Fast Facts
Join JFF as the Director of Development Operations to lead innovative fundraising strategies and data management efforts that will drive economic advancement for underserved communities. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented project manager passionate about improving development processes and systems.
Responsibilities: Oversee data management and analysis to inform fundraising strategies, collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational effectiveness, and manage fundraising performance reporting and process improvements.
Skills: Expertise in development operations, donor data systems like Salesforce, data analysis and visualization, strong project management capabilities, and effective communication skills.
Qualifications: Minimum of 10 years experience in development operations or fundraising, with knowledge of IRS guidelines and a track record in achieving ambitious fundraising goals.
Location: Flexible work location options include Boston, Washington, DC, Oakland, or completely remote.
Compensation: $100000 - $125000 / Annually
About JFF
Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve economic advancement for all. Seeing that millions of people are unfairly shut out of quality jobs and the chance for a better life, our goal is to align education, workforce, and employment changemakers toward a shared North Star: By 2033, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs.
To achieve that goal, we design solutions, scale best practices, influence policy and action, and invest in innovation. With a staff of more than 300 people across the country working remotely and in offices in Boston (headquarters), Washington, DC, and Oakland, California, we operate at the national, state, and local levels, forging deep partnerships with employers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and education and workforce development providers to break down barriers and reimagine what’s possible.
We’re on a path of ongoing growth and expanding impact. We have an operating budget of $105 million, and we’re funded by dozens of leading government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Learn more about JFF and join us as we build a future that works—for everyone.
Equal Employment Opportunity at JFF
Inclusion, belonging, and well-being are core to JFF’s North Star and mission, and we seek to invest in and learn from those who represent the communities we serve as it is important to the success of our work and the engagement of our staff members. We aim to cultivate a culture that centers the overall care, well-being, and success of the employee through flexible work hours, balanced workloads, professional development, and career advancement opportunities for all.
JFF is a fair chance employer and in alignment to our North Star, we strongly encourage individuals whose highest level of education attained is less than a 4-year degree; People of Color; and people with records to apply to our open roles.
About the Position
JFF has experienced a period of unprecedented growth in revenue, programming, and funding pursuit over the last few years. As such, the Development Team is expanding, both in number and function, not only to align with this growth, but also to meet significant needs for more flexible resources to support organizational capacity and innovation. One of the main elements that will drive the success of JFF’s overall fundraising efforts is the introduction of several new positions including the Director, Development Operations.
The Director will have the chance to help build an best-in-class development operations function at JFF to support our critical mission and goals. This new position presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced, creative, and highly organized individual, with a passion for and understanding of the impact of high-quality development operations to sustain and grow JFF’s base of support.
Reporting to the AVP, Development Strategy & Operations, this role serves as a critical partner and point of coordination for building a fundraising operation, collaborating with colleagues on the Development Team as well as departments across JFF. The Director may also manage a direct report on the Development team. The ideal candidate for this role is a strong project manager and excellent analyst, who is customer service and detail oriented, with the ability to oversee multiple deliverables, be a strategic and consultative partner, and adapt to evolving priorities. They will also be energized by building an internal structure that will enable fundraisers to meet and exceed our ambitious fundraising goals.
What You'll Do
Deliver impactful results through effective data management, reporting & analysis
- Collaborate closely with Development colleagues and business units to understand business requirements to create data-driven insights (reports and dashboards) for areas such as fundraising performance, prospect identification, and portfolio management
- Analyze donor, prospect, and fundraising data to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in partnership with Development colleagues
- Provide regular and ad-hoc analysis and reporting to guide data-driven decisions and present recommendations to stakeholders to support fundraising goals
- Develop performance benchmarks for fundraising and engagement activities
- Implement procedures to ensure data accuracy for fundraising data and support quality data processes for the Development team
- Develop a data integrity review structure and operating plan and lead on-going data management and analysis
Lead and implement process improvements and deploy systems to increase development operations effectiveness, innovation and quality
- Analyze current fundraising and operational processes, identifying areas for improvement through technology and data solutions
- Lead and collaborate on special projects related to process improvements, data analysis, and technology implementations
- Drive the adoption, use, and enhancement of tools like Salesforce to streamline operational processes
- Enhance internal systems and processes to support an office-wide culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
- Manage gift/grant processing and periodic data audits partnering closely with Development and Finance
- Manage vendor relationships ensuring the best use of technology and tools for Development
- Partner with the AVP, Development Strategy & Operations to create or update necessary development processes and procedures
- Establish and model strong, collaborative relationships with Development, Finance, IT and other JFF colleagues and teams; Partner with IT to evolve systems and tools to meet needs for development
- Lead capacity building and training efforts across the Development team
- Support the development and monitoring of the Development team operating budget
Who You Are
The qualifications listed within the job description are intended as a guide and we do not expect candidates to bring all experiences and skills listed. Research supports that self-selecting out of potential professional opportunities is particularly common among individuals with identities that are marginalized in professional spaces. So, if you believe that you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply so that we have an opportunity to learn more about you and the unique strengths you would bring to the work.
- You bring a depth of experience in building processes, systems and Development operations that create the conditions for meeting and exceeding ambitious fundraising goals (New hires at the Director I level at JFF typically bring 10+ years of prior professional experience through a combination of full-time, part-time, internship, and/or freelance positions)
- You demonstrate strong understanding of and competence with donor data systems, data strategy, and processes, and are driven by a sense of urgency towards supporting JFF in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
- You have expertise in IRS and fundraising guidelines ensuring that all guidelines pertaining to the acceptance, processing, and receipting of gifts are followed
- You have experience using CRMs and other fundraising tools, and see the value in maximizing the use of these tools for fundraising; preferably Salesforce
- You have advanced analytical capabilities and can use statistics and data visualization to communicate information and explain trends for different audiences
- You are energized by managing people and/or project teams and bring some experience mentoring and empowering others; You can hold yourself and others accountable for delivering on commitments consistently
- You have experience building relationships across teams within a matrixed organization and place a premium on service-orientation and excellent communication; you build positive relationships with internal leaders and external stakeholders based on trust and building mutual understanding
- You leverage professional development and other learning opportunities to stay current with advances in your field, deepen your subject matter expertise, and support the learning of the Development team
- You possess high energy and passion for JFF’s mission and North Star, and the ability to apply JFF’s core values to all areas of your work
- You are energized by stewarding JFF’s inclusion, belonging, and well-being values and practices within your day-to-day work, including embracing and celebrating the differences that each individual brings to JFF
- You value building positive and collaborative relationships with others, including people whose identities and backgrounds differ from your own
What We Offer
At JFF, we’re fueled by the desire to create a world where everyone has equal opportunity for economic advancement. Our team works hard to push the boundaries of what is possible, and in return, we provide a gratifying work experience, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits program that includes flexibility and choice as core values in order to support people wherever they are in their lives and careers.
JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC; employees are welcome to use JFF office space to work in-person or hybrid, or completely remote. To improve the employee experience and promote productivity while working remotely, JFF offers an annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees. In addition, new employees receive office equipment as needed.
The hiring range for this role is $100,000 - $125,000 annually, in alignment to JFF’s Director I salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire’s relevant experience and market demands.
To Apply
As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter, addressed to Page Sciotto, Associate Vice President, Development Strategy and Operations outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.
We are accepting applications through 5pm EST on Monday, March 17, 2025. Applications submitted by that date will be reviewed and candidates will receive updates on their candidacy by the week of March 31.
At JFF, we’re also committed to accessibility and want to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully access and engage with our application and hiring process. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability and/or have specific access/accommodation needs in order to fully participate in our hiring process, please contact us at hiringaccommodations@jff.org.
Positions at JFF are not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship or open to F-1 student visa holders.
