About the organization:

‍Make the Road PA was launched in 2014 and, over the last decade, has quickly become one of the largest Latinx organizations in the state of Pennsylvania. MRPA now runs three robust organizing centers in Reading, Allentown, and Philadelphia. We have a strong, engaged membership base of Black and Brown working-class people, primarily in Latinx communities. We have a strong track record of local and state campaigns, large-scale mobilizations on federal issues, large-scale civic engagement work, and active leadership among key progressive organizing groups, coalitions, and tables across the state.

About the position

The Development Associate, in collaboration with the Development Manager and the Senior Leadership Team, is responsible for overseeing MRPA’s fundraising landscape and potential donor pool. They will play a vital role in fundraising for the entire organization, oversee fundraising for MRPA, be the point person for fundraising events, coordinating other activities to encourage donations and help move the team towards our goal of improving the community’s lives. The Development Associate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with an enthusiastic team under the direction of a visionary director to build out a development department and exceed fundraising goals. The role will play a critical part in securing philanthropic funds, grant management, building out an individual donor pool, fostering relationships with potential donors/foundations under the direction of the director to continue MRPA’s vision.

Location

Philadelphia, Reading, Hazleton, or Allentown, PA

Travel

This position will involve between-office travel approximately 20% of the time, primarily day trips between Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and Hazleton. This position will also occasionally travel to conferences and to other Make the Road states around the country, and overnight trips will occur a few times/year.

Reports to

Development Manager

Supervises

N/A

Job Responsibilities

• Identify local, state, and national funding opportunities;
• Draft grant applications and reports, and track deadlines;
• Work with Development Manager to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with current, former, and potential funders and agency leaders;
• Compile detailed profiles of prospective funders using a variety of strategies, including online research;
• Provide administrative support to Development Manager;
• Work closely with communications department to compile highlights for the year, draft language, and draft design for annual report;
• Work with other departments and the Data Associate to track deliverables for grant reports;
• Support Development Manager in developing long and short-term fundraising strategies and goals;
• Produce grant content including but not limited to letters of intent, grant proposals, one-pagers, budgets, and other content for funding appeals;
• Lead end of year fundraising campaign and create materials to support staff in organizational fundraising efforts;
• Play a key and supportive role in yearly fundraiser event;
• Support updating and maintaining the donor database;
• Help develop thank you letters/notes and other appreciation content for donors;
• Represent, and advocate on behalf of Make the Road members in coalition spaces, with elected officials, and government agencies;
• Speak about Make the Road and its campaigns in public spaces and to the press.

What are we looking for?

• 1-2 years of experience in the progressive political movement, ideally at a grassroots basebuilding organization, in any capacity: organizing, communications, policy advocacy, etc.;
• Fluency, written, reading, and spoken, in English required and Spanish preferred;
• Moderately strong writing skills in English;
• High level of attention to detail;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, community organizing, leadership development and the elevation of directly impacted and marginalized people to create change;
• Basic research skills;
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle;
• Experience in one or more of the following issue areas preferred but not required: housing justice, education, youth organizing, workers’ rights, immigrant rights, and climate justice;
• Experience speaking to members of the press preferred;
• Experience working on a small team preferred but not required;
• Experience working on grantwriting, fundraising, or development in any capacity highly preferred.

Salary

$55,000-$60,000, depending on experience

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation
• 10 sick days, 5 personal days, 7 holidays in the calendar year
• Paid holiday break in December
• Life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance, option flexible spending account.
• Transit credit.
• Up to $80/month phone reimbursement.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• 401k
• Parental leave.
• Short and long term disability insurance.

COVID-19 Policy: 

Make the Road employees are required to be fully vaccinated with a FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine on or before their start date. Refusal to receive the vaccine will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

The work schedule can at times be greater than 40 hours per week and includes evening and weekend meetings and events, as necessary. It is not a strictly 9am-5pm position.

Make the Road PA does not sponsor work visas; this position requires authorization to work in the United States.

MRPA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse staff. Women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, or marital status.