ABOUT EQUITICITY
Become a part of The Equiticity Racial Equity Movement.
Equiticity is a racial equity movement operationalizing racial equity by harnessing our collective power through research, advocacy, programs, Community Mobility Rituals, and social enterprises to improve the lives of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people in our society.
Equiticity is more than an organization, we are a movement working to wholesale transform our society and create liveable neighborhoods and cities for racially marginalized communities. We are delivering both innovative programming and transformative policies at the local, regional, and national levels to achieve our vision and realize our mission.
Equiticity is a place to explore inherent potential, crush perceived boundaries, and achieve what others consider impossible. Our movement is looking for people who are ready to grow, think, collaborate, dream, create, and lead. Our culture thrives by embracing creativity, innovation, and imagination. Our team seeks leaders, visionaries, and boundary pushers. At Equiticity, we value each person bringing their authentic self and their sharpened skills, along with their passion for challenging the status quo in our society.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Equiticity is looking for a dynamic, dedicated, and visionary individual to serve as the Senior Director of Development. This newly-created position will be responsible for envisioning, developing, executing, managing, and evaluating a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy for the organization. With six full-time staff and several consultants added within the last year, Equiticity’s growth rate has been extraordinary. As we further coalesce and expand our networks, we are poised to make our vision a reality. The Senior Director of Development will work collaboratively with the President & CEO and selected staff to cultivate communication and interaction with major donors and institutional supporters. Reporting to the President & CEO and being part of the collaborative Senior Leadership Team at Equiticity, this position will initially have support from one direct report, as well as a Fundraising Council (external, industry-based volunteers) to leverage to meet development goals. Additional support will be provided by contract grant writers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develop and lead fundraising strategies
- Develop, track, and evaluate an annual fundraising and financial stability plan with target goals by source (grants, sponsorships, annual fund, individual donations, events, major gifts, planned giving and capital campaigns, as well as endowments) and timeline
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, including meetings and written communications with potential donors, grantors, and sponsors
- Plan and coordinate fundraising events, with the support of the Fundraising Council and other staff
- Direct the production of development materials such as grants, case statements, and sponsorship packages
- Research and identify new and expanded funding sources and opportunities
- Manage a portfolio of individual prospects and donors (philanthropists and high net-worth individuals), and cultivate support from foundations, corporations, and government agencies
- Provide accurate and timely monthly fundraising reports
Provide leadership to the development activities of the organization
- Set an example for colleagues by bringing energy, enthusiasm, empathy, rigor, and creativity on a daily basis in senior-level input and decision-making for the entire organization
- Represent Equiticity in both public and private settings
- Convene, delegate to, expand, and otherwise leverage the Fundraising Council
- Attend regular staff meetings and participate in ongoing updates, professional development, and other employee commitments
- Participate in the organization’s broader work, including performing duties from time to time beyond what is listed above, such as supporting agency-wide and departmental events outside of Fundraising and Development
- Participate in the organization’s racial equity work that constantly strives for a more just and equitable organization
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven success in securing six- to eight-figure gifts and proven success in building and stewarding relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and government funders
- Demonstrated experience with multiple areas of giving such as annual fund, major gifts, campaigns, events, foundation and corporate giving/sponsorship, government grants, and planned gifts
- Evident experience and success in building and/or managing a development infrastructure to achieve strategic and annual goals
- Experience in marketing and external communications, including a high-level understanding of a variety of marketing strategies and tactics such as social media, email and direct mail, and branding
- Proficiency with commonly used office software and fundraising databases
MINIMUM HIRING SPECIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 8 years experience working in Development and Fundraising with an increasingly responsible management history and strong track record of donor cultivation, solicitation, grant writing, and securing gifts from new and existing donors
- Experience in initiating, fostering, and growing relationships with individuals and organizations
- Ability to recruit, engage and manage volunteers and board members in fundraising
- Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively communicate across all levels, internal and external to the organization
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience in development and marketing-related writing
- Superior interpersonal skills and leadership capability; excellent team building, facilitation, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Sound judgment and strong discretion in handling sensitive and personal information
- Passion for and commitment to our nonprofit racial equity movement and being a part of a dedicated and collaborative team!
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Equiticity is a growth organization that looks for team members to grow with us. Equiticity offers a generous total rewards package, a casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Equiticity employee shares one galvanizing mission - to improve the lives of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people by harnessing our collective power through programming and advocating for racial equity, increased mobility, and racial justice across the U.S.
The position is a salaried, exempt, full-time position with a salary range of $100,000 - $115,000 annually, depending on professional and lived experience. Additionally, Equiticity offers a competitive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, vision, and dental insurance, PTO, and holidays. Equiticity ensures a Regular Day Off through its Movement & Me Mondays schedule, which strives to promote employee balance and restoration, avoiding deliverable deadlines, meetings, and other work expectations on Mondays. Currently, although the position functions a majority of the time remotely, this role will have some in-person obligations that may grow over time within Chicagoland and beyond with possible travel outside the U.S. for in-person funding meetings, conferences, etc.
Equiticity is committed to employing a diverse workforce and strongly encourages Black, Brown, and Indigenous people to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.
HOW TO APPLY
Equiticity has retained Morten Group, LLC, to conduct this search. Applicants should complete the form available at bit.ly/EQ-SDD, including the submission of a cover letter and resume in PDF format by the best consideration date of Friday, April 14, 2023. Cover letters will be evaluated as a writing sample.