Development Manager

AT LA COCINA, everything we do is done with hospitality, for our community, and in the service of opportunity and inclusivity. Our work is to transform the economic conditions that have put up barriers for women, working-class people, immigrants, and people of color in the food industry by providing affordable kitchen spaces, training, resources, and community to talented entrepreneurs so they can build thriving businesses. We center our entrepreneurs in everything that we do, including making working directly with entrepreneurs a requirement of all employees at the organization. We look for passionate, mission-driven individuals that are just as outraged by current social and political structures as we are, and who are touched by the power that food has to transform lives. We’re able to achieve all of this because of the energy you bring and share with others. You can learn more about the organization at www.lacocinasf.org.

JOB SUMMARY | Your mission as the Development Manager is to coordinate, and manage fundraising efforts and strategy, with a focus on institutional donors, grants, and impact reporting and narrative at La Cocina so that the organization has the resources necessary to fulfill its budgetary obligations and have the maximum mission impact possible.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ROLE AT LA COCINA

• CENTERING ENTREPRENEURS | At La Cocina, 5% of your time (approximately 100 hours) will be dedicated to centering the entrepreneurs. This is achieved by delivering technical assistance to participants and graduates of the La Cocina program, participating and engaging with the businesses directly (attending soft openings, speaking/promoting the businesses at networking events, etc.) and supporting events that center the businesses (e.g. loading in and out at Outside Lands). This looks different for each staff member at La Cocina, based on your role and the unique skills and interests that you are able to share.
• COMMIT TO THE MISSION, VALUES, AND VISION - You must motivate yourself and others to accomplish La Cocina’s goals while remaining committed to our core values (hospitality, community, opportunity, and inclusivity) and ensuring that we're all working towards our vision
• MANAGE HIGH-IMPACT FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES - Collaborate closely with the Development Director, Board members, colleagues, and volunteers to design and implement effective strategies for institutional donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Ensure all initiatives engage past, current, and potential grantors with targeted, meaningful outreach that supports lasting relationships and growth in grants and contributions
• COLLABORATE TO SET AND MANAGE ANNUAL BUDGETS - Establish realistic development and organizational budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Track and maintain these budgets consistently to support accurate grant budgeting and financial transparency
• SUPPORT THE ANNUAL AUDIT PROCESS - Serve as a key resource during the organization’s annual audit by providing clear, comprehensive financial data and documentation
• MAINTAIN DONATED REVENUE AND OPPORTUNITY RECORDS - Track all contributed revenue to ensure precise, transparent records, accurate and timely reporting, and complete and compelling proposal submissions. Provide financial insights across departments to support a shared understanding of La Cocina’s financial status and enhance coordinated fundraising efforts
• LEAD AND OVERSEE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS - Act as both project manager and hands-on contributor, guiding the team in setting and achieving assigned annual fundraising goals. Lead development initiatives, including large-scale or cross-functional grants, events, and communications that drive donations. Balance strategic oversight with active involvement, delegating tasks where possible and directly executing work when necessary to ensure project success
• Other duties that align with the overall skill set and responsibilities of this role may be assigned, as needed

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE AT LA COCINA WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE AT LA COCINA

• LEADERSHIP | All members of the La Cocina staff display leadership by participating in the annual planning and budgeting process for the organization, the annual review process for other members of the staff, and by supporting recruiting initiatives for open roles within the organization. This culture of feedback leads to our collective team’s growth and success
• As the Development Manager, you may be responsible for working closely with outside contractors that support the Development team and ensuring that they have the information and resources necessary to effectively support La Cocina with their skills
• IMPACT REPORTING AND TECHNOLOGY | Reporting on activities using technology systems including Salesforce is an essential part of La Cocina’s ability to tell the story of the work we do and the impact we are having. Your diligent use of and efficient response to these reporting systems and requests are essential to our ability to raise funds and accurately reflect our impact.
• Proven history of achieving fundraising goals, executing impactful events, and effectively managing personnel to drive team success and meet organizational objectives
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, including experience with financial controls, budgeting, and accurate financial reporting to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility
• Demonstrated experience in respectfully and authentically writing stories that amplify, center, and celebrate the voices of diverse women, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Skilled in crafting narratives that uplift these communities with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural awareness, ensuring their stories are told with integrity and respect
• Ability to clearly communicate complex concepts, representing La Cocina to funders in ways that effectively inspire and engage our community of supporters and donors
• A passionate commitment to racial and gender equity in business ownership with deep experience working within low- income communities
• Excellent grant writing skills are non-negotiable.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to develop new processes and systems when necessary
• Strong relationship building skills, and interpersonal communication skills
• Being bilingual in Spanish and English will serve you well in this role, but is not required

IN PERSON / HYBRID WORK POLICY - La Cocina follows a hybrid work model that requires employees to work in person at one of our San Francisco locations at least three days per week.

TIME OFF RESTRICTIONS - Avoid substantial time off during any major fundraising campaigns, all La Cocina development special events and for any large donor or partner commitments.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - La Cocina is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.