Impact-Driven Development Manager: Grants & Donor Strategy

Essie Justice Group - Oakland, CA; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Vacation package

Monthly wellness stipend

Job summary

Essie Justice Group is seeking a Development Manager to expand fundraising capacity and manage institutional grants and donor relations. The role centers on articulating impact, coordinating grant cycles, and building relationships with philanthropists and influencers.

The position is full-time and based in Oakland or Los Angeles, with a comprehensive benefits package and a multi-year fundraising plan to support decarceration advocacy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fundraising experience including grant writing and management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills translating complex issues into cohesive funding proposals.
• Experience preparing nonprofit budgets for funding applications including restricted funds and lobbying.
• Experience evaluating and recommending foundation funding opportunities aligned with priorities.
• Experience writing and preparing personalized funder communications (e.g., letters, reports, invitations).
• Impeccable organization skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Articulate organizational accomplishments in grant applications and reports.
• Manage deadlines and workflows for LOIs, grant applications, and reports.
• Evaluate new funding opportunities aligned with strategic priorities.
• Manage Grant Writer and up to one intern.
• Establish and maintain donor relationship management systems.
• Prepare materials for supporters including thank you letters and annual reports.
• Plan and coordinate fundraising events and activities; manage timelines and guest lists.
• Maintain donor and fundraising files, including Salesforce records.

Skills

Grant writing

Donor engagement

Event planning

Proposal writing

Fundraising strategy

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Essie Justice Group is seeking a Development Manager to expand fundraising capacity and manage institutional grants and donor relations. The role centers on articulating impact, coordinating grant cycles, and building relationships with philanthropists and influencers.

The position is full-time and based in Oakland or Los Angeles, with a comprehensive benefits package and a multi-year fundraising plan to support decarceration advocacy.