Fundraising Development Officer

Background:

The Daraja Education Fund (DEF) is a US 501(c)3 organization located in Marin County, California with a mission to advocate for and advance accessible quality education for girls from poverty in developing countries.

DEF’s first and primary project is funding the 17-year-old Daraja Academy, a boarding high school for girls from poverty in Kenya. With its innovative focus on academics, leadership and women’s empowerment, Daraja educates the whole student. The program currently serves 176 students and is in a growing to educate 360 students at the School and thousands of girls through a leadership program. It has been financially supported by a national (US) and international network of individuals and enthusiastic volunteers.

Position Description

The Development Officer II will report to the Executive Director and is responsible for the student sponsorship program, a portfolio of major gifts, and supporting the fundraising efforts of the Daraja Education Fund, including the following:

Student Sponsorship

• Observe student selection in Kenya for 3 weeks each year
• Manage the student sponsorship program including the matching of students to sponsors
• Manage the quarterly student sponsor mailings including student letter-writing and supplemental donor communications.

Fundraising

• Develop relationships with a portfolio of at least 75 major donors
• Initiate and organize donor meetings in person, via zoom or phone
• Manage the administrative tasks of major gifts including documentation and running reports.
• Support additional fundraising activities throughout the year

This is a full-time, 32 hours per week benefited position based in our San Rafael office and may require occasional weekend or evening hours during special events. Remote work is possible.

Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written skills, attentive to detail
• A combination of creativity and the ability to ask the next question (initiative)
• Curiosity and a life-long learner
• Independent, but a team player
• Build relationships quickly with a genuine and warm demeanor with stakeholders
• Strong aptitude to pick up the phone to call someone unknown
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience in fundraising a plus, i.e. direct donor solicitation, annual campaigns, or events
• Demonstrated passion for girls/women’s empowerment