Director of Development Operations (Full Time, Remote)

Accelerate Action•Boston, MA

3d•Remote

About The Position

Accelerate Change is seeking an experienced Director of Development Operations to lead and execute the strategic vision for the Development Operations Department. The role oversees grant management and donor data and operational responsibilities, supports high-level fundraising and external funder communications, leads the department team, collaborates across functions, and ensures grant activities comply with rigorous audits. The position is full-time and 100% remote within the United States, with occasional travel every 2–3 months. The Director reports to the VP of Development & Executive Operations and has two direct reports: the Grants Manager and the Development & Communications Manager. Accelerate Change is a nonprofit (c3/c4) digital media lab founded in 2012. It works to increase civic engagement with BIPOC and low-income communities through digital media, including by scaling emerging and established cultural media properties, building influencer networks, operating a digital media lab, and leading civic engagement campaigns. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director helps shape the organization’s strategy, programs, activities, and culture. The role also supports the organization’s anti-racist work, partner networks, and evolving departmental and Central Team needs. Accelerate Change describes its work environment as fast-paced and unstructured, and encourages staff to take an entrepreneurial approach, learn new skills, and pursue individualized development opportunities. The organization offers a salary range of $95,000–$145,000, with exact compensation depending on experience; new staff rarely start at the top of the range. It describes a flexible approach to scheduling while expecting staff to work 40 hours per week except for occasional sprints requiring additional time, and to attend necessary meetings.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in a director-level role overseeing a development team or development operations department at a medium-sized or larger nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated experience working with Salesforce, with a strong focus on the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP).
Strong understanding of nonprofit financial compliance and IRS regulations related to development operations.
Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.
Ability to meet outcomes and deadlines accurately, efficiently, and with high quality.
People-management skills, including training and supporting a small team of managers and development operations support contractors.
Solutions-oriented problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate across departments and with stakeholders.
Willingness to think creatively to find solutions and streamline departmental processes.
Demonstrated commitment to social change and civic engagement with BIPOC and low-income communities.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic vision for the Development Operations Department and align its work with organizational goals, strategy, and priorities.
Oversee grant management, including grant writing, proposal development, and grant reporting for Accelerate Change and incubated projects.
Oversee and optimize development operations, including donation processing, Salesforce data tracking, donor and donation reporting, acknowledgment letters, stakeholder information requests, and other operational responsibilities.
Lead external funder communications strategies, including email campaigns, LinkedIn presence, funder events, webinars, annual reports, and other donor-facing materials and communications.
Support fundraising solicitation and funder relationship management led by the Executive Director and President alongside the Head of Partnerships.
Ensure donors and prospects receive meaningful stewardship; answer questions, address issues, and provide information to current and prospective funders.
Lead, coach, and manage the performance of the Development Operations Department team, fostering professional growth and accountability.
Collaborate with program and finance teams to ensure grant activities comply with approved budgets and project objectives.
Provide leadership with updates on grant performance, compliance issues, and opportunities for improvement, including to the President and Executive Director as needed.
Conduct quarterly audits of grant compliance and expenditures and ensure adherence to funder guidelines and organizational policies.
Review and audit grant agreement terms to ensure organizational adherence and identify and flag potential risks or discrepancies.
Oversee review and validation of grant-related data entries to maintain accuracy and support informed decision-making.
As a Leadership Team member, help shape Accelerate Change’s strategy, programs, activities, and culture.
Adapt to changing responsibilities and help meet the needs of the department and Central Team.
Advance the organization’s anti-racist goals by applying equitable work practices, challenging white supremacy, supporting inclusion, and participating in values work.
Serve as a resource to partner networks by amplifying partner successes, making connections, facilitating shared learning, and offering expertise where appropriate.
Take an entrepreneurial approach to work and learning, seek ways to build skills on current and emerging platforms and lean startup methodology, and pursue development opportunities aligned with personal interests and team priorities.

Benefits

Health care beginning at employment, with individual premiums fully covered and dependent cost-sharing.
Vision and dental plans available at cost to the individual.
15 paid vacation days each year.
6 paid holidays each year.
3 paid floating holidays each year.
7.5 paid sick days each year.
Professional development funds, renewed each fiscal year.
Cell phone and internet reimbursement, or reimbursement for monthly co-working space costs.
Need-based educational loan assistance after 3 months.
401(k) contributions and matching program available at the beginning of employment.
Annual office closure during the last week in December.
Flexible scheduling and an expectation of 40 hours of work each week except for occasional sprints that require more time.