Director of Fundraising

DefinedTalent is a partner of Equal Space LLC that serves as an incubator for diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives. They believe that true innovation thrives in an inclusive environment where every voice from every background is celebrated and seen. They are a community that promotes connection, breaks down barriers that hinder progress, and builds bridges to unite dreamers, creators, and visionaries. Collaboration is the driving force of their community.

Equal Space LLC is looking for a Director of Fundraising to join the team and play a pivotal role in advancing their mission of fostering equality and social impact through strategic leadership and financial stewardship. You will be responsible for helping align current and new strategies with their core values, ensuring that every financial decision contributes to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes overseeing the development and implementation of financial plans that support our purpose-driven initiatives, optimizing capital allocation to maximize positive social and environmental outcomes, and integrating impact considerations into all aspects of our financial management.

Additionally, you will lead efforts to cultivate relationships with investors, donors, and key stakeholders who share their vision, securing the financial support when necessary to advance our work and create meaningful change in the communities we serve. Through your leadership, expertise, and dedication to their mission, you will drive sustainable growth, enhance their impact, and champion equality in all aspects of their practices and decision-making processes.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with other executives to shape the overall direction of the company, integrating financial and impact considerations into decision-making processes.
• Work with the financial team to bring insights and analysis to the forefront while supporting key initiatives that drive sustainable growth and positive social change.

Fundraising:

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising programs and cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to secure financial support from diverse sources, including grants, impact investors, donors, and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with the CEO & COO to implement various fundraising methods, platforms, and techniques such as crowdfunding, grant writing, direct mail, online fundraising platforms, and special events to enhance fundraising effectiveness.
• Optimize fundraising efforts by analyzing fundraising data, tracking performance metrics, and measuring the overall impact.

Investor Relations:

• Serve as a primary liaison for investors and analysts, articulating the company's financial performance, impact metrics, and vision.
• Facilitate strong relationships with investors and donors, emphasizing the alignment of financial returns with social and environmental outcomes.
• Evaluate potential partnerships, and lead financial due diligence and integration efforts for growth and revenue share options.

Capital Management:

• Collaborate around the company's capital structure and review with the team to support the organization’s financial sustainability. Optimize capital allocation to support business objectives and maximize positive impact across all stakeholders.

Risk Management:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and assess financial risks, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Work with the executive team to develop and expand the company's financial planning process by providing insights and recommendations to improve financial performance and through aligning with organizational goals and impact objectives.
• Collaborate with the CEO and COO to prepare and analyze financial statements, forecasts, and budgets to support decision-making processes.

Financial Reporting:

• Work with the financial team to ensure accurate and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders, while collaborating to highlight the company's financial health and impact metrics.
• Communicate financial results, trends, and forecasts to the executive team, and relevant stakeholders, emphasizing the company's commitment to transparency and accountability through fundraising efforts and partnerships.

Team Leadership:

• Work with the CEO and COO to expand upon a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Mentor and develop professionals within the organization, empowering them to integrate impact considerations into decision-making processes.

Technology and Systems:

• Collaborate with the team in analyzing any new improvements or implementations of technology trends, especially when it comes to financial management, reporting, and impact measurements necessary for financial planning, reporting and analysis.

Qualifications:

1. Impact Investing Knowledge: Deep understanding of impact investing principles, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors, and sustainable finance practices. Experience integrating impact metrics into financial decision-making processes and a demonstrated commitment to driving positive social and environmental change through finance.
2. Fundraising Experience: Experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising programs, including securing grants, impact investments, and strategic partnerships. Proven ability to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and drive successful fundraising initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
3. Fundraising Tools and Techniques: Familiarity with various fundraising methods, platforms, and techniques such as crowdfunding, grant writing, direct mail, online fundraising platforms, and special events to enhance fundraising effectiveness.
4. Data Analysis: Ability to analyze fundraising data, track performance metrics, and measure the impact of fundraising efforts in order to make informed decisions and optimize fundraising efforts.
5. Leadership Skills: Proven leadership abilities, including experience leading and mentoring diverse teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision and mobilize stakeholders towards common goals.
6. Mission Alignment: Genuine passion for and alignment with Equal Space LLC mission of promoting equality and social impact. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in the workplace and in the broader community.
7. Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and recommendations. Experience collaborating with executive leadership to shape organizational direction and drive sustainable growth.
8. Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, donors, board members, and team members. Experience representing an organization to external audiences and cultivating partnerships.
9. Financial Knowledge: Experience in financial management, with a strong understanding of financial planning, analysis, reporting, and risk management.
10. Financial Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with financial technology trends and tools, including financial management systems, data analytics software, and impact measurement platforms.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is typically required.
• Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, CPA, CFA) and relevant certifications are highly desirable, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in finance and impact investing.