About The New Press: The New Press is a
nonprofit publisher committed to social change. We have amplified
progressive voices for a more inclusive, just, and equitable world
for more than thirty years. Our books enrich public discourse,
defend democratic values, and promote the public interest. We
are:
- A book publisher with a social justice
mission. - An intellectual home for the nation’s leading progressive
thinkers, journalists, scholars, political leaders, and
activists. - A publishing house where ideas and
movements come together. - A small, diverse organization with a big vision: to
change the world, book by
book.
Today, The New Press has evolved into a key player in the
progressive infrastructure, collaborating with dozens of nonprofit
organizations, advocacy groups, research institutes, think tanks,
colleges and universities, and philanthropic foundations as we
position our books as catalysts for social change.
Job Summary: As the day-to-day operational lead
for foundation fundraising, the Development Officer manages The New
Press-wide grants efforts and is responsible for securing support
from a range of large and small foundations to meet the
organization’s philanthropic goals and operating needs – currently
$2.5 million in foundation grants from over two dozen major
foundations (Ford, MacArthur, Open Society, Omidyar, etc.)
annually. In addition to writing and managing grant proposals and
preparing grant reports, the position is also responsible for
assisting in planning and budget development, including developing
other materials as needed as well as prospect research. The
position reports to the Chief Development Officer and collaborates
with the Development Assistant and other junior staff within the
department.
Responsibilities
- Strategize with management on an ongoing basis to maintain
long-term financial sustainability through major six figure
foundation grants in support of the organization’s mission and
operations.
- Primary responsibility for sustaining high-level foundation
contacts and for maintaining grant funding levels
year-over-year. - Manage, oversee, and execute The New Press’s foundation
fundraising plan in support of the organization’s $2.5m foundation
funding goal; maintain relationships with multiple
stakeholders. - Identify, research, and cultivate new and lapsed foundation
donors for unrestricted and restricted support. - Coordinate, prepare for, attend, and do follow-up for (as
appropriate) meetings with foundation staff with the Executive
Director, Chief Development Officer, Editorial Director, and
editorial staff. - Write and coordinate foundation proposals, in conjunction with
other members of the fundraising team and editorial staff, for
general operating support as well as specific book
projects. - Report on all foundation grants in a thorough and timely
fashion. - Maintain on-going cultivation of existing foundation
contacts - Work closely with The New Press accounting manager on financial
reporting. - Work with Chief Development Officer to develop and manage
budget projections. - Attend editorial meetings, as appropriate, to evaluate funding
opportunities related to editorial prospects (proposals, RFPs,
potential authors), to convey foundation interests, and to help
facilitate the exchange of ideas/information between development
and editorial staff. - Liaise with key staff to ensure grant compliance.
Required Skills/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Proven track record with proposal writing for institutional
funders, including successful procurement of multiple six-figure
grants. - As a publishing house, we prioritize a high-level command of
the written word. Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
are essential. - Ability to work independently and as part of a team,
effectively manage multiple projects, tasks, and
deadlines. - Proficiency with fundraising techniques, strategies, and
sources. - Knowledge and familiarity with prospect research
techniques.
- Experience with budget development and monitoring finances with
a high degree of accuracy. - Ability to hold in confidence information concerning the
organization’s strategic, philanthropic, and financial goals and
priorities. - Ability to identify ways to match the programs, books, and
activities of The New Press with potential foundation funders;
identify proactive and responsive strategies for engaging (and
partnering as appropriate) with program officers in ways that
address foundation priorities and goals. - Exceptional organizational skills, diplomacy, discretion,
attention to detail, pro-activeness, and a high energy
level. - Excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain
relationships with foundation stakeholders and will be a central
part of the team that meets with foundation
stakeholders. - Passion for progressive social change and familiarity with the
NYC philanthropy landscape
Preferred Experience
- Certified Fundraising Executive credentialing
- Experience using Raisers Edge
- Supervisory experience with freelancers/contractors/junior
staff - Love of reading
- Familiarity with New Press books
- Familiarity with New Press funders