Manager or Senior Manager, Development

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Full time, Exempt, Remote (preference for DC)

Organizational Overview

Democracy Defenders Action (DDA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. DDA also provides general administration for a group of related independent entities including Democracy Defenders Fund (c3), Democracy Defenders PAC, and Democracy Defenders Projects – the home for the new media entity, The Contrarian. Democracy Defenders Action was founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.), alongside other leading figures in democracy defense, elections, and law, to counter the authoritarian threat to our democracy.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Manager or Senior Manager for Development to facilitate our development efforts and ensure effective funding support for our mission. This individual will work closely with senior leadership and with our external fundraising partner to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes major gifts, foundations, and grassroots fundraising.

To best defend our democracy, it is critical that DDF/A’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to preserve. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Support major donor and foundation relations:

• Support our external fundraising partner, board members, and senior leadership to pursue opportunities with major donors and foundations. 
• Plan and manage donor/supporter engagement events showcasing DDA’s impact.
• Respond to rapid-response funder requests.
• Craft compelling fundraising materials and proposals that showcase Democracy Defenders distinctive role in the fight against autocracy. 
• Regularly update materials to align with the moment, broader organizational priorities, and fundraising goals. 
• Customize materials for donors. 

Administer grants and measure impact: 

• Maintain up-to-date records on grant awards, disbursements, requirements, and deadlines. 
• Track expenditures, manage budget allocations, submit timely narrative and financial reports, and ensure compliance with grant terms and funder specifications. 
• Prepare close-out reports and accounts for receivables at end of grant period.
• Support evaluation of grant-funded projects by establishing metrics, monitoring outcomes, and capturing measurable impact for funder reports and other materials.

Grow grassroots fundraising (Small dollar):

• With guidance from senior leadership and our external fundraising partners but working mostly independently, grow our grassroots fundraising. 
• Develop and execute small-dollar donor strategies through email, social media, and peer-to-peer campaigns to expand the donor base and achieve fundraising goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with grassroots supporters, ensuring consistent engagement and donor stewardship.
• Track, analyze, and report on grassroots giving trends to optimize campaigns and maximize ROI.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with donor collectives, peer organizations, and content creators to expand our donor network. 

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, Advanced degree 
• 5-7+ years of experience (Manager), or 7-10+ years of experience (Senior Manager) in fundraising, grants management, development, and stakeholder engagement
• Exceptional written communication and storytelling skills, with a proven track record of creating proposals and presentations that persuade others
• Strong project management skills, including tracking, driving, and reporting on stakeholders, programming, and resources and information necessary to produce desired results and an ability to effectively work across a variety of projects and timelines
• Poise, diplomacy, and professionalism in interacting in formal and high level professional environments
• Good professional technology skills and a love for well-made and functional spreadsheets and powerpoints
• Experience working effectively and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once with competing priorities
• Demonstrated experience with technology, systems, and project leadership
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong relationships with the donor community, particularly foundations (desired, but not required)

Proximity to Washington, D.C. is preferred, although the position is remote and may be performed from any state in the U.S. Optional in-person meetings take place semi-regularly in D.C. Work is expected in the evenings and on weekends.

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $140,000 (Manager) or $135,000 - $165,000 (Senior Manager), plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This is an exempt position.

To apply, please complete this Google Form (https://forms.gle/9X9wcZ2q2rf4aHZX8). Include a resume, and in lieu of a cover letter, respond briefly (300 words or less) to the following prompts:

1. Why are you interested in working with our team to protect democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law?
2. What are 2-3 prior experiences that make you uniquely qualified for this role? Please explain briefly.
3. Describe a time you've navigated a sensitive or challenging donor relationship or grant. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?