Join the Words Alive Team

Employment Opportunities - Detailed Description

POSITION:  “Writing Our Next Chapter” Fundraising Campaign Manager

COMPENSATION: $24-$28/hour, depending on experience. Eligible for generous PTO. Not eligible for medical, dental, vision benefits.

STATUS: 12-month position, Part-Time, Non-Exempt

HOURS:  Up to 26 hours/week. Some donor meetings/events may require night and weekend availability.

LOCATION: San Diego, CA. Hybrid work a possibility. Must be able to meet with donors, in-person, in San Diego.

SUPERVISES: Highly skilled volunteers, temporary employees, and contractors, as appropriate

REPORTS TO:  Executive Director

WHO WE ARE: Words Alive connects children, teens, and families to the power of reading.  We serve students of all ages and their families throughout San Diego County. During the 2022-2023 year, we served 5,000 children, teens, and families facing extraordinary life circumstances through family workshops, read alouds in classrooms, and teen book clubs. Words Alive is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

WHO YOU ARE: Our ideal candidate:

  • Is excited about fundraising - especially campaign-based fundraising from individuals, foundations, and corporations

  • Is seeking a temporary role (12 month position) focused on raising funds and celebrating a successful campaign

  • Wants to take ownership of all aspects of recognizing donors in a new building, from working with donors on naming opportunities to working with contractors on signage and installation.

  • Is seeking a mission-driven workplace that values efficiency, impact, flexibility, and growth;

  • Has a nonprofit heart and a business mind;

  • Approaches their actions, words, and work with a keen focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility;

  • Is motivated by the power of reading!

POSITION OVERVIEW: While in this 12-month position, the “Writing Our Next Chapter” Fundraising Campaign Manager will drive solicitation and stewardship efforts aiming to secure investments in Words Alive’s building fund and critical capacity-building efforts leading up to the organization’s 25th anniversary in May 2024. 

The Campaign Manager will be responsible for educating donors about Words Alive’s needs, goals, and how the success of the campaign is critical to the ongoing longevity and success of the organization. The Campaign Manager will manage prospects, identify cultivation strategies, develop collateral, solicit gifts and/or provide support at solicitation meetings, and guarantee exceptional stewardship.  They will also be responsible for coordinating the Grand Opening and 25th Anniversary celebrations throughout May 2024.  The Campaign Manager must be available for the entire month of May.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Stewardship (50%)

  • Identify fundable opportunities to support the building fund and/or critical capacity-building initiatives.

  • Solicit gifts and secure decisions from prospects.

  • Actively manage an active prospect list and donor database to track moves management.

  • Write grants, proposals, or case statements for grants and proposals soliciting investment in the building fund and/or capacity building efforts.

  • Coordinate meaningful face-to-face meetings, timely communication, and compelling stewardship activities for lead prospects.

  • Cultivate relationships with existing and new donors, key volunteers, and strategic audiences.

Special Events (25%)

  • Coordinate Grand Opening & 25th anniversary celebration activities for May 2024

  • Solicit and steward sponsorships

  • Identify and manage contractors, create collateral, coordinate volunteers, day-of event management, and follow-up.

Campaign Operations (15%)

  • Define a comprehensive communication strategy (public, donors, campaign team) and produce/distribute elements that constitute the plan.

  • Ensure donor records are consistently updated and accurate.

  • Ensure compelling donor recognition in the building and/or on collateral.

  • Develop strong relationships with volunteers and Board members involved in the campaign.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate has/is:

  • Capital campaign, fundraising, special events, and/or sales experience, 2-3 years preferred

  • Highly organized and detail oriented

  • Excellent/compelling written and oral communication skills

  • Willing to make, follow through on, and steward fundraising asks

  • Able to skillfully manage a number of competing priorities, fast-moving opportunities, and pressing timelines

  • Demonstrated ability to present effective and compelling messages to individuals, groups, and the public

  • Optimistic, positive, welcoming, thoughtful, and professional demeanor

  • Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a diverse variety of individuals

  • Unwavering commitment to the mission and population served

Educational and Technical Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience

  • Experience with donor or constituent management software (DonorView preferred)

  • Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), remote working platforms (Teams, Zoom), e-communications platforms

  • Proficiency with office equipment including computers, telephone, and copier

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Fundraising certification (e.g. CFRE)

  • Proven success managing a $100,000+ portfolio of major donors, campaign revenue, or sales

  • Experience with and keen eye for brand, marketing, communications, and/or web de

  • Prior experience volunteering with or working for a literacy, education, or nonprofit organization

  • Lived experiences aligned with the organization’s mission; participation in Words Alive programming.

This position requires:

  • Ability to work on a computer and phone for at least 50% of the day.

  • Typing and other repetitive activities for extended periods of time

  • A valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle, as required to fulfill role.

  • Use of personal cell phone, as necessary, during remote and site-based work.

  • Available early mornings, evenings, and weekends to engage with key stakeholders as required.

  • Staff are often asked to help lift loads of 30+ lbs regularly.  Reasonable accommodations can be made as necessary.

WORDS ALIVE VALUES & CULTURE
At Words Alive, our programs and impact made in the community are driven by our core values, which represent the motivation, dedication, and focus of our Words Alive staff and volunteers. Our values include:

  • Commitment: by pledging to make reading matter for everyone

  • Equitability: by working to level the playing field

  • Empowerment: by investing in lifelong learners

  • Responsiveness: by listening to community needs and developing innovative solutions

  • Collaboration: by partnering with the community

  • Connectedness: by creating a familial environment that includes all Words Alive participants and support

TO APPLY: Carefully review this job posting, expectations, compensation, and criteria to ensure it is a good fit. Submit 1) a brief cover letter or introductory video sharing why you’d like to work with Words Alive, and 2) a resume or summary of experiences qualifying you for this position via email (only) to: [email protected].

Posted: June 26, 2023 Start Date: As soon as possible