitable New York. We are a multiracial organization that develops the leadership of marginalized groups so they can effectively fight for transformative policy change that betters their communities, with a focus on racial equity and working with BIPOC-led organizations. Through programming that demystifies policymaking processes, the Advocacy Institute helps communities of color in New York City and across the state to navigate the gatekeepers of institutional and legislative power in Albany.

Advocacy Institute aims to embody the values of justice, equity, and dignity for all people. We practice these values by supporting a culture of teamwork, feedback, and open communication among staff. 

Role Overview
The Development Manager supports Advocacy Institute’s fundraising efforts from institutional and individual donors, working closely with our Co-Directors to raise the revenue needed to support advocates on the front lines of defending New Yorkers. The ideal candidate is an excellent writer with good people skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to track details and coordinate projects effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Draft, prepare, and submit grant proposals and reports that effectively convey the urgency and effectiveness of our work, tailored to the audience
- Cultivate relationships with current and prospective funders and donors 
- Manage prospect research for individual, foundation, and corporate fundraising
- Manage the donor database, including gift, donor, and prospect records, and tax acknowledgment letters to ensure accurate information and compliance with relevant laws and regulations
- Track funder and team deadlines to keep us aligned and on track
- Produce our annual fundraising event, including supporting our team of volunteer fundraisers
- Manage our communications to donors on the impact of their giving through the website, email newsletters, and social media, and track engagement

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Excellent writing skills, with an understanding of prose, voice, and framing for a variety of audiences and purposes
- Demonstrated success in cultivating ‌fundraising relationships, from initial outreach to securing the gift and ongoing stewardship of the donor or funder
- Organized, with the ability to track details and deadlines, and respond to occasional short-turnaround requests with grace
- Familiarity with, and preferably involvement in social justice movements, and an approach to fundraising that aligns with our social justice values
- Proven ability to build authentic relationships with a variety of ‌people while making asks for the organization
- Event planning experience a plus
- Major gift fundraising experience a plus
- Experience with CRM databases and project management tools (such as Asana and Airtable) is a plus

Physical Demands
Must be able to spend 30+ hours per week using a computer (typing, being on video conferencing calls, etc.)

Work Environment
Advocacy Institute uses a hybrid model of in-person and remote work. Currently, Advocacy Institute staff are mostly working remotely, and gathering in our New York City office every 2-6 months for scheduled staff retreats. At our shared office location in New York City, employees can expect elevator access, gender-neutral bathrooms, and a bullpen-style desk arrangement with moderate noise and disruptions. 

Staff are expected to commute to in-person work in the five boroughs of New York City when it is scheduled. Advocacy Institute covers travel costs to the New York City office for staff living outside New York City in one of our priority regions in New York (currently the Hudson Valley, Long Island, Rochester, and Western New York).

Time & Compensation
Full-time position, starting as soon as the position is filled. Salary range is $80,000 to $90,000, based on experience. Competitive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, a 403 (b) retirement account, a four-day work week, 10 days of vacation in the first year, and a two-week winter holiday.

Apply
Thank you for your interest in the Advocacy Institute! To apply, please submit an application package to search@advocacy-institute.org that includes the following:

- Resume
- Cover letter
- Writing sample, preferably for development purposes, such as a grant proposal or report, a fundraising email for an event, or donor communications; if you don’t have those, it’s fine to submit something written for other professional purposes

No calls please. Due to the anticipated high volume of applicants, we regret that we cannot respond to all submissions. Application deadline: Rolling, with a preference for applications submitted before June 30.