Director of Fundraising, Board Member - Our National Conversation

Our Mission: 

OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION (ONC) seeks to reduce partisanship and promote effective solutions to America’s challenges. Powered by America’s youth, we produce educational materials and host constructive dialogue intended to address America’s challenges head-on.

Our Vision: 

To see OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION (ONC) recognized as a catalyst for nonpartisan discourse and generational change, establishing itself as a beacon of hope and reason in a polarized landscape. Through a dedicated team of young Americans, we aim to nurture future leaders and champion solutions-focused thinking over finger-pointing, inspiring a new era of civic engagement and collective action to address the complex issues facing our nation.

About the Role:
The Director of Fundraising, Board Member, contributes to ONC’s mission of reducing partisanship and promoting effective solutions to America’s challenges by providing strategic guidance and leadership in the development and implementation of fundraising initiatives at ONC. Fundraising will help to support programs and initiatives that provide opportunities for educational advancement, civic engagement and organizational impact in the community. The Director of Fundraising will serve as a board member for OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION, INC. which is an IRS recognized 501c3 nonprofit. The board convenes at the end of every semester, or three times a year, which happens at the end of April, end of August, and end of December. The board may convene at alternative dates and times dependent on when they are called to meet by other board members and executive leadership within the organization. All board members must ensure that ONC’s commitment to nonpartisanship, ideological diversity, and civil debate is evident in all published work, events and initiatives.

This position is remote, with work primarily conducted over Zoom and Slack, so applicants must be comfortable coordinating in a remote environment and are expected to maintain a high level of communication. This position necessitates a two-year commitment, though the duration can be extended if both parties are interested.

Important Note: This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. If you are seeking paid employment at this time, we kindly request that you refrain from applying. Please note that this position is remote, allowing you to work from home.

Benefits: Flexible schedule, professional networking, skill development, personal growth, and/or resume-building experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with ONC’s mission and goals. Identify potential funding sources, including individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and grant opportunities. Create fundraising plans, timelines, and goals to achieve sustainable revenue growth. Collaborate with the board, CEO, CFO and COO on these initiatives.

• Grant Writing and Management: Research grant opportunities for our Non-profit fundraising team to pursue. Review compelling grant proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other grant-offering organizations. Mentor the CFO and Director of Outreach and Partnerships on the grant application process, including tracking deadlines, submitting required documentation, and reporting on grant outcomes.

• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Cultivate relationships with individual donors, major donors, and corporate sponsors to secure financial support for ONC’s programs and initiatives. Develop and implement donor stewardship strategies to ensure ongoing engagement and retention of donors.

• Fundraising Events and Campaigns: Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives to engage donors and raise funds for specific projects or programs. Collaborate with the marketing and media departments to promote fundraising events and campaigns through various channels.

• Financial Reporting and Analysis: Monitor fundraising activities, track revenue streams, and analyze data to assess fundraising performance and inform strategic decisions. Prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership, board members, and stakeholders on fundraising metrics, goals, and outcomes. 

The Board Member: Director of Fundraising should have the following skills, education, and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Fundraising, or a related field required (Master’s degree preferred)

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations, preferably in the nonprofit sector

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English) are required

• Proven track record of successfully securing grants, donations, and sponsorships from diverse funding sources required

• Knowledge of fundraising software, donor management systems, and financial reporting tools required

• Proven experience developing and implementing virtual programs and special events preferred

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills

• Excellent organizational abilities with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively

• Commitment to nonpartisanship, integrity and ethical fundraising practices

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment 

• Responsive, consistent, and effective communicator, even during conflict required

• Strong understanding of current events, public policy, and the American political landscape preferred

• Experience serving on boards or working with board members preferred

• Strong analytical and research skills preferred

• Experience in Google suite preferred

• Ability to attend Board Member meetings 3 times per year (April, August, December)

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.