openDemocracy (oD) is looking for an outstanding fundraising manager to help us strengthen our fundraising capacity. The role will be responsible for: developing compelling funding proposals; writing clear grant reports and other fundraising materials; managing internal fundraising processes; building and maintaining positive relationships, both with internal stakeholders and funders; and researching new fundraising prospects. The successful candidate will therefore be an excellent writer, an analytical thinker, a strong communicator and exceptionally organised. Our fundraising manager will also be passionate about social justice and the role independent journalism plays in it.

Our fundraising

This is an exciting time to join the team as we plan to significantly expand our fundraising capacity. oD has been extremely successful in securing funding through donations and grants from people who want to help improve public understanding around pressing issues, uncover wrongdoing and find the evidence that can bring about change. Over the last few years we've grown as an organisation in terms of our impact, our outlook and our readership. We've secured investment to support ambitious plans and now we're looking to build an outstanding fundraising team to help sustain and grow this success further.

Reporting to the development director, our fundraising manager will bring both creativity and coordination to the team and help us maximise fundraising opportunities. You'll be a crucial connector across the organisation, working internally across all areas - including editorial, audience, finance and operations - and externally with funders.

Fundraising manager's key responsibilities

Relationships

Work closely with internal colleagues, being the focal point that connects the work of delivery teams to oD's funding requirements and vice versa; Manage the effective development of proposals, reports and other aspects of fundraising, bringing in expertise from across the organisation as required; Meet with funders to understand their interests and priorities and present proposals and report on progress, alongside editorial colleagues and development director as necessary; Act as the main point of contact for a portfolio of funders, maintaining regular engagement with them and keeping them informed of progress and key developments or issues, in consultation with delivery teams. Uphold and promote a positive approach to fundraising - a central pillar in openDemocracy's long-term success. Writing

Lead on writing compelling fundraising materials, aligned with funders' needs. These will include: Coordinate relevant input into the above fundraising materials, in collaboration with delivery teams and with guidance from the development director. concept notes; funding proposals; grant reports and funder newsletters, amongst other materials. Research and development

Keep abreast of current affairs and developments in the fundraising landscape, horizon scanning for new opportunities for investment; Work with the development director to undertake research and identify, qualify and prioritise new funding prospects and opportunities; Support the development director in the diversification of openDemocracy's income generation model in relation to its strategic priorities; Work with the audience and engagement team, staying connected with reader engagement trends in order to maximise fundraising opportunities. Fundraising process management

Oversee grant contracting and compliance processes when an opportunity is secured and throughout its grants cycle, working with the finance and operations teams; Manage oD's grants pipeline, planning in advance for report deadlines and funding renewal conversations and liaising with delivery teams for their input; Oversee the management of a new, centralised database system, liaising with colleagues to ensure grants data is regularly updated and recorded accurately; Manage internal communications across the organisation with regards to funding opportunities, grants information and other relevant areas; Ensure current and new funders' information is represented and regularly maintained on oD's website and other avenues as appropriate; Effectively and independently manage time and workload to ensure internal and external deadlines are met accordingly. Experience, skills and knowledge

Excellent fundraising or business development professional with a demonstrable track record of successfully raising income for charities or non-profits; Experience of drafting compelling, successful fundraising proposals to secure multi-year, 5-6+ figure grants; An analytical thinker, able to work with complex information and data to create compelling narratives for proposals and grant reports; Ability to analyse information and convey relevant detail clearly and concisely; Experience of coordinating input from internal stakeholders in fundraising proposal development and report writing; Strong background in prospect research and pipeline development to identify new restricted and unrestricted funding sources with an established knowledge of the fundraising landscape; Experience of relationship development with funders, from prospect research through to stewardship; Demonstrable experience in grants management and compliance; Experience of managing fundraising databases and internal information management systems; Extremely organised with a proven ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities, a professional attitude and meticulous attention to detail; Excellent all-round communicator, able to speak and write English fluently. Desirable

Specific experience securing funds for journalism, social justice, civil society or human rights causes; Understanding of the role public-interest reporting plays in supporting a strong civil society; How to apply

Please submit your application by 5.00pm (GMT) on 14 January 2024.

Please submit your CV and cover letter (no more than 2 pages for each). Interviews are expected to take place on w/29th January and shortlisted candidates will be asked to do a written task ahead of then.

About openDemocracy

openDemocracy is a global independent media outlet dedicated to challenging power and inspiring change. Our recent reporting - for example on misinformation, women's and LGBTIQ rights, COVID-19 and the influence of 'dark money' on society - has triggered law change, parliamentary debate, criminal and regulatory investigations, action by public health bodies and much more. Our stories attract widespread media coverage, including in the New York Times, Guardian, New Yorker, Daily Mail, CNN, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and many others across the world.

As a trusted source of news, information and insight for millions of readers around the world, we've built a strong community of supporters who share our commitment to tackling injustice and inequality.

We believe in equal opportunities and we want to help build a more diverse and inclusive media ecosystem. We particularly welcome expressions of interest from candidates whose backgrounds are underrepresented in the media.