Director, Development (Annual Fund)

Unite America seeks a full-time Director, Development (Annual Fund). Reporting to the Vice President, Fundraising (a forthcoming role that is also to be hired), and serving as an integral member of Unite America’s Investor Relations team, the primary focus of the Director, Development will be on developing and spearheading a comprehensive annual giving program aimed at securing unrestricted funds in the five- to six-figure range. In this role, you'll lead the charge in helping us better tailor our donor cultivation and engagement strategies, rightsizing the depth and breadth of our interactions in accordance with a given prospect or donor's propensity to give.

As the development of an annual giving program represents a new strategy for Unite America, the ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, is passionate about achieving ambitious goals, and possesses a scrappy, builder-oriented mentality who excels in a startup environment. Your ability to build and nurture relationships will also be crucial, as you'll collaborate extensively with colleagues and donors alike. Strengths in organization and clear communication will be essential in driving success. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a strong  team culture within a fast-paced startup environment. 

Unite America believes that there is strength in diversity and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply.

The position will ideally be based at Unite America’s headquarters in Denver, CO, although exceptional remote candidates will be considered; Unite America offers a stipend for new hires willing to relocate. Remote employees may be expected to travel 1–2 times per quarter for team meetings and retreats, and this role may require some degree of additional travel (e.g. 1-2 times per month) for business purposes.

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Management

• Collaborate with the Investor Relations team to create and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan and appeal schedule for The Annual Fund.
• Develop and implement a plan for increased Annual Fund support and participation rates.
• Direct the development and production of all Annual Fund materials (coordinated with your Investor Experience colleagues on the IR team) ) for print and digital channels.
• In partnership with members of the Investor Relations team, create a compelling case for support for current and potential donors.

Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management

• Build relationships with constituents and personally solicit an assigned pool of prospects as appropriate.
• Utilize Salesforce to track interactions, produce contact notes, and conduct appropriate constituent follow-up, helping to maintain a strong systems and data environment
• Use prospect research to determine appropriate targets and solicitation strategies for individuals.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and solicit constituents for Annual Fund gifts as needed.
• Help plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events for donors.

Gift Processing, Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Draft and coordinate Annual Fund solicitation and acknowledgement letters.
• Oversee the timely processing and acknowledgment of Annual Fund gifts.

• Analyze results of the fund by tracking progress from year to year and generate reports and statistics.
• Produce internal and external progress reports that evaluate overall success of the Annual Fund against benchmarks and develop strategies to increase effectiveness.

Ongoing Development

• Keep current with best practices, innovative developments, and trends in the annual giving.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years experience working on a development team and supporting fundraising efforts
• Proven track record of  managing an annual campaign
• A strong sense of fundraising ethics and practices, and respect for confidentiality of donor information. 
• Collaborative team player with experience working cross-functionally within an organization.
• Willingness to be part of a collaborative, startup  environment where much building remains in progress, and work closely with colleagues to do so effectively. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate the organization's mission and impact effectively
• Proficiency in donor management systems and prospect research tools
• Passion for Unite America’s mission

OUR ORGANIZATION

Unite America is  a non-partisan, philanthropic venture fund (composed of several legal entities) that invests in candidates, campaigns, and organizations in order to advance nonpartisan election reforms that will foster a more representative and functional government capable of solving America’s most pressing challenges.

Founded in 2014, Unite America and its 25+ person team has grown to be a leader in the democracy reform movement. The organization has existed in its current form, and with its current primary focus, since 2019; in that time, we have successfully mobilized tens of millions of dollars from scores of philanthropists to candidates and reform campaigns across the country.

Recent victories where we played a leading or a major supporting role to win: a major anti-gerrymandering campaign in Virginia; a first-of-its-kind,top-four nonpartisan primary system in Alaska that helped elect one of the most ideologically diverse slate of statewide officeholders in recent history; and a ballot initiative in Nevada to implement Alaska-style reforms in that state. We are poised to dramatically scale our impact in the years to come.

At Unite America, we are working to build a more representative and functional government that puts voters first and reflects the diversity of our country, and an inclusive democracy in which leaders embrace problem-solving over fueling divisiveness. Likewise, we have a vision of building an organization that reflects diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives; a culture of working across differences toward common goals; and a workplace where everyone feels included, respected, and heard. To that end, Unite America is proud to have made diversifying our team, ensuring more equitable opportunity, and fostering a culture of belonging a priority. Our organizational values reinforce this commitment as we work to model the leadership we seek, solve problems together, and take care of one another, to name a few.

Benefits

THE PERKS

• Competitive Compensation ($100k-$130k) 
• 401(k) Plan (with up to a 3% employer contribution match)
• Health Care Plan (medical, dental, and vision)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (vacation, sick days, public holidays, and team-wide wellness days)
• Family Leave (maternity, paternity, and adoption)
• Paid sabbatical after 4 years on staff
• Training & Professional Development
• Wellness Resources
• Opportunity to join an inclusive, vibrant, and diverse team