Senior Manager of Development and Justice Partnerships: Equity Research Cooperative

The Equity Research Cooperative (EqRC) seeks a Senior Manager of Development to manage the organization’s funding sustainability and cultivate strategic partnerships that advance its social justice mission. EqRC is a rapidly growing organization seeking to establish and sustain a social justice research agenda, a praxis for redistribution, and an inclusive working environment. We recognize the unique experiences and perspectives that women of color bring, and they are invaluable to our team’s success, so we strongly encourage them to apply. We hope you’ll join us as we work to bring this dream to life.

EqRC is a fully remote organization without the option to work in person. This is a salaried position. The Senior Manager of Development is expected to work 35 hours a week. The successful applicant will be detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills, embody social justice research and a praxis approach, and value working in an organization with a flat leadership structure in a sociocracy setting. At the same time, we have intentional hierarchical dynamics within projects and processes to uplift expertise, seniority, and effectiveness. To succeed in our cooperative setting, an applicant must be open to learning and unlearning approaches to navigating emotional, value-driven, and interpersonal collaborations.

EqRC is committed to supporting the Senior Manager of Development role in a manner that sustains and fulfills personal and professional objectives. This position will work collaboratively with the Director of Freedom Dreams in our Strategy Circle. Please note that EqRC is a small, growing organization, and all roles may have other duties assigned when unexpected situations and opportunities arise.

About the Organization

Mission

The Equity Research Cooperative (EqRC) is a non-profit research collective that advances the social, economic, educational, and political emancipation of communities of color through community-engaged research, advocacy, and the praxis of redistribution. As a People of Color interdisciplinary research cooperative, we strategically redistribute our financial resources, academic capital, and operational support to social justice initiatives, organizations, and movements that redress structural oppression.

Vision

We are guided by a deep and abiding freedom dream: one day Black and Brown communities will receive and experience dynamic reparative justice, and the depth and breadth of white supremacy, heteropatriarchy, and capitalism will be addressed. On this day, Black and Brown communities will stand in the power of their sovereignty. We embrace this vision as a rich inheritance of social justice movements before us and the radical love we share with one another. This is our dream.

Structure

We have four circles (teams) that oversee our research, advocacy, grassroots redistribution, operations, and grant development. Organizational Circle leads EqRC’s operational, HR, and financial processes. Strategy Circle drives our grant-securing strategy, financial and technical assistance redistribution to grassroots partners, and special projects for the organization. Research Circle manages several projects from medium to large size that include mixed-method data collection and analysis, relationship management with external partners, management of project consultants, and the reporting of deliverables (e.g., reports and presentations). Central Circle has a rotating representative from each of the above circles, and together, they develop, propose, and approve policies and processes that govern EqRC and its personnel. Please note that EqRC is a small, growing organization, and all roles may have other duties assigned when unexpected situations and opportunities arise.

Equitable Cooperative Approach

Our justice-centered approach aims to address long-standing gender and racial income and wealth disparities and give workers decision-making power over their compensation and benefits.

• Every full-time employee starts at $95k/year with a 2% annual raise (non-negotiable).
  • 10% retirement contribution, no vesting, no matching required.
  • Monthly $80 stipend for wifi and cell phone
    • The total compensation for the above items is about $105,000.
  • EqRC pays 100% of health insurance premiums for full-time employees and dependents.
  • A 10% raise follows a new employee’s election as a cooperative member based on high performance in their role and the broader organization.
  • Start-up technology (laptop) and office package ($500 stipend).
  • Annual $2500 professional development budget
  • 12 weeks of paid parental and medical leave
  • Life and long-term disability insurance
• Fully remote work with two annual in-person retreats and site visits determined by projects.
• Unlimited PTO policy
• Designated organization-wide ‘break’ periods and mental health days (e.g., two weeks in July, two weeks in December)
• Democratic leadership structure where staff determines the future/direction of the organization from new projects, policies, compensation changes, and hiring/dismissal.
• Eligible PSLF employer

About the Role

The Senior Manager of Development and Justice Partnerships is a vital leadership role at EqRC, responsible for driving the organization’s funding sustainability and cultivating strategic partnerships that advance its social justice mission. Our current Director of Freedom Dreams leads the development and partnership strategies in Strategy Circle, and this position would be a part of their team. This individual will coordinate fundraising efforts, secure diverse funding streams, and build strong relationships with foundations, corporations, individual donors, and community organizations. The Manager will also play a key role in identifying and developing partnerships that align with EqRC’s research agenda and contribute to the emancipation of communities of color. This role requires a deep understanding of philanthropy, justice, and movement building and a passion for building relationships and resources to support transformative change. EqRC’s revenue comes from grants for research projects, donations to support our work, and contract payments from technical assistance services.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development:

• Coordinate EqRC’s comprehensive grant and fundraising strategy to secure diverse funding streams, including grants, individual donations, and earned income opportunities.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential funders, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors, aligning their interests with EqRC’s mission and research priorities.
• Co-develop the grant writing process, ensuring compelling proposals effectively communicate EqRC’s research needs, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes.
• Manage grant reporting requirements and ensure compliance with funder regulations.
• Coordinate EqRC’s individual donor cultivation and stewardship strategies, including events, communications, and personalized engagement.
• Engage in relationship management and meetings with external partners that help with funding sustainability and your understanding of projects across the organization.
• Explore and develop earned income opportunities that align with EqRC’s mission and contribute to financial sustainability.
• Contribute to the organization’s strategic planning process and initiatives, ensuring alignment between fundraising, partnerships, and research priorities.
• Travel to key conferences and convenings related to grant strategy and existing projects (normally about 4-6 trips per year)

Justice Partnerships:

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships with community organizations, social justice movements, and other stakeholders working to advance the emancipation of communities of color.
• Build strong relationships with partner organizations, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
• Facilitate collaborative research projects and initiatives that address critical social justice issues.
• Represent EqRC in coalitions and networks dedicated to social change.
• Ensure that partnerships align with EqRC’s values and contribute to its mission and vision.

Qualifications and Experience

• Support EqRC’s mission and vision
• One must have a deep understanding of racial and socioeconomic equity and how inequities manifest in the higher education system. Our research projects focus on the higher education system, and we aim to expand into other areas beyond education. This role, however, requires expertise in educational transformation.
• 6+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with a proven track record of securing funding from diverse sources. (required)
• 2+ years of experience working on grassroots or justice issues, working with community partners, and leading strategic advocacy (desired)
• Deep understanding of social justice issues and commitment to EqRC’s mission and vision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong grant and proposal writing skills.
• Have writing samples (grant proposals, concept papers, deliverables, etc.) demonstrating writing and analytical ability.

*A note on degree requirements: At EqRC, we understand that many individuals do not have equitable access to and support for degree attainment within higher education institutions. We also understand that the skills and dispositions we desire in a candidate might be developed outside of college or university training. As such, we invite you to share in your materials and interview how your experiences, formal training (e.g., degrees, certificates, etc.), and/or informal education have allowed you to develop expertise aligned with the job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We strongly encourage applicants who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to apply for consideration, as well as women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and applicants from other marginalized backgrounds.

Please note that all U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents (holders of a Permanent Resident Card); individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program; Indigenous individuals exercising rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794; individuals granted Temporary Protected Status; asylees; and refugees, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation are eligible to apply for consideration.