Development Associate

About Southern Vision Alliance (SVA)

SVA is a justice-centered, values-based “grassroots intermediary” organized to provide incubation, infrastructure, capacity building, coaching, and technical assistance to frontline organizing projects, leadership programs, and collaborations led by directly impacted communities in the US South. We are an anchor for frontline groups and leaders to disrupt and transform power for collective liberation. SVA is headquartered in Durham, NC, and supports a diverse cohort of more than 40 fiscally sponsored projects. We are also a funder ourselves and have several internal programs focused on power-building in the South.

Summary

SVA is looking for a detail-oriented person to support the development department in the role of Development Associate.

Required skills and experience

• Clear and demonstrated commitment to SVA’s core values of social justice, racial justice, and collective liberation.
• At least two years’ experience working in development/fundraising and administrative support.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Drive applications.
• Manages a high volume of work with efficiency: Has, or can create, a system for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality. Is able to plan backwards in order to make deadlines.
• Consistently overcomes challenges and leverages resources to creatively solve problems. Proposes solutions to issues without much guidance, but isn’t afraid to ask questions.
• Proactively asks for help, anticipates problems, and course-corrects where needed.
• Attention to detail: Notices and fixes errors that others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a diverse variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate with SVA’s Sponsored Projects and funders with respect, patience, and kindness.
• Ability to respond to inquiries in a prompt, professional manner.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Trustworthiness: Comes across as genuine. Says what they mean. Builds authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Follows through on commitments.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with current and potential funders (grantors and individuals).
• Support Sponsored Projects in grant writing, report writing, and sending reminders about deadlines.
• Act as a liaison between Sponsored Projects and the development team and other departments to get grant agreements signed, request documents, and ensure reports are submitted on time.
• Manage the grants@southernvision.org email inquiries.
• Add and update tickets in the Development ticketing system.
• Gather stories from Sponsored Projects to include in grants and reports.
• Suggest improvements or modifications for standard operating procedures related to foundations and donor relations.
• Support the development director with grant proposals and reports.
• Review, edit, and approve grant proposals and reports.
• Develop regular fundraising pitches, development narratives, and summaries.
• Draft opinion-editorials (op-eds).
• Manage, solicit, and edit quarterly blog posts from SVA team members.
• Manage quarterly email newsletters to program officers and major donors.
• Create/review fundraising pitches for various programs and the organization.
• Research and prospect new potential revenue sources and foundation relationships.
• File grant applications, contracts, and reports in the SVA filing system (Google Drive, Sheets, Google Docs).
• Enter detailed data for checks received.
• In-person attendance at the annual All Members Gathering and monthly staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Staff Expectations

• Be cooperative and supportive teammates.
• Respond promptly to all communications via email, Slack, and other organizational communication methods.
• Work the hours committed to weekly.
• Share concerns directly and respectfully.
• Be receptive to feedback.
• Be solution-oriented toward challenges.
• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Treat colleagues and community members with respect.

Supervision

• Supervised by Manzoor Cheema, Development Director