Development Manager

ABOUT GOVACT

The Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, that supports governors across the United States in advancing strategies, practical tools, and learnings to champion fundamental freedoms. GovAct also has a 501(c)(4) arm, also fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, that focuses on targeted polling and message-testing.

Currently, GovAct supports the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, and other Governor collaborations, including convenings, discussion series, and task forces. Specifically, GovAct helps:

• Build capacity and expertise by connecting experts across Governors' Offices and organizations, tailoring best practices, model policies, and legislation, and advancing other legal and policy innovations for Governors to advance bold policies;
• Develop innovative ideas for collaboration by breaking out of silos and advancing creative initiatives;
• Advance affirmative agendas for Governors to maximize their powers to protect fundamental freedoms and counteract assaults; and
• Partner with advocacy organizations and other stakeholders.

More information about GovAct may be found at www.GovActAlliance.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to and supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GovAct is seeking a Development Manager to provide critical support for GovAct’s fundraising and development efforts, focusing on managing operations, supporting donor stewardship and cultivation, and preparing engaging materials for funders. The role will primarily support GovAct and provide occasional support as needed for GovAct’s alliances.

Responsibilities include:

• Development Systems and Processes
  • Research, identify, and implement a robust CRM that meets the organization’s fundraising and development needs.
  • Support the day-to-day management and maintenance of development operations, systems, and processes including the CRM, portfolio management tracking, prospect research and targeting plans, revenue forecasting, and leadership engagement to ensure leadership is well equipped to meet fundraising goals.
  • Maintain consistent and accurate records of development activities in CRM systems to track progress effectively.
  • Assist in the creation of highly tailored investor communications across a variety of formats for GovAct’s funder audience including reports, talking points, slides, acknowledgements, and correspondence.
  • Assist in the operationalization and implementation of development best practices for funder engagement, funder research, and relationship mapping to support strategies that meet GovAct’s fundraising goals.
• Strategic Partnerships and Funder Engagement and Stewardship
  • Assist the CEO to support GovAct’s fundraising efforts in both operational and frontline capacities as needed to meet growth strategies.
  • Coordinate logistics and materials for in-person funder meetings, convenings, and events, collaborating closely with the CEO.
  • Support executive communications with funders of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, success in this role will require an experienced communications professional who possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of development operations and relationship management experience (development, fundraising, advancement, philanthropy, for-profit investor relations, or similar).
  • Previous experience conducting prospect research and familiarity with research tools and platforms.
  • Understanding of relationship management processes, pipelines, and tracking mechanisms within a CRM environment.
• Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor content for use by leadership with diverse funder audiences.
  • Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage up and help leadership prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to navigate an internally facing role while also managing external audiences as needed.
• Knowledge: Working knowledge of effective development operations, systems, processes, and best practices to support the goals of an accelerated department.
  • Strong command of Salesforce and/or other development CRM software, Google tools, Microsoft PowerPoint, and other Microsoft tools.
• Qualities: Demonstrated ability to operate with a high-degree of urgency, self-motivation, focus on goals, and commitment to high-quality work.
  • Skilled communicator and listener.
  • Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
  • Keen attention to detail and able to exercise discretion.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree.

To effectively meet this critical startup moment, successful candidates will also bring relevant and diverse lived and professional experiences to the build of the organization and will align with key founding values of GovAct including:

• Belief in the power of government and governors’ offices in particular to advance bold, affirmative agendas that protect fundamental rights and defend the Constitution.
• Strong, hands-on work ethic needed to support fast-paced start-up growth and development of a sustainable organization.
• Political adeptness, sound judgment, and experience handling sensitive information needed to gain trust and work effectively across governors’ offices.
• Collaboration, communication, and relationship skills needed to operate effectively across a complex and matrixed network of stakeholders and teams.
• Resiliency, optimism, and solutions orientation needed to advance a joyful approach to the work, remain responsive rather than reactive, and support progress when meeting difficult challenges.
• Commitment and demonstrated ability to work effectively and build alignment across lines of difference.

The Development Manager role will require some travel to attend work related in-person meetings and functions.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is $120,000 - $140,000 and commensurate with the candidate’s experience. GovAct provides all employees 12 paid holidays and 30 paid days off. GovAct provides an excellent benefits plan, including parental leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term, and long-term disability; wellness, technology, and professional development stipend; and a robust 401K program.