Director of Digital Fundraising

Director of Digital FundraisingABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Digital Fundraising is responsible for working with a cross-departmental team comprised of Development, Communications, and Program staff members as well as outside consultants, and is charged with managing and expanding the Innocence Project’s digital fundraising program. 

The Director of Digital Fundraising will develop a comprehensive plan for increasing digital giving and donor participation in an array of online advocacy activities. In addition, they will have a leadership role in the strategy, production, and execution of digital campaigns to increase donor and prospect engagement in online giving and the conversion of website visitors, social media and SMS followers, and advocates to donors. Currently generating more than $5 million annually, this is a rapidly growing area in the Development Department.

This position reports to and works closely with the Chief Development Officer and will supervise a Digital Fundraising Coordinator.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. While the Innocence Project has supported remote work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently committed to a hybrid workplace with mandatory three days per week in-office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate has significant digital fundraising, marketing and/or advocacy experience, along with excellent project management skills and can strategically navigate competing priorities. They are strong collaborators with a knack for clear, efficient communication. 

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

FUNDRAISING

• Lead the Development Department’s $5 million+ digital fundraising program.
• Craft the overall digital fundraising campaign strategy for email, social, digital ads and SMS in conjunction with the Digital Engagement Director who leads the cross-departmental digital team. 
• Write/edit key copy for digital fundraising campaigns.
• Develop email and SMS strategies, creative direction and lead implementation of email campaigns to drive fundraising.
• Manage the day-to-day activities and email communication calendar for email fundraising and SMS programs including appeal, cultivation, stewardship and advocacy messages.
• In conjunction with the cross-departmental digital team, define clear metrics for success and coordinate future messaging based on performance against goal. 
• Create strategy for segmentation and targeting plans for fundraising email, text, and other channels.
• Develop the Peer-to-Peer fundraising program in existing systems including creating documentation for external fundraisers and internal support team 
• In conjunction with the Assistant Director of Special Events, manage the digital fundraising components of special events.
• Work with Individual Giving team to optimize major donor digital communication.
• Work with the development team to identify high-value opportunities for future digital development.
• Develop strategic fundraising partnerships with external platforms

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with a cross-departmental team to develop, plan and execute a consistent and concerted online mobilization, outreach and fundraising program to create and implement comprehensive strategies to enhance constituent engagement and grow digital audiences and revenue through online campaigns.
• Quickly adapt to changes in email and campaign schedules when necessary
• In conjunction with Communications and programmatic teams, collaborate in the development of timetables for campaigns and messages.
• Collaborate with Communications and Development teams to integrate digital campaigns; route copy for approval; and ensure alignment strategies, messaging and goals.
• Review and edit digital copy and creative.
• Working closely with the Digital Engagement Director in the Communications department, jointly manage the relationship with digital agencies and/or consultants.
• Select and manage consultants and vendors as needed for online fundraising, marketing and outreach efforts.
• Negotiate contracts and manage all aspects of third party relationships.
• With the Director of Development Operations and the Database Manager, create fiscal year and quarterly projections for digital revenue.

TECHNOLOGY AND REPORTING

• Define clear metrics for success and craft future messaging based on performance against goals.
• Participate in M&R benchmarks yearly and stay abreast of industry trends and standards. 
• Implement and monitor test plans, metrics and analysis of online fundraising and constituent mobilization campaigns.
• Oversee reporting on key digital giving metrics, in collaboration with Development Operations Communications colleagues.
• In conjunction with the Development Operations team, research and implement new technologies and techniques as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree, or Bachelor's + equivalent specialized experience or training.
• At least 6 years experience in digital fundraising with a combined minimum of 9 years of professional experience in this or a related field. 
• A passion for criminal legal reform and telling dignified stories of the wrongly convicted.
• Experience using online tools, processes and techniques for donor development, engagement, recruitment, retention, conversions and list building.
• Experience mobilizing and engaging online communities in a wide range of multi-channel activities, online and off.
• Highly energetic and creative thinker and team player.
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to message quickly and effectively, particularly for an online audience. 
• Experience with developing and performing A|B and multivariate email and website tests, analyzing results and implementing learnings from tests.
• Experience with complex data sets and knowledge of CRM technology, especially Salesforce and preferable Pardot.
• High level of competence in use and knowledge of CRM-driven advocacy and fundraising tools. 
• Desire and willingness to grow the digital fundraising team including managing staff in the future.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Excellent project management skills.
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within a cross-departmental team.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong creative, strategic and analytical skills.
• People-centered approach to storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to master a variety of fundraising and tech platforms quickly.
• Ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Ability to negotiate services and pricing with vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and manage resources effectively.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office, values all individuals and respects differences regarding to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$140,000-$165,000