Development Specialist

About Murmuration

Murmuration is dedicated to strengthening American communities by empowering local organizations with data-driven insights, tools, and supportive services. We envision an equitable America where every community can thrive through just, resilient, and inclusive systems shaped by collective action and leadership that represents all.

Our diverse team of organizers, scientists, educators, technologists, and campaign veterans work collaboratively to transform civic life by amplifying community power.

Role Overview

The Development Specialist plays a crucial role in advancing Murmuration’s fundraising efforts, primarily through ownership of grant writing and reporting activities. Reporting to the VP of Growth, this self-driven and detail-oriented professional drafts persuasive proposals and timely reports, manages the development pipeline, and collaborates with the Communications team to enhance donor-facing materials. The role involves organizing fundraising workflows and expanding Murmuration’s revenue streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and compose compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and fundraising documents, maintaining meticulous records of all submissions.
• Prepare accurate and punctual grant reports and donor communications enriched with relevant impact data and stories.
• Support pipeline development through funder research, creating briefing materials, and coordinating follow-ups to cultivate relations.
• Work with the VP of Growth to create and execute long-term fundraising strategies for sustainable revenue expansion.
• Enhance development processes by tracking metrics, maintaining Salesforce records, and refining pipeline management.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing teams on donor-facing assets like one-pagers and pitch decks.
• Contribute to event planning and special projects supporting fundraising goals.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in development, fundraising, or investor relations, with preference for four to five years.
• Proven expertise in creating successful grant proposals and fundraising materials.
• Experience in drafting grant reports and donor communications.
• Proactive and positive attitude toward AI tools and readiness to implement AI-assisted fundraising platforms.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of simplifying complex ideas effectively.
• Strong proofreading, copyediting, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Keen interest in civic engagement, democratic participation, and community organizing.

Additional Assets

• Background in journalism, creative writing, public relations, or storytelling.
• Design sensibility aiding in creating engaging visual content.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
• Event planning and brand activation experience.

Compensation & Benefits

This full-time position pays a starting salary of $111,275 and includes a comprehensive benefits package available to employees anywhere in the United States. Benefits include full health, vision, and dental coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums for employees and eligible family members; retirement plan with 5% employer match; flexible unlimited paid time off; generous parental leave; pre-tax commuter benefits; company-provided laptop; remote work flexibility; home office setup stipend; monthly remote work expense reimbursement; annual professional development fund; mental health support through Calm and Better Help; yearly staff retreats; and a supportive culture emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Murmuration is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives, providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.

Organizational Structure

Murmuration consists of two affiliated entities: the Murmuration Research Institute (501(c)(3)) focusing on research and data creation for healthier communities, and Murmuration, Inc. (501(c)(4)) which offers support and tools to organizations addressing critical national issues.