Development Manager

Job description

Organizational Summary

Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization studying the social implications of data-centric technologies and automation. We recognize that the same innovative technologies that may benefit society can also be abused to invade privacy, provide new tools of discrimination, foreclose opportunity, and harm individuals and communities. Through original research and inclusive engagement, we work to ensure that empirical evidence and respect for human dignity guide how technology is developed and governed.

About [The Role]

Data & Society is seeking a strategic and mission-aligned Development Manager – Content and Donor Engagement to join our growing development team. Grant writing is a central and essential function of this role, alongside responsibilities in donor communications and engagement and content strategy. This includes writing engaging updates and newsletters aimed at our supporters and prospects, crafting language for our fundraising campaigns, and writing copy for our staff and board to use in promoting our work. This role works in close partnership with both the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and the Associate Director of Development (ADD) to support fundraising goals, manage funder communications, and create compelling, donor-facing materials.

This position will report to the Chief Development Officer and will not have people manager responsibilities.

The Candidate [You]

We are seeking a strong writer and communicator capable of synthesizing complex research and policy work into persuasive, accessible narratives tailored for a variety of philanthropic audiences. This position is well-suited for someone with sharp attention to detail, collaborative instincts, and a justice-oriented perspective on technology, equity, and society.

Primary Responsibilities

Grant Writing and Fundraising Content

• Lead the writing and coordination of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for foundations, government agencies, and other institutional funders.
• Collaborate with the CDO and ADD, and the research, policy, and finance teams to craft aligned narratives, proposal support documents, and evaluation plans.
• Track proposal and reporting deadlines, ensuring timely, complete, and high-quality submissions.
• Maintain internal records of grant activity and support communication with funders.
• Assist in developing fundraising cases for support and strategy materials used across individual and institutional fundraising efforts.

Prospecting, Research, and Donor Engagement

• Support the CDO and ADD in donor and prospect research, segmentation, and tracking.
• Prepare briefing memos, cultivation strategies, and stewardship plans for donors and prospects.
• Assist with meeting follow-ups, donor correspondence, and targeted outreach campaigns.
• Maintain and update donor profiles and communications history within CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).

Development Communications and Messaging

• Draft donor-facing materials, including pitch decks, email campaigns, digital content, and event collateral.
• Translate Data & Society’s research and programmatic work into accessible and compelling content for different donor audiences.
• Partner with the Communications team to align external messaging and support fundraising-related content across platforms, including the website and newsletters.
• Participate in message testing, data gathering, and iterative refinement based on audience engagement.

Cross-Team Collaboration and Content Alignment

• Collaborate with the Managing Editor and broader Communications team to ensure consistency in tone, voice, and style across fundraising content.
• Join regular internal meetings to share insights and ensure real-time feedback loops between development, research, and communications teams.
• Contribute to internal message guides and help reinforce shared language across teams.

Skills & Qualifications

• At least 3–6 years of professional experience in grant writing, development, journalism, or nonprofit communications.
• Demonstrated success in writing grant proposals and/or securing institutional funding.

Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to craft compelling content across formats.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines.
• Experience supporting donor engagement and stewardship activities.
• Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce), prospect research platforms, and collaborative writing tools.
• Ability to learn about and synthesize complex ideas, and to communicate them clearly to multiple audiences.
• A collaborative, service-oriented mindset and a commitment to justice, equity, and the public interest.
• Demonstrated interest in philanthropy, social impact, or the societal implications of technology.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), with an understanding of how these values inform ethical fundraising, communication, and organizational culture.

Core Competencies

• Inclusiveness
• Flexibility and comfort with decision-making in uncertain environments
• Leading and managing change
• Building coalitions
• Communications across all organizational levels and teams
• Cultural humility
• Conflict resolution

To Apply, please submit the following items:

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in this role and why you would be a good fit for this position.
2. Your resume/CV is required.
3. Final Candidates will be asked to provide a strong writing sample that showcases their ability to communicate effectively, strategically, and persuasively. This information will be provided in the final round.

Applications will be reviewed beginning 08/20/2025. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions about the role. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.

Practical Considerations

1. Data & Society has committed to safety requirements to protect our staff from the COVID-19 pandemic. We require that prospective employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before joining our organization. Please note that any reasonable accommodation request is not guaranteed to be approved, and we will comply with ADA-related requirements to evaluate the accommodation against our business needs.
2. This is currently a full-time remote position in the Development department with an expected start date in November 2025. Data & Society is based in New York City, and will, for the foreseeable future, operate as a Remote-First organization. While this role will start as completely virtual, it may involve on-site components in the future. As well as working with others in different time zones.
3. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
4. You must be living and authorized to work in the United States; we are unable to sponsor visas.
5. The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This salary offer will include a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and access to a range of opt-in products and services, including additional insurance and 401(k) management, as well as paid time off and paid federal holidays.

The salary range for this position is noted within this job posting. Where a prospective employee or employee is compensated within this salary range is dependent upon, among other factors, actual compensation for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure, and standing with the organization (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s overall qualifications: knowledge, skills, pertinent experience, and abilities.