BACKGROUND:

Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, a project of Tides Center, the nation’s largest fiscal sponsor (hereafter “Watchlist”), is an NGO network that monitors and reports on violations against the security and rights of children and adolescents in specific situations of armed conflict. Watchlist uses this information to urge action by the UN Security Council, other UN agencies and appropriate governments. Watchlist also provides support to local NGO partners in areas of conflict to build sustainable, grass roots monitoring, reporting and advocacy networks related to violations against children in armed conflicts.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Development Officer is based in New York, and part of the 6-person team of Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict (‘Watchlist’). The Development Officer’s role is to advance the fundraising and outreach activities of Watchlist, primarily with charitable foundations. The Development Officer plays a critical role in the organization’s development efforts, researching and identifying foundations who match Watchlist’s vision and mission, building and maintaining relationships with foundation program staff and working closely with Watchlist staff to develop and write proposals to institutional funders. Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Development Officer is responsible for developing, implementing and continually improving upon a fundraising strategy for a portfolio of prospects and donors for the organization.

The part-time Development Officer is an exempt position. Exempt employees are expected to work the appropriate and necessary time in order to complete key assignments and related tasks on schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist in the development of strategy for cultivating grants from donors, develop donor stewardship plans with a special focus on charitable foundations and corporations;
Research, identify and solicit new sources of support, primarily from charitable foundations and corporations, by matching Watchlist’s programs with donors’ funding priorities;
Form and cultivate relationships with foundation program officers to introduce the organization, deepen relationships, and facilitate the production of grant proposals;
Manage ‘Status of Funding’ database listing all prospects, contact info and dialogue, grant deadlines, and grant submissions.
Develop relationships with programmatic staff to keep abreast of projects and incorporate them into grant writing;
Research and write proposals, stewardship reports and other materials for existing and prospective donors;
Develop or coordinate activities related to increasing the organization’s visibility among foundation and government prospects;
Ensure that fundraising goals are met.

All job duties as listed above are essential but other duties may be assigned as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field. A Master’s Degree or equivalent job-related experience is highly desirable.
Minimum 3 to 5 years’ successful experience in grant writing or fundraising, preferably with charitable foundations.
Experience in developing and facilitating private/public partnerships ideal, but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Excellent written and oral communications skills in English are required.
Prospect research, donor stewardship and grant writing expertise in an international organization and familiarity with the international human rights donor community are strongly preferred.
Web-based research skills and experience with fundraising database systems.
The ability to assimilate and convey conceptually complicated information in a succinct and compelling way, tailored to different audiences, is required.
Familiarity with and demonstrated commitment to international human rights.
Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within Watchlist, as well as with external partners, are required.
Ability to think creatively, take initiative, and drive to follow-through are required.
Excellent time-management skills and the ability to prioritize and complete work under pressure are required.
Must be able and willing to travel occasionally. Travel can occasionally include international destinations.

How to apply

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the US. Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, a project of Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the interview process.

To apply submit résumé, cover letter detailing relevant experience and (1) unedited writing sample plus salary requirements via email to:

Bonnie Berry, Watchlist Program Manager

Facsimile: 212.972.0701 – E-mail: bonnieb@watchlist.org