Individual Giving Manager
New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
Newark, NJ The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (the "Institute") is a cutting-edge racial justice organization that works to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power - from the ground up - in New Jersey.
The Institute employs a broad range of advocacy tools to advance our ambitious racial and social justice agenda, including research, analysis and writing, public education, grassroots organizing, communications, development of pilot programs, legislative strategies and litigation.
As was the case at our founding, this moment calls for racial and social justice advocacy inspired by the fierce urgency of now. In recent years, Jim Crow-like voter suppression has swept across America. The time is now for not only meaningful voting reform, but to also evaluate how we can transform civic engagement and expand democracy in New Jersey.
Using a holistic approach to address the unique and critical issues facing New Jersey's communities of color, the Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation. We continue to serve as a leading voice in designing, advocating for and implementing solutions to the systemic racism that has pervaded the Garden State and our nation.
Overview The Individual Giving Manager at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice will support fundraising efforts by managing donor relations and individual giving programs. This role involves cultivating relationships with donors, coordinating fundraising campaigns and ensuring accurate donor tracking and stewardship. The Manager will collaborate with the development team to implement strategies that enhance donor engagement and retention. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for managing outreach, event planning and database management. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive and passionate about advancing social justice through fundraising initiatives.
The Individual Giving Manage will report to the Institute's Director of Development.
Our physical office is located in Newark, New Jersey. This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring two days per week in the office and three days of remote work.
Roles and Responsibilities: Fundraising - Develop and execute strategies for soliciting, cultivating and stewarding a broad base of individual donors while adhering to community-centric fundraising practices
- Be a key advisor to organizational leadership on how to steward donor relationships to meet our long-term goals
- Represent the organization in donor meetings and prepare senior leadership for donor meetings as needed
- Enlist, encourage, train and support all staff members to meet with donors, creating opportunities to educate and deepen relationships
Development Events Management - Collaborate with staff to plan and solicit sponsorship for the Institute's annual gala
- Lead the planning of donor-facing gatherings, such as donor calls, house parties and stewardship gatherings
Donor Communications - Be the Institute's biggest cheerleader, educating and informing our individual donors to deepen their level of connection and commitment to our campaigns and overall work
- Work with Development Director and Communications on the production of communications with individual donors, including 2 to 3 direct mail solicitations, as well as electronic appeals and other donor-centric email communications
Gift Processing and Data Management - Use the Institute database to record contacts with donors and maintain accurate records of donations
- Track and report results of appeals and special campaigns, adjusting strategies as needed
- Ensure individual donor contributions adhere to gift acceptance policy
- Participate in routine reconciliation work with the Development Director and Finance and Operations Manager
Team Engagement - Lead on special projects as assigned by the Development Director
- Participate in staff trainings and other organizational activities
- Participate in leadership & professional development and commit to growth and transformation within the work in service to social justice
Minimum Requirements: - At least four years of experience in nonprofit development or comparable role, demonstrating progressively greater understanding and responsibility
- Strong commitment to social, racial and economic justice
- Strong writing and analytical skills that reflect the ability to make complex information understandable to lay audiences
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate relationships, show empathy for people and community, listen well and communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including donors, is required
- Experience with CRM databases for fundraising data management
- Strong time management, organizational and work-planning skills, with the ability to adjust work activity as needed and manage multiple projects according to timelines
- Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative and work independently is required, including the ability to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls
Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a grant-funded position with an annual salary range of $80,000-$90,000.
Benefits: - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - Eligible from day one with 85% employer contribution.
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Includes medical, commuter, and dependent care plans.
- Medical Reimbursement Plan.
- 401(k) Plan - Eligible after 90 days of employment with a 3% safe harbor contribution.
- Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave.
Application Process: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in, qualifications for and how you learned about the position as detailed in this announcement, updated resume, two professional writing samples (demonstrating different styles) for which you are the primary author, and three professional references. Attach all required documents to this job posting.
For inquiries, please contact our recruitment team at
, ensuring that you reference the specific position in your email.
About the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice: The Institute's mission is to empower urban residents to realize and achieve their full potential. Established in 1999 by Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein, the Institute's dynamic and independent advocacy is aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant, and healthy urban communities. We employ a broad range of advocacy tools to advance our ambitious urban agenda, including research, analysis and writing, public education, grassroots organizing, communications, the development of pilot programs, legislative strategies, and Litigation.