The Position

Fast Forward is looking for a VP of Fundraising and Partnerships to strategically lead our fundraising strategy and deepen Fast Forward’s partnerships with tech companies, individuals, and foundations to grow the tech non-profit sector. This hands-on position offers the unique opportunity to shape all aspects of the organization's philanthropic efforts and guide Fast Forward to the next level of growth and impact.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the Fundraising Team: Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing fundraising team. This includes setting team structure, defining roles, and establishing clear processes for acquiring new funding partners and managing existing relationships.
• Develop the Fundraising Strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with Fast Forward's long-term goals. This involves analyzing different markets and pathways for funding, identifying the most promising opportunities, and allocating resources effectively.
• Drive Strategic Growth: As a key member of the executive leadership team, contribute to the overall organizational strategy and ensure that fundraising efforts support Fast Forward's mission and vision.
• Foster Collaboration: Develop and refine processes to encourage a collaborative, organization-wide approach to fundraising, ensuring that all teams contribute to Fast Forward's success.

Fundraising & Partnerships

• Secure Funding: Meet ambitious fundraising targets by cultivating and strengthening relationships with a diverse range of funding partners, including corporations, foundations, and individual donors. This includes managing major corporate partnerships exceeding $1 million and expanding the network of individual donors.
• Cultivate Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential funders. Lead impactful meetings with major donors, in collaboration with the Executive Director, to secure significant financial commitments.
• Represent Fast Forward: Act as a public face of the organization, representing Fast Forward at events and conferences to promote its mission and attract potential partners.
• Empower Alumni Organizations: Support alumni organizations by offering tailored recommendations, valuable connections, and insights to strengthen their fundraising capabilities and donor relationships.

Operational Excellence

• Grant Management: Oversee the entire grant lifecycle, from proposal development to reporting. Ensure that all grant proposals are compelling and strategically aligned, and that all compliance and reporting requirements are met meticulously.
• Communication & Materials: Lead the creation of high-quality partnership materials and other communications that effectively convey Fast Forward's vision, impact, and funding needs.
• Optimize Systems: Improve and manage donor and funding management systems to ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all relationships, proposals, and reporting activities.

Who We're Looking For

• Passion for the Mission: A mission-driven leader deeply committed to supporting tech nonprofits and their efforts to create positive social change.
• Extensive Experience: 7+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years specifically in fundraising, business development, or sales.
• Partnership Expertise: A proven track record of developing and scaling successful partnerships with measurable impact, including experience with complex deal structures involving multiple stakeholders.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams, foster collaboration across departments, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of financial management principles and strong business judgment.
• Excellent Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking experience and the ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
• Strategic Thinking: A strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Customer Service Bias: Exceptional customer service skills, with a proactive approach to anticipating and responding to the needs of all stakeholders.
• Existing Network: Existing relationships with corporations and philanthropists are highly desirable.

Employee Benefits

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• 401k retirement plan & employer matching
• Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio - with free transit to/from downtown San Francisco!
• Every other Friday is a half day
• Platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Most importantly, input on the office snack order

Compensation

Salary: $180,000 - $220,000 - negotiable depending on experience.

Note: In accordance with federal, state, and local safety guidelines, this role is expected to be performed in-person, in San Francisco.

Fast Forward is a social justice organization founded on the idea that those with proximity to the problem should have proximity to the power to fix them. Our true north is empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the tools, community, and capital they need to scale solutions for underserved groups, and we know that a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is inextricable from that pursuit. Read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidelines to learn how we approach DEI across our investments, community, and workplace.

Fast Forward is an equal opportunity employer