Part-Time Development Director

Location: Remote (LA or Milwaukee preferred)

Hours: 20 hours per week

Compensation: $30,000–$60,000 annually

About Us

For the past several years the Center for the Working Poor has been in the process of building a new experimental recovery program that we are tentatively Twelve-Step for Everyone, which we believe can build a new base of activated people for progressive social change in the United States. It is an ambitious project to create a recovery program, not just for addicts, but for everyone.

Rooted in our ancestral history, and embedded still today in many of our spiritual and religious traditions, mutual aid is a different way of meeting our needs that is self-sustaining, scalable, and accessible. One of the best representatives of this alternative model is 12-Step, which is arguably the largest mutual aid society in the world today. Millions of people use it to remain sober from chronic addictions; find a community of support for living with loved ones suffering from addiction; heal from the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family; restore healthy boundaries around emotional/sexual attachment; and recover from various other compulsive patterns of behavior. What we need is a program for everyone: which can both address the egoic programming, shortcomings, or various destructive patterns we all need to heal and grow from, and also mobilize participants into a progressive movement ecosystem.

The Christian right has recognized and co-opted the 12-step model, adapting it into a conservative evangelical framework, called Celebrate Recovery, that serves as both a recruitment tool and an ideological pipeline into specific churches. Within right-wing religious networks, 12-step programs have been integrated into church-based recovery ministries that do more than provide support—they cultivate a disciplined base primed for political mobilization. This structure has been used in service of anti-abortion activism, reactionary social policies, and broader right-wing organizing efforts.

Progressives, for the most part, have ignored this phenomenon. The 12-step model holds enormous potential for progressives, offering a replicable and sustainable framework for community-building, leadership development, and collective transformation.

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Part-Time Development Director to lead our fundraising and donor engagement efforts. The Development Director will play a key role in cultivating donor relationships, securing funding from individuals and foundations, and ensuring effective grant management.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Engagement & Fundraising

• Develop and manage donor lists, ensuring accurate records and strategic outreach.
• Identify and cultivate new donors, deepening relationships with existing supporters.
• Plan and conduct donor meetings to strengthen engagement.
• Craft and deliver compelling fundraising pitches.
• Create fundraising materials and assets to support donor engagement.
• Act as the primary liaison between the organization and its donors.
• Organize educational events for funders to increase awareness and support.
• Develop strategies to cultivate different levels of donors, from small contributors to major gifts.

Foundation & Grant Development

• Research and develop multiple strategies to secure foundation funding.
• Manage grant applications and ensure timely, accurate grant reporting.
• Track and report fundraising progress, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience, or deep desire to learn-- nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Ability to create compelling fundraising pitches and donor materials.
• Experience/and or ability to plan donor-related events.
• Knowledge of foundation fundraising and grant reporting best practices.
• Self-motivated and organized, with the ability to work independently in a part-time role.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

Resume – Include your relevant experience, skills, and contact information.

Cover Letter – Describe your qualifications and why you are interested in this role.

Where to Apply:

• Email: Send your resume and cover letter to centerfortheworkingpoor@gmail.com with the subject line: Part Time Development Director – Paul Engler.

Application Deadline: April 15

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Thank you for your interest!