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DIRECTOR OF

DEVELOPMENT

The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is seeking an experienced Director of Development to join our team! This position is a full-time remote role with a likely transition into an in-office role in AAPF’s New York office. Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Finance and the Chief of Staff (COS), the Director of Development will oversee all fundraising activities and initiatives for AAPF, including grants management, individual giving, annual planning, events management, corporate sponsorship, and reporting.

About AAPF

Founded in 1996, The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is an innovative think tank that connects academics, activists, and policy-makers to promote efforts to dismantle structural inequality. We utilize new ideas and innovative perspectives to transform public discourse and policy. We promote frameworks and strategies that address a vision of racial justice that embraces the intersections of race, gender, class, and the array of barriers that disempower those who are marginalized in society. AAPF is dedicated to advancing and expanding racial justice, gender equality, and the indivisibility of all human rights, both in the U.S. and internationally.

 

Duties and Responsibilities include:

Strategic Planning

The Director of Development will participate with the management team in developing and implementing the AAPF’s strategic and operational plans, providing insight into funder and donor needs and expectations. The Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Finance, and Chief of Staff to develop plans for long-term financial sustainability.  

 

Fundraising Planning and Implementation

As the senior fundraising manager, the Director of Development is responsible for preparing and implementing an annual fundraising plan, including projections, timetables, and deliverables, that will detail how AAPF will meet its philanthropic fundraising goals. 

  • Grants: The Director of Development will manage and build AAPF’s portfolio of family foundation, corporate, and government grants, taking the lead in the writing of grant proposals and developing event opportunities.

  • Individual Giving and Major Donor Program: The Director of Development will research and identify prospective new donors, including potential sponsors of individual AAPF programs and campaigns, and collaborate with the Chief of Staff and Executive Director in maintaining communications with current and prospective donors and sponsors.

  • Events Management: The Director of Development will assist in the execution of crucial fundraising events coordinating all aspects of the events and activities from planning to execution.

  • Reporting: The Director of Development will prepare AAPF’s annual report, all grant reports, and financial reports to donors; maintain a grants schedule on progress; keep the donor management system updated; and periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the fundraising program.

 

Board Engagement 

The Director of Development will work closely with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising.  

 

Programs and Campaigns   

The Director of Development will collaborate with the management team and program team leaders to provide a development perspective on content, timelines, and milestones for AAPF’s programs and campaigns. 


Communications and Marketing

The Director of Development will collaborate with AAPF’s communications team in representing AAPF in philanthropic spaces and in providing content for social media, the website, e-newsletters, print materials, event facilitation, and press outreach. 

The Ideal Candidate should have:

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to “follow through” on multiple tasks and goals

  • Effective written and oral communication skills

  • A workable understanding of Intersectionality and Critical Race Theory

  • Proven track record of fundraising for an organization with a $1 million+ budget

  • Experience in implementation and management of donor databases and CRMs

  • Demonstrated ability to generate grant proposals, donor communications, newsletters, and annual report

  • Proven record of successful donor management 

  • Experience working with race, gender, and economic justice issues 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite

  • Experience in the creation of print, digital and social media content

  • Experience building allyship around race, gender, and economic justice, a plus

  • Knowledge and curiosity about trends and best practices in resource development

  • Experience and ability to plan and execute special events

  • Proven success in bringing in new and increased sources of funding

  • Experience managing development staff, a plus

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of progressive experience in development

 

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references and relevant writing sample with the subject line "Director of Development Application" to careers@aapf.org.

The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals who have historically been underrepresented in nonprofit, academic, and policy work.

AAPF prioritizes the employment of people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with lived experiences that align with our mission. We believe that diversity in all forms enhances our ability to achieve our organizational goals and fosters a work environment where every individual can thrive. We welcome applicants who bring different perspectives and experiences, as we work to advance social justice and racial equity in all aspects of our programming and advocacy.

If you are committed to advancing racial and social justice and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

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