Senior Manager of Development

The Center for Story-based Strategy (CSS) is a BIPOC-led organization that works to turn stories into power. Through trainings, coaching, and capacity building, we support a wide range of organizers and movement organizations in developing narrative strategies that connect storytelling and short-term action to long-term, strategic change.

CSS is hiring a Development Senior Manager!

The ideal candidate has experience working on small nonprofit teams and is comfortable managing projects independently while balancing multiple priorities. They also bring experience prospecting and cultivating relationships with foundations and major donors, as well as building grassroots fundraising campaigns. They are aligned with the values of a Just Transition and have experience working in movement spaces and progressive organizations.

This job is remote & full-time, based on a 4 day work week (Monday-Thursday), but there is an option to consider three-quarters time. Occasional travel will be required.

JOB DETAILS:
Status: Exempt
FTE: Full-Time (1.0 FTE) with option to consider three-quarters time (.78 FTE)
Compensation: $91,000-$100,000 FTE, commensurate on experience
Location: Remote, U.S.-based
Work Week: Monday - Thursday; occasionally some Fridays

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Foundation Strategy & Grant Stewardship (30% FTE)
- Research, identify, and cultivate foundation prospects aligned with CSS's mission, values, and strategic priorities
- Manage the full lifecycle of a portfolio of foundation grants, translating solicitation requirements into clear work plans, timelines, and shared responsibilities
- Prepare leadership for foundation meetings by analyzing giving patterns, funder priorities, and alignment opportunities
- Steward foundation relationships through thoughtful communication, reporting, and long-term engagement
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of foundation prospects, relationships, and grant activity

2. Individual Giving Strategy & Donor Stewardship (40%) - Major Donors, Monthly Sustainers, Alumni, and Annual Giving
- Build and launch CSS's major and mid-level donor program, including research, relationship mapping, and cultivation pathways
- Develop values-aligned stewardship pathways for donors at different levels
- Partner with CSS's leadership team and the Digital Engagement Senior Manager to design and execute donor communications and campaigns
- Monitor donor engagement, retention, and giving trends and adapt strategies to strengthen long-term relationships
- Collaborate with program staff to integrate fundraising into trainings, retreats, and ongoing offerings
- Approach fundraising through a community-centered and movement-building lens

3. Development Operations & Systems (20% FTE)
- Utilize CRM (NeonOne) to refine fundraising workflows, reports, dashboards, and data integrity
- Ensure accurate, timely entry and tracking of gifts, pledges, and donor communications
- Use CRM data to inform fundraising strategy, donor segmentation, and long-term planning
- Support cross-team use of development systems and uphold shared data protocols and best practices

4. Additional Responsibilities (10% FTE)
- Participating in and facilitating relevant staff and CSS community meetings, retreats, and planning processes
- Using CSS-designated tools and platforms for team coordination
- Setting and maintaining a clear work plan shared with the Supervisor and relevant team members

QUALIFICATIONS:
- 4+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development
- Ability to anticipate needs, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently with high attention to detail
- Proven success with securing foundation and major donor funding
- Demonstrated ability to write clear, compelling donor-facing materials
- Commitment to social justice
- Experience with NeonOne (or another CRM) required
- Some travel for meetings or events required

BENEFITS:
- Generous benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Stipends for cellphone and Wi-Fi
- Annual self-care and technology allowances
- Ample paid time off including vacation and sick leave
- Robust holiday schedule with additional organization-wide time off

CSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, working-class people, disabled people, women and LGBTQ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.