Director of Development

    THE ORGANIZATION
    Grist, the nation’s leading environmental news platform, is an independent nonprofit media organization that shapes the country’s environmental conversations, making green second nature for its growing monthly audience of 2,000,000+. Grist reaches its audiences by cutting through the noise to connect big issues like climate change to daily life, and by spotlighting the people and ideas leading our world to a more sustainable future. Founded in 1999, Grist has been featured by media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC’sToday show, and Time, and has won several prestigious awards for its pioneering media work.
    THE POSITION
    Grist seeks a Director of Development to manage and grow its fundraising program.  As a member of Grist’s senior management team, the Director of Development will work closely with the President, Founder, and other staff to shape and implement organizational strategies and to increase revenues from private sources. Reporting to the President, the Director of Development will manage a team of 3-4 individuals responsible for raising funds from members, major donors, and institutional sources; the team will likely grow in upcoming years. Grist is particularly interested in finding an energetic, strategic, and seasoned fundraiser who can strengthen the organization’s individual giving program by building the major gift prospect pipeline and taking the existing portfolio of individuals to the next level of philanthropy.  This is a wonderful opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and can build a comprehensive 21st century development program.
    RESPONSIBILITIES:
    • Design and manage a comprehensive fundraising program, encompassing membership, annual and major gifts, planned giving, foundation and corporate giving and development operations
    • Grow and develop the organization’s major gift prospect pool.  Identify, engage and solicit individuals and families capable of making gifts at five-, six- and seven-figure levels
    • Align prospect interests and philanthropic goals with Grist’s current and emerging funding priorities
    • Strengthen and build relationships with institutional funders, particularly diversifying and increasing Grist’s support from foundations
    • Oversee collaborative initiatives across departments to identify prospects, develop funding initiatives and respond to targets of opportunity
    • Manage annual giving and membership campaigns in order to increase unrestricted support for and the number of donors to the organization
    • Lead and mentor members of the fundraising team
    • Serve as a member of Grist’s senior management team, contributing to the development and implementation of the organization’s operating and strategic plans Serve as fundraising liaison to Grist’s board, providing counsel and direction regarding fundraising activities and assisting with special board projects
    • Leverage board and staff relationships to maximize development opportunities, including designing and executing high-level solicitations
    • Ensure the timely, accurate creation and production of fundraising materials, including proposals, annual reports, correspondence, collateral, etc.
    • Oversee the planning and execution of donor events and other activities critical to engaging Grist’s constituencies
    • Supervise the timely and accurate processing of gifts and acknowledgements and reporting on fundraising results
    • Serve as an ambassador of the organization to prospects and funders throughout the country, involving the leadership and staff of the organization as appropriate in outreach, cultivation and solicitation activities
    • Oversee donor stewardship efforts for select prospects/donors, helping to promote a culture of gratitude among internal and external constituents
    • Oversee and effectively utilize the prospect management system/database to record prospect/donor activity and other relevant data in a timely fashion
    • Perform other tasks, as appropriate, to achieve Grist’s fundraising goals
     CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
    Experience:
    • Five+ years of senior-level fundraising experience, with proven success in the areas of individual and institutional giving; experience developing earned-income revenue streams a plus
    • Experience overseeing and building a development program
    • Demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects/donors and effectively move them through the development cycle
    • Strong management experience
    • Experience managing and motivating high-impact board members and  engaging and supporting volunteer leadership with their efforts in fundraising, consultation, and advocacy
    • Experience with fundraising databases (Salesforce preferred) and comfort with Google Docs and MS Office, including presentation software (Google Slides and PowerPoint)
    • Experience in making “cold/qualifying” calls as well as developing donor-centric cultivation and solicitation strategies
    • Experience with marketing and communications preferred
    • Experience creating diverse new funding opportunities and identifying fundable projects
    Education: 
    A Bachelor’s degree is required. An advanced degree is desirable.
    COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES
     The successful professional will have or be:
    • A sense of humor
    • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues
    • Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a track record of engaging and influencing a wide range of donors
    • An entrepreneurial spirit
    • Attention to detail and strong time-management and organizational skills
    • Strong self-motivation and ability to work as part of a collaborative team
    • Skill in successfully managing multiple projects on tight deadlines and under pressure in a dynamic and open environment
    • Strong financial skills, including the ability to develop and review budgets and to develop management reports that present a clear financial picture of fundraising activities
    • Experience interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds
    • Unquestionable integrity and the ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
    • Ability to grasp and articulate multi-layered programs in a way that meets the interests and passions of donors
    • A creative, enthusiastic team member with a clear commitment to the mission of the organization
    • A working knowledge of environmental issues and science
    • An ability to travel and undertake occasional weekend work
    • Exceptional interpersonal skills
    • Ability to work independently
    COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
    This is a full-time, exempt position. A competitive salary and generous employee benefits package will be offered. To be considered for this position or for additional information on the opportunity, please contact:
    David N. Randall
    Principal
    Randall Search Associates
    415 767 3814
    david@randallsearchassociates.com

    Director of Finance and Administration

    Grist, the web’s foremost source for intelligent, irreverent environmental news and commentary, is looking for a financial and administrative superstar to manage the organization’s key business functions.  This is a unique opportunity to be part of a fast-growing organization that combines the energy, creativity, and initiative of an internet company with the heart of a nonprofit.  Grist is seeking a professional with proven management and financial skills and a desire to make a difference. The Director of Finance & Administration is an integral member of Grist’s Senior Management Team, overseeing the finance, human resource, IT, facilities and administrative functions of the organization.
    Position Summary
    The Director of Finance & Administration manages all aspects of Grist’s accounting/finance, human resource, IT, facilities and administrative functions.  This position provides detailed direction and oversight to the team and is a hands-on leader, actively participating in day-to-day operations in each of these areas.  S/he also works closely with the President and other members of the Sr. Management Team to monitor operations and to analyze and develop broad strategic and financial plans for the organization.  Primary responsibilities include:
    Accounting/Finance
    • Forecast and track financial projections, cashflow, and investment needs for operations.  Prepare financial dashboard  and other operational reports & metrics, as needed
    • Serves and partners with the Board’s Finance Committee and Executive Committee to ensure fiduciary oversight and responsibilities are met
    • Monitors the Office Manager’s work on cash receipt, accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll in the monthly accounting cycle
    • Prepares journal entries and reconciliations as part of the standard month-end and year-end closing process
    • Issues monthly departmental and organizational financial reports and other grant related budgets and reports in cooperation with development staff
    • Manages annual audit and tax returns process with outside consultants
    • Manage annual budgeting process
    • Research and analyze business impact of new activities and changes.  Interprets financial data and trends for management and board.  Stays current on GAAP and non-profit accounting and tax requirements for the organization
    • Establish, maintain, and document appropriate procedures and monitor internal controls
    Human Resources
    • Directs and support the Office Manager’s work on benefits administration, new employee orientation and welcome process, and short-term employee programs
    • Oversees annual renewal for employee benefit plans
    • Manages annual performance review process
    • Ensures that employee handbook and benefits are current and relevant
    IT/Facilities
    • Product owner of office IT systems, network and office space/lease
    • Establishes standards and protocol for office IT, software programs, computer equipment and other office equipment.  Oversees and ensures on-going maintenance and stability of office systems and computer equipment
    • Guides safe and efficient design of the business space, equipment, and supplies
    Administrative
    • Ensure compliance with all organizational and employer business requirements
    • Manages general legal matters of the business
    • Oversees annual renewal of general business insurance coverage
    • Considers new administrative/support issues as they arise
    • Other duties as assigned
    Qualifications
    • A minimum of 5 years (7 preferred) of experience, with a minimum of 2 in a supervisory or management role.
    • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business related field.  A CPA preferred.
    • Extensive experience in the application of GAAP.  Prior experience working with Non-Profit Sector preferred.
    • High level of proficiency using Quickbooks and MS Excel (and other MS Office products). Knowledgeable in Paychex Preview system and Google Apps administration preferred.
    • Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills in sensitive and confidential financial transactions requiring demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization.
    • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
    • Excellent analytical and process improvement skills. Practical solution orientation.
    • Ability to work independently, demonstrate good personal judgment and exercise a commitment to ethical conduct.
    • Comfortable with shifting priorities, frequent change and leading teams successfully through change. Desire to help build new process and seek out and apply best practices and use business process thinking to improve the Administration functions.
    • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software, online tools, and processes is required.
    Salary will depend on experience. Grist offers excellent benefits, a delightful workplace, and the opportunity to play a crucial role in a magazine with a mission.
    To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to countmein@grist.org with “Director of Finance & Administration” in the subject line. We are looking for a thoughtful, personalized cover letter that demonstrates your qualifications, enthusiasm, and communication style. No phone calls, please. Grist is an equal-opportunity employer.
    About Grist
    Grist is an independent nonprofit media organization that shapes the country’s environmental conversations, making green second nature for our monthly audience of 2,000,000 and growing. We reach the next generation by cutting through the noise to connect big issues like climate change to daily life, and by spotlighting the people and ideas leading us to a more sustainable future. (Also by posting videos of baby animals.) Founded in 1999, Grist has been featured by media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC’s Today show, and Time, and has won many prestigious awards for its pioneering media work.

    Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager

    Grist, the nation’s leading green news site, is seeking a Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager to help sustain and increase our institutional support. You will be responsible for building relationships with current and potential foundation and corporate supporters, including prospecting, wooing, proposal and report writing, and ongoing stewardship. Playing a key role on our small-but-feisty fundraising team, you will work in coordination with the Development Director, President, CEO, and Board of Directors to create strategies that allow our organization, which uses irreverent storytelling to engage next-generation audiences, to grow and thrive. You must be an exceptional writer (as a media organization, we’re extra picky), a creative thinker, and a fearless fundraiser who can open even the most fiercely guarded doors. Some travel is required; an understanding of green issues, journalism, and the environmental funding landscape would be helpful; and a sense of humor never hurts.
    Responsibilities
    • Work with Development Director and other staff to design and implement plans to increase Grist’s base of foundation and, especially, corporate support
    • Conduct preliminary funder research and evaluate foundation and corporate prospects
    • Partner with the Development Director to develop strategies to engage, solicit, and steward these prospects
    • Participate in face-to-face meetings with funders across the country and manage relationships with foundation staff
    • Write compelling communications for funders at all stages of the cultivation process, including correspondence with staff, letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports
    • Collect and synthesize information about Grist’s programs from other departments as needed to make the case for support and report on organizational progress
    • Provide support to the Development Director, President, CEO, and Board of Directors for in-person meetings with current and potential funders
    • Support efforts to raise Grist’s profile in the funder community, including funder briefings and other speaking engagements
    • Manage organized and efficient operational systems to ensure accurate records and timely communication with funders; oversee all foundation and corporate database records
    Qualifications
    This is a full-time role based in our Seattle office, however applicants based in New York or San Francisco will also be considered. Other qualifications include:
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • 5+ years of experience with fundraising and/or grantwriting
    • Exceptional writing and editing ability
    • Strong project-management skills
    • Ability to work well with external audiences and staff across the organization
    • Strong research and database skills (experience with Salesforce is a plus)
    • Sound and accurate judgment and decision-making skills
    • Ability to work and problem-solve independently
    • Ability to travel
    To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample (ideally not a boring grant proposal – we’ll get to that later) to foundation@grist.org with “Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager” in the subject line. We are looking for a thoughtful, personalized cover letter that displays your qualifications, enthusiasm, and communication style. No phone calls, please. Grist is an equal-opportunity employer.
    About Grist
    Grist is an independent nonprofit media organization that shapes the country’s environmental conversations, making green second nature for our monthly audience of 2,000,000 and growing. We reach the next generation by cutting through the noise to connect big issues like climate change to daily life, and by spotlighting the people and ideas leading us to a more sustainable future. (Also by posting the occasional baby animal video.) Founded in 1999, Grist has been featured by media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC’sToday show, and Time, and has won many prestigious awards for its pioneering media work.

    WordPress Web Developer

    Grist is looking for a front-end Web developer with strong experience with WordPress plugin and theme development. If you have experience working in the media, aim for excellence, see failure as a learning opportunity, and believe it’s possible to crack a joke and change the world at the same time, this could be the job for you.

    A Great Place to Do Good Work

    Grist is a great place for a developer to work. We are a small company where you can have a big impact. We have a 4-person product team composed of developers and designers. Developers collaborate closely with designers and journalists. There are no tossing of comps over the wall – it’s a place where your product ideas can help contribute to the success of our mission. We practice Agile scrum in 2-week sprints. We ship code regularly. We have flexible schedules, including “10% time” for side-projects and work-from-home opportunities. It’s a chill office with jeans-and-tshirt dress code and there is beer in the fridge. Our developers get opportunities for professional development and travel to conferences.
    As a media company and a non-profit looking to do good in the world, we often get visits from leading authors, eminent scientists, and world-changing technologists. The product team gets the unique opportunity to meet and speak one-on-one with these innovators and thought leaders in an informal setting. Our work is inspired and invigorated by these visits and they help make Grist a unique workplace.

    Save the planet one line of code at a time

    We use modern technologies and development methods at Grist. We work daily in WordPress and our responsive theme is built using Zurb Foundation, SASS, and HTML5 APIs. We use vagrant and grunt to build out our local environments.
    We’re hosted on the reliable WordPress.com VIP service, which means we spend our time thinking about the product as a service to our readers and not managing hardware and networks. We also do side-projects with emerging technologies.  We contribute to open-source projects and share our own code with the community.
    Grist is a fast-growing organization that combines the energy, creativity, and initiative of a young internet company with the spirit of a nonprofit. Yeah, we said nonprofit;  It means walking into work with the feeling that what you do actually matters. That’s a good feeling, trust us.

    Opportunities

    • The challenge to develop for a rapidly growing mobile audience.
    • The chance to be creative and participate in product design.
    • Work with journalists on stories built with new Web technologies.
    • Work in WordPress in an enterprise environment.
    You will work in close collaboration with designers and developers on a new Macbook Air in a daily scrum to develop our Zurb-Foundation 4 based WordPress theme with a focus on creating a great reading experience. Your  passion for  UX and modern Web design will help deliver a great experience to our readers. You are experienced with responsive design techniques and have a deep appreciation of the challenges in designing for mobile audiences. You’re interested in taking our site to the next level by employing backbone.js and developing new features for both our readers and authors. You’ll help us tailor our site for a majority mobile audience and will help us optimize for the reading experience though A/B testing and Website performance.

    Benefits

    • Stay current. Professional development and conference budget
    • Use a shiny MacBook Air and a big screen monitor
    • Get around town for free with a free Orca Card
    • 3+ weeks vacation, personal flex time
    • 401K matching
    • Jeans and t-shirt office style
    • Welcome to Seattle’s sandwich district.  Team lunch 2x month
    • Great health care coverage
    • Locally roasted coffee
    • The warm feeling you get for doing good in the world
    This is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing organization that combines the energy, creativity, and initiative of a young internet company with the spirit of a nonprofit. This is a full-time salaried position with good benefits. Our team is located in downtown Seattle.  While we do like candidates who can work with us in person, we know that good talent can be found anywhere and we’re well versed with working with distributed teams, so do apply.
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    Web developer application