Resource Mobilization Manager

Background

Cypress Fund and the ​Grove by Cypress Action Fund (The Grove) support social justice organizing in North and South Carolina, focusing on donor organizing and making strategic investments in movement building. Cypress and the ​Grove were created by individuals rooted in ​North and South Carolina who sincerely believe that the best solutions for our communities are homegrown and led by southern folks impacted by the conditions on the ground. Grassroots community organizers and social justice leaders in the Carolinas direct the long-term vision and grantmaking within the Grove because these movement leaders are the experts in our communities issues. Cypress and the ​Grove believe everyone is vital in building power for marginalized communities across the US South, including everyday people and donors. Cypress and the ​Grove has two governing bodies that will help determine and guide the strategic direction of the Fund and support the Director’s management. To root Cypress and the ​Grove’s strategy and give in the wisdom of community leaders on the ground, Southern grassroots community organizers make up the majority of members of both governing bodies. These movement leaders will advise the fund on long-term strategy and funding priorities and make grantmaking decisions. Alongside movement leaders, donors will make up a small piece of the governance team by providing operational support and guidance to the Director and Staff. Thus, movement leaders and donor partners collectively own the Fund’s success. 

The Role

Cypress x the Grove is looking to bring on a Resource mobilization manager to implement the organization's development plan and strategy to continue to build power for BIPOC-led social justice movement work in the region. The Resource Mobilization manager is responsible for managing various aspects of the organization’s foundation support as well as co-creating a robust grassroots and major donor plan and retaining relationships with individual donors. They will also design and implement fundraising campaigns and events. The Resource mobilization manager will work towards increasing the overall budget of the organization while ensuring that our funders and fundraising strategies are aligned with our values. In this role, you will work closely with our staff and our most ardent supporters to update them on Cypress x the Grove’s programmatic and campaign work and how their resources build power for BIPOC communities in the Carolinas. You will be the person helping to tell the story of our organization and our impact on supporters, funders, partners, and donors. The Resource Mobilization manager will dream up creative ways to engage with donors in our community, and build a solid financial foundation upon our organization to grow.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Learning and Training (approximately 30%)

• Support the CRO with the planning and execution of special events, including donor cultivation and solicitation events and annual fundraising events. 
• Support communications efforts by ensuring volunteers are equipped with campaign, event, and fundraising tools they can use for outreach to their networks.
• Assist in coordinating additional member engagement/cultivation events throughout the year (including managing RSVPs, agendas, materials, food, venue, and child care).
• Work closely with all other staff to collect and maintain up-to-date information about donors; help improve systems for tracking and managing donors’ data.
• Support the development of other donor learning opportunities.

Grantwriting and Donor Relationship Management(approximately 30%)

• Identify new funding sources to replace ending opportunities and increase revenue to meet budget expenses. 
• Develop and implement strategies to engage corporate partners through sponsorships, employee giving programs, and in-kind donations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of campaigns and programs designed to broaden and sustain the base of Cypress and Grove funders
• Submit grants for foundations and other sources that require them.
• Maintain an up-to-date donor database with important information and milestones.
• Forge and maintain relationships with Cypress x the Groves’ existing institutional donors, while growing the base of institutional donors.
• Research and identify corporate and foundation prospects and opportunities.
• Assist in researching and identifying conferences, events, and other opportunities to generate new institutional and individual donor leads.
• Ensure all solidarity donors receive personalized and engaging acknowledgment for their gifts.
• Attend and participate in donor/funder cultivation meetings alongside the ED and other relevant staff, as needed.

External Relations and Fundraising (30%)

• Represent Cypress Fund and the Grove externally and build new relationships with community leaders, entrepreneurs, the private-sector investor community, philanthropic partners, government officials, and nonprofit and business leaders.
• Research prospective solidarity-level supporters, producing profiles, designing approaches, and project managing their implementation
• Co-managed fundraising calendar to support ED’s fundraising activities, which includes stewardship of institutional donors through all stages of the fundraising cycle.
• Strengthen philanthropic partnerships by maintaining and building relationships with partner funders and advising donors and foundations on their strategies.
• Communicate effectively internally to ensure staff are appropriately informed about program activities in ways that support coordination and decision-making.
• Contribute to the thought leadership of Cypress Fund through various methods, including public speaking and writing.
• Travel occasionally for the organization. 

Collective organizational work (approximately 10%)

• Share facilitation of bi-monthly team meetings, coalition meetings, and meetings with consultants.
• Participate in meetings, retreats, and collective work on organizational structure.
• Contribute to the organization’s overall success and sustainability.
• Other related tasks, as identified by the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience working in philanthropic ventures 
• Exceptional writing and editing skills in various content styles
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and shifting needs and conditions 
• Strong work ethic, initiative, follow-through, and sound judgment 
• Personal creativity and strategic vision, coupled with an ability to listen to others with a sense of inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills with a proven ability to work cooperatively with patience, grace, and humor
• Commitment to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and our work with partners and grantees
• Ability to work independently for extended periods in a remote environment
• Bilingual Spanish is a plus but not required

This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position working Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours (40 hours per week) Cypress x the Grove is a hybrid office; .you will collaborate with colleagues across the Carolinas. You should be prepared to work from home or our office. The person in this position must be able to communicate with colleagues and partners via phone, including conference and video calls, and written communication, such as Slack and email. The salary range for the position is $70,000 - $73,000. Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off Policy 
• Organizational Wide Office Closures
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Professional Development Stipend
• Cell Phone & Internet Stipend
• Flexible, hybrid work environment

Cypress and Grove Fund are committed to cultivating an organizational culture and building teams where everyone is able to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We aspire to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, education, or disability, are valued and respected.

We strongly encourage applications from community members disproportionately affected by systems of domination, including Black, Indigenous, people of color, working class, women, and the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities, to apply.