About the Texas Organizing Project (TOP): Founded in 2009, TOP has grown to one of the leading grassroots organizing operations in Texas, advancing racial and economic justice through community and electoral organizing. Our programs are anchored in the three largest metro regions of the state — Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. We are a membership-based organization with a base of over 275,000 community members and supporters who are reflective of Texas’ growing population – Black, Latino, millennial, low-moderate income families. Through on the ground organizing, grassroots leader development, direct action, policy advocacy and electoral engagement, we have made gains in policy solutions and public investments for neighborhood infrastructure, family sustaining jobs, affordable housing, public schools, health access, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. TOP also runs the largest independent electoral field operations in the state, activating over 200,000 voters of color each election cycle.
We are a family of organizations, consisting of a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and political action committee (PAC). Texas Organizing Project Education Fund (TOPEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the lives of low and moderate income Texas families of color by building power through community organizing and civic engagement. Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is a sister C4 entity with a membership base comprised of low-moderate income largely Black and Latino Texans, that conducts issue advocacy, lobbying efforts, and electoral organizing as well as endorses candidates on behalf of its membership and low-moderate income Texans. Texas Organizing Project PAC (TOPPAC) engages in large scale voter engagement and mobilization efforts aligned with TOP-endorsed candidates and issue organizing campaigns with a focus on expanding the electorate with infrequent and new voters of color.
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Development Coordinator will lead the C3/C4 development operations to help create and implement the annual fundraising plan to support TOP/TOPEF’s annual budget of $4-4.5 million dollars through grants, philanthropic, and individual giving. The Development Coordinator will research and cultivate foundation grants and individual giving to support the capacity and growth of the organization. This position will work closely with the Executive Director and/or Development Director and other senior staff. This position has significant opportunity for further growth into PAC fundraising, as well as building out operations and long term financial sustainability of the organization.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
- Development of annual fundraising plan that includes grants, major gifts, events, sustainer program, and grassroots giving.
- Build upon existing relationships with foundation officers, major donors, sponsors, and philanthropic institutions.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and/or Development Director and other Senior Staff to identify and cultivate new investor relationships.
- Create and manage direct fundraising appeals, online giving strategies, and oversee the creation of fundraising materials.
- Oversee grant management activities — prepare successful fundraising proposals, grant reports, and organize and manage grant calendar.
- Support site visits, grant development, and grant reporting processes.
- Oversee implementation of staff fundraising goals, tracking, reporting and supporting staff in their goals.
- Manage donor database for relationship management, donor list-building, privacy and accuracy.
Leadership & Management
- Work as a thought partner with the Executive Director and/or Development
- Director to establish a long-term fundraising vision for the organization to ensure sustainability and alignment with core mission.
- Work with development staff to engage board, staff, members, and volunteers in supporting the fundraising goals of the organization.
- Support the development of the annual budget and grant/program budget preparation.
- Research new grant prospects, funding sources, partnerships, and stakeholder relationships.
- Support the Executive Director and/or Development Director by attending presentations, funder convenings, fundraising events, and community engagement meetings as needed.
- Manage and provide leadership to development support staff.
- Be an active participant in building and participating TOP’s culture.
Core Competencies
- Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape and familiarity with grant research, proposal development, grant reporting, and evaluation practices.
- Ability to self-start, set goals, and objectives and report progress on those goals.
- Proficiency in traditional and modern fundraising strategies, major donor cultivation, digital fundraising strategies, and grant writing.
- Ability to make decisions and provide input on development trends and best practices.
- Ability to work collaboratively and resolve problems.
- Excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven track record of leadership, self-motivation, and commitment.
- Detail oriented, highly organized and strong project management skills.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years developing and implementing a strategic fundraising plan.
- Successful track record in a development role with demonstrated success in foundation fundraising, donor engagement strategies, monthly giving, and event execution.
- Knowledge of and relationships within local and state progressive movement with a strong commitment to social justice and social change.
- Up to 15% travel within state and occasional out of state travel.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as fundraising events require.
- High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Familiarity with donor database software such as Every Action, Salesforce, etc.
- Willingness to learn and grow within the TOP culture.
**Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary & Benefits: Full time position with a salary of $40,000 – 45,000 with full medical, dental, vision benefits, 401 (k), travel reimbursement, and a generous PTO policy.
How to Apply: Submit resume, cover letter, 1 page grant-writing sample, and contact for three references in Word or PDF to: recruit@organizetexas.org.