ABOUT WE MAKE THE FUTURE

We Make The Future (WMTF) is an implementation home for theRace Class Narrative (RCN)and other empirically based messaging research. We integrate strategic communications with coalition building to drive legislative, electoral and cultural progress. By collaborating with researchers, content creators, and community-based organizations, we help social justice leaders tell compelling, evidence-based stories that advance a better future for people of all races, abilities, and genders.

We execute our work via three core pillars.

1. Support and fund participatory research and messaging development

• Commission and guide evidence-based public opinion research that builds a multiracial movement. This research centers People of Color while also motivating and persuading as many white people as possible on our solutions.

1. Recruit and build alignment among partner organizations at the national, state, and local level

• Create a community of aligned movement organizations at the local, state, and national level who can be the repeaters of a shared narrative and messaging that addresses race and class.

1. Implement research by creating and adapting content for organizing, communications, and policy

• Create a bridge between research and implementation, by working with partners to produce, distribute, and inspire content for their respective communities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic Development Officer to join our team. This position is responsible for overseeing the entire grant cyclefrom research and funder cultivation to application and reportingensuring that WMTF meets all funder commitments and stays on track. They play a key role in ensuring the organization is financially sustainable. The Development Officer will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors to ensure WMTF attracts and maintains donors that support our strategic plans.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of this Development Officer is to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events.

Drive Fundraising Strategy & Prospecting (~25%):

• Partner with the Co-Executive Directors to create a fundraising strategic plan for the next 3-5 years.
• Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive prospecting plan, overseeing the research and identification of potential new funding partners to meet the short and long term strategic needs of the organization.
• Track ongoing progress to fundraising goals, assess progress, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Collaborate with team members to leverage their insights in creating compelling grant proposals, reports, and fundraising materials, while identifying impactful stories and highlights to attract new donors and expand our support base.

Deepen Current Foundation Partnerships (~50%):

• Direct a portfolio of existing and new foundations, corporate, and individual relationships to meet annual fundraising goals by end of fiscal year.
• Serve as the primary point of contact to foundation partners, ensuring responsiveness, strengthening relationships, and keeping them informed of our work.
• Serve as a thought partner and support to the Co-EDs to ensure their time is best leveraged in fundraising, primarily around donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Schedule, prep, and accompany Co-EDs and other staff for funder meetings, so they are equipped to deliver compelling and effective pitches, updates, and report-outs.
• Represent WMTF at key donor and foundation meetings and events and collaborate with Co-EDs and other staff to design briefings for foundations and other external stakeholders.
• Own all grant writing, reporting, and other materials to keep our funders informed and engaged in our work
• Work with team members to incorporate their insights into grant writing, reporting, fundraising materials, and external communications, and to surface impactful highlights and stories.

Grants Administration & Tracking (15%):

• Develop and maintain accurate donor data and grant management systems to ensure timely follow through on communications and commitments.
• Oversee tracking and documentation of grant deliverables
• Maintain a calendar of grant proposals and reporting deadlines and ensure that all submitted grant materials are accurate and comply with funder requirements
• Work collaboratively with the State Power Fund to monitor and report on development campaignsincluding income, pledges, projections, and variancesand ensure Co-EDs are regularly updated.

Organizational Leadership (10%)

• Serve as a strategic thought partner and helper to Co-EDs on all issues related to development
• Serve as a helpful resource and support to other staff, provide guidance and feedback, manage by influence effectively
• Ensure strong collaboration and coordination with other teams and staff as needed
• Participate in team meetings, email and Slack discussions, retreats, and other internal coordination and management meetings.
• Model organizational core values and foster a learning culture among the WMTF team

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.