Get Involved

Volunteering | Employment | Internships

Real Change is looking for responsible, committed people to help us fulfill our mission of organizing, educating, and building alliances to create solutions to homelessness and poverty. We exist to provide a voice to poor people in our community, and rely on volunteers and interns to keep the paper and our other programs operational.

Development Director


The Development Director (DD) is a full time, exempt position at Real Change reporting to the Executive Director. The DD will work closely with staff and board leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan. In 2011, our revenue from donations was approximately $550K. The DD will be expected to build on this, focusing on increasing gifts from major donors and cultivating major donor prospects. In addition, the DD will oversee fundraising appeals, grant writing, and execution of our annual fundraising breakfast.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

1. Fundraising

• Work with staff and board to develop and execute aggressive fundraising plan
• Identify and qualify major gift prospects and cultivate philanthropy through regular personal engagement, such as visits, tours, phone calls, and invitations
to engage as volunteers
• Engage Executive Director in fundraising by setting up donor meetings and preparing materials for cultivating and soliciting major and planned gifts
• Plan and execute stewardship activities that promote donor retention, as well as increased philanthropy and levels of personal involvement
• Expand our 1,300+ individual donor base through mail and on-line giving, leveraging our newspaper and our presence in social media when appropriate
• Conduct annual Spring and Winter fund drives
• Participate in development of written materials including, but not limited to, annual report, drive-related appeals, and marketing materials
• Supervise volunteers and temporary staff to ensure timely gift acknowledgment and accurate data processing
• Maintain and enhance workplace giving and car donations programs

2. Grant-Writing

• Manage grants calendar
• Work with grant consultants to complete grant applications and grow foundation support
• Coordinate site visits with foundation representatives and ensure that all Real Change participants are prepared for visits in advance
• Follow up on grant applications, and then complete status updates and final reports on a timely basis

3. Event Management

• Oversee efforts of a volunteer/board events committee
• Prepare for and coordinate Annual Breakfast, including soliciting sponsorships, recruiting and training table captains, and developing the program.
• Network with non-profits, community leaders and businesses to negotiate ad trades and event sponsorships

4. Administrative/General
• Supervise development volunteers, seasonal staff, and interns, and act as point of contact with event management and grant-writing consultants
• Manage donor database (Real Change uses Convio, a Salesforce platform)
• Ensure development pages of website are current and accurate
• Generate monthly and quarterly reports on key metrics and analyze results to determine effectiveness of various strategies
• Support ED in marketing and communication activities such as community events and open houses
• Develop and manage fundraising committee to engage board members and other volunteers in Real Change fundraising
• Participate in development of Real Change budget, with an emphasis on fundraising revenues and budget for the development department
• Other interdepartmental activities including participation in staff and management meetings, participating in trainings, and backing up program staff, as needed

Qualifications

• 3-5 year track record of fundraising success, including 2+ years’ experience in major donor prospecting, cultivation, and closing
• Event planning and grant-writing experience
• Proven success in using social media for fundraising
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications and donor databases (Salesforce/Convio a plus)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Self-motivated, effective problem solver
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience managing a budget
• Demonstrated commitment to economic justice
• Experience working with volunteers and professionals from diverse backgrounds
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends, as needed

Real Change is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color and individuals with a direct experience of homelessness and/or poverty are encouraged to apply. Please email your cover letter and resume to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Priority given to applications received by January 31, 2012. Anticipated salary range is $48,000-52,000 DOE. A full benefits package is available. LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY.  NO CALLS.

Be sure to check back frequently for updated volunteer, employment, and internship postings!

About Real Change

Real Change Organization
Homeless Speakers' Bureau
Contact Information
Links and Resources

Our Mission:

Real Change exists to provide opportunity and a voice for low-income and homeless people while taking action for economic justice.(Read more...)


Nominate a Vendor of the Week