Blueprint NC is looking for a rainmaker to join our starting line up on Team Justice, and help to resource a movement for anti-racist inclusive democracy in North Carolina. The Development Associate will support all aspects of the incoming grant research, writing, and submission process, outgoing re-granting, and development support to Blueprint NC partners and affiliates. This position will join our growing development team, and report directly to the Development Strategist. The role is based in North Carolina, with some required in-state travel (up to 20%). Office space is available in Durham, NC, and we operate with a flexible remote work policy.

About Blueprint NC

Blueprint NC is a progressive ecosystem of nearly 60 formal partner organizations and an expanding web of network allies committed to building independent power for an anti-racist, inclusive democracy. We believe that inclusive democracy requires open, reflective, and responsive governing institutions. We know that structural racism and economic inequalities shrink and weaken democratic processes through laws, practices, and culture that have for too long excluded many - Black people, people of color, poor and working class people, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities - from access and representation. We sustain and grow an expanding progressive infrastructure capable of shifting policy, hearts, and minds. We know that we cannot have an inclusive democracy without clean air and water, access to affordable housing, equitable public education, safe communities, health care because these are necessary pre-conditions of full participation in a democracy that can actually work for all of us. We are an invitation to movement, and a scaffold for the builders of a North Carolina in right relationship with its people.

Major Responsibilities and Outcomes

Grants Reporting and Management

Write compelling and thorough grant reports, and submit them on deadline
Communicate and coordinate with Blueprint NC staff members across teams to gather information and feedback
Ensure successful maintenance of SalesForce database for tracking of incoming and outgoing grants, in collaboration with Development Strategist and Administrative Coordinator
Maintain records and steward the database of donor contacts and activity. Log calls, proposals, and gifts

Donor Relationship Management and Cultivation

Grow and strengthen relationships with current institutional donors through email, phone, and correspondence to generate leads and develop contacts for solicitation
Ensure the critical and timely production and execution of donor acknowledgement letters to individual and institutional supporters
Connect donors to Board members, other staff and partners, and external affiliates in support of development strategy
Manage a shared inbox for the development team, including review of messages; timely responses; and documenting communications as appropriate

Development Strategy

Coordinate and support a bold, forward-thinking, long-term, comprehensive development strategy to maintain and increase the capacity of Blueprint NC in collaboration with the Development Strategist
Support research and diversification of new sources of multi-year, general operating support for movement building and civic engagement work within the Blueprint NC portfolio
Stay up-to-date on achievements, victories, and other developments in the organization and among affiliates, to ensure the ability to provide donors and prospects with full, accurate, and specific information. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends in the philanthropy field

Ecosystem Resourcing

Manage outgoing grants process to Blueprint NC partners and affiliates, ensure timely and thorough reporting and compliance with agreements
Support execution of an innovative trust-based collaborative ecosystem resourcing strategy to maintain and increase the collective capacity of the progressive infrastructure that Blueprint NC supports, in collaboration with the Development Strategist, Executive Director, and Senior Leadership Team
Provide development and fundraising support to Blueprint NC incubation projects and coalition partners as needed
Provide partner training & technical assistance in support of collaborative ecosystem resourcing strategy
Lead planning, outreach, and other logistics of fundraising events, collaborating across staff teams and with donors as needed.

Skills, Qualifications, and Attributes of the Development Strategist

Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience, required.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in development, donor engagement, or another related field required
Substantial experience working directly with Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities
Experience developing effective communications materials for fundraising
Extraordinary attention to detail and superior organizational skills. Keeps track of projects and drives toward deadlines while communicating progress in real-time; precision, accuracy, and flexibility
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to address a range of audiences, including donors, volunteers, Board members, vendors, staff, partners and affiliates
Personal dedication to the quality of work produced and a high level of accountability
Comfort in a team-oriented environment with open communication and inclusive decision-making
Ability to support Black leadership, and collaborate effectively across lines of race, gender, generation, sexual orientation, and class
Ability to manage issues requiring problem resolution and conflict transformation with excellent interpersonal and intervention skills
Comfortable in a fast-paced changing environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive
Willing and able to travel and work a flexible schedule
Knowledge of CRM database systems preferred

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience but will range from $68-70,000 annually. Benefits include retirement and medical, dental and vision insurance, internet stipend, wellness and home office stipends, and a generous PTO policy. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Application Information

In lieu of a cover letter, use [this form] to submit answers to the questions and submit your resume and three references. While we will take applications on a rolling basis, our priority deadline is October 20.

No phone calls, please.

Blueprint NC is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, economic class, or status as a formerly convicted/incarcerated person.