Philanthropy Operations Manager

Position Overview

The Philanthropy Operations Manager ensures that Issue One's fundraising systems, processes, and data infrastructure support a high-functioning, donor-centered Philanthropy operation. This role is the backbone of the Philanthropy team, managing the CRM, processing gifts, generating reports, and creating streamlined systems that allow the VP, CEO, and board members to focus on building and deepening donor relationships. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, systems-minded, and committed to operational excellence in service of Issue One's mission.

Responsibilities

Partner with Issue One’s leaders to develop and strengthen best practices and standard operating procedures for Philanthropy operations 

Oversee the operation and maintenance of the CRM (Salesforce) to ensure the highest data integrity, automation, and reporting capabilities 

Perform all routine gift processing tasks, including processing donations, sending acknowledgments, and maintaining up-to-date gift records 

Ensure all donor meetings, events, and correspondence are recorded and tracked in the CRM to support relationship management and stewardship 

Create and analyze regular fundraising reports, identify trends and opportunities, and share insights with the team to guide strategic decisions on the department’s activities;

Support donor stewardship by creating streamlined systems and processes for donor check-ins, acknowledgments, impact reports, mailings, etc.

Coordinate regularly with the Finance department to ensure up-to-date revenue reporting and reconciliation of fundraising records with financial statements;

Provide operational support for fundraising events, including venue arrangements, participant outreach, materials preparation, and onsite logistics 

Assess and oversee the use of tools and services across the department to ensure cost-effectiveness, the use of modern, effective tools, and necessary staff training to support their utilization.

Support the VP in tracking and reporting on the Philanthropy team's progress toward annual fundraising goals

Required Skills and Experience 

3-5 years of experience in fundraising/development  Operations 

Experience with Salesforce for nonprofit fundraising (required)

Strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines

Experience implementing software processes, CRM systems, donor research tools, and analytics.

Strong communication skills, both written and oral;

Familiarity with nonprofit budgeting/financial analysis;

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office / Google Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) programs

Person Specifics

A relationship-centered approach; systems must be organized to center staff and donor needs.

Flexibility and ability to work both independently and as a team player with a range of constituents and colleagues;

Innovative and curious mindset, interested in learning and improving technologies, systems, and processes 

Takes initiative on administrative and operational tasks in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Commitment to the mission and growth of Issue One

Location

This role is a full-time, fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week. It’s required that the candidate reside in the Washington, DC area and participate in IO’s hybrid work environment. This arrangement allows staff to come to the office two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and work remotely on the other three days. 

Benefits 

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance. 

All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium. The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 

Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 

Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting, and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home while establishing regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.

Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. Additionally, all staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization offers several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Physical Demands 

Most work is carried out in an office-like environment, where projects are completed at a desk for extended periods and tasks are performed using a computer.

During special events or donor meetings, the Manager may be required to stand for extended periods and travel occasionally.

The Manager may need to lift, push, and/or carry items in excess of ten (10) pounds.

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job as described.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

Jan. 23-Feb 6: The position is posted, and resumes are collected 

Feb. 9-11: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.

Feb. 12-18: First-round panel interviews take place.

Feb. 19-24: Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place.

Feb. 25: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials). 

March 16: New candidate begins (flexible start date) 

Special Note: While our organizations will do their best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organizations will do their best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after February 6, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to complete our self-identification questions voluntarily. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring everyone has equal success opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.