Philanthropy & Development Manager
Fast ForwardABOUT FAST FORWARD
Tech is ubiquitous. Tech solutions for social problems are not. An emerging class of startups is building tech to solve these social problems. They are tech nonprofits. Fast Forward bridges the tech and nonprofit sectors to build capacity for tech nonprofits, so they can scale solutions to our world’s most urgent problems.
To date, Fast Forward’s portfolio of tech nonprofits have impacted 262M lives and raised $1 billion in follow-on funding. 85% of the portfolio have a founder who has personal experience with the problem, 62% have a founder who is a woman, and 75% have a founder who is a person of color.
As the first and only organization focused exclusively on scaling startups that combine the best tech with sustainable nonprofit business models, Fast Forward’s mission is to accelerate impact. Visit us: http://www.ffwd.org.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Fast Forward’s first Fundraising Operations Manager, you’ll report directly to the Vice President of Fundraising and Partnerships and serve as the operational heartbeat of the team. You’ll build the systems and structures that keep everything running smoothly, from data strategy to stewardship workflows. You’ll also collaborate closely with teammates to generate insights and empower fundraisers to do their best work.
You bring structure and clarity to complex systems, turning information into actionable insight. You’ll manage our CRM, refine key workflows, lead grant reporting, and ensure our data and processes strengthen meaningful relationships across our donor community.
We’re looking for someone who excels at translating big-picture strategy into day-to-day execution, leverages a CRM to drive operational excellence, and finds joy in creating order that helps mission-driven teams thrive.
This is a full-time, in-office role based in the Presidio in San Francisco, CA.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Business Development
- Identify and research new foundation and corporate funding opportunities aligned with Fast Forward’s strategic priorities.
- Support the Director of Strategic Philanthropy in developing and executing against annual fundraising targets.
- Manage outreach to prospective funders to build interest and support in securing philanthropic commitments.
- Develop clear, persuasive grant proposals and partnership concept notes, along with other high-quality materials that advance fundraising goals.
- Track deadlines and maintain accurate records of proposals and funding opportunities in Fast Forward systems (HubSpot, Notion, Google Drive).
Strategic Planning & Collaboration
- Contribute to overall fundraising strategy by surfacing new funding opportunities and partnership models.
- Work closely with the Strategic Partnerships team to ensure alignment between new funding initiatives and current partner priorities.
- Collaborate with the Programs and Marketing teams to translate fundraising objectives into clear programmatic outcomes.
- Participate in internal fundraising planning and revenue tracking meetings.
- Support in defining the partner offering menu to ensure Fast Forward can continue meeting the needs of partners.
ABOUT YOU
- 5+ years of experience in fundraising, sales, and/or business development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and presentations.
- Excel at building authentic, trust-based relationships with external partners through empathy and a deep understanding of their needs and priorities.
- Highly organized and self-directed, with strong follow-through on multiple concurrent projects.
- Collaborative and mission-driven, excited to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment.
- Track record of success in securing individual, foundation, and/or corporate donations is preferred
- Deep passion for Fast Forward’s mission and the role of technology in advancing social good, with experience or familiarity in tech nonprofits or social innovation as a plus.
COMPENSATION
Salary: $100,000 - $115,000 - negotiable depending on experience.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
- Platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Unaccrued PTO
- 401k retirement plan & employer matching
- Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio
- Every other Friday is a half day
- Most importantly, input on the office snack order
Note: In accordance with federal, state, and local safety guidelines, this role is expected to be performed in-person, in San Francisco.
Fast Forward is a social justice organization founded on the idea that those with proximity to the problem should have proximity to the power to fix them. Our true north is empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the tools, community, and capital they need to scale solutions for underserved groups, and we know that a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is inextricable from that pursuit. Read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidelines to learn how we approach DEI across our investments, community, and workplace.
Fast Forward is an equal opportunity employer.