Project: Look Listen and Learn (LL+L) is a nonprofit media organization that creates programming that inspires and advances early learning. We feature the brilliance of Black, Indigenous children, families, and educators of color for everyone to experience. The content is anchored in research about what works best to promote school readiness, success, racial and radical joy.
Position Information
Contract position: Up to 35 hrs. per week
This position is a full-time, flexible, independent contractor position
Local candidates only, applicants residing outside of King, Pierce, or Snohomish counties will not be considered
COVID-19 Precautions: Remote interview process, virtual meetings
Compensation: $40/hour
Position begins: Immediately
Position open until filled.
LL+L is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color and those who are committed to forwarding racial justice to apply.
Position Summary
Look, Listen, and Learn (LL+L) seeks a skilled and passionate Development Director who is enthusiastic about building fundraising programs and teams. An ideal candidate views this role from a servant leadership perspective, teaching and bringing other leaders along as a critical part of the practice. LL+L is committed to approaching fundraising from a community-centric lens and bringing racial equity into all partnerships and conversations.
Look, Listen, and Learn has been steadily growing private and public philanthropic revenue since beginning a formal fundraising program in 2019. This new, full-time Development Director will lead the growth of the fundraising efforts as LL+L seeks to scale its work and team to achieve set organizational strategic goals. The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Producer and works closely with the LL+L Board of Directors. This position is responsible for building development strategy and overall direction and management of the fundraising program, including annual fund, major and planned giving, institutional and government support, and special events. The Director of Development is supported by and manages external contractors working on institutional giving and special events.
Description of Role and Responsibilities
Develop and implement organizational development strategy. Work closely and collaboratively with the Executive Producer and Board of Directors to build and empower the Board’s capacity, capability, consistency, and confidence in fundraising. Build an internal culture of philanthropy that aligns with the mission and values of LL+L.
Lead and execute all areas of fundraising strategy and activity, including annual fund, major and planned giving, foundation and institutional support, corporate sponsorships and grants, special events, and opportunities for government funding. Continually develop and update systems and processes for each of these areas that enhance funding relationships and ease flow of work.
Manage two external contractors who support the grant management and special events work respectively. Regularly evaluate the efficacy of the outsourced projects, ensuring that the structure and strategy of these partnerships remains beneficial and productive.
Cultivate strategic and mutually-beneficial partnerships for LL+L. Act as ambassador for LL+L when needed, and perform entertaining and informative presentations about LL+L to groups and individuals.
Perform regular evaluation of the fundraising program to accurately track growth, measure return on investment of all fundraising activities, and utilize program and giving data to inform strategy shifts and changes. Regularly report to the Executive Producer and the Board of Directors on progress and results.
Track and manage development revenue and expense budgets, partnering with the finance team and committee to ensure that financial goals are met.
Partner with the Marketing and Communications Director to create an overarching LL+L communications strategy and calendar, and to align fundraising needs and priorities with the overall organizational communications and marketing strategy.
Partner with LL+L creative production team to create dynamic and educational opportunities for engagement, cultivation and stewardship of funders while maintaining mission and creative integrity.
Manage the donor relations process, including processing gifts and data entry, issuing acknowledgement and tax letters, and ensuring swift donor communications. The Director of Development also manages the LL+L donor database, Little Green Light.
Work to continually build and refine the internal infrastructure (interdepartmental relationships, administrative processes, etc) that supports the development work, with a focus on developing streamlined, repeatable processes and engaging all areas of the organization in the fundraising practice.
Serve as Core Team Member, providing input on strategic decisions, serving as thought partner to the Executive producer on key questions, take on additional projects and responsibilities as needed.
Desired Experience and Qualifications
Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising.
Demonstrated ability to build working relationships with individuals of various ages, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities.
Experience managing volunteer leadership, running meetings, and supporting members in reaching goals.
Exceptional written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
Detail oriented with a high level of accuracy.
Ability to develop work plans and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability and aptitude with Microsoft Office Suite, donor databases (Little Green Light experience a plus), video conferencing, and other technology necessary for successful day-to-day functioning in business environments.
Application Materials
-Cover letter
-Resume
-Provide 2-3 references
Please send all application materials to ep@looklistenandlearn.org with Development Director in the subject line.