Background Information

The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) is a regional non-profit organization dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of youth and communities of color by empowering them to enact social change through research, training, and community mobilization. For more than 12 years, the Social Justice Learning Institute has been working to reduce the conditions which create disparities among communities of color, creating opportunities for youth development and advancing youth justice. We do this by building capacity for individuals and communities to advocate for their needs, train and build leaders, educate and empower youth and community members to identify and rectify injustice.

The Social Justice Learning Institute is seeking a seasoned Development & Fundraising Consultant to place on contract for an initial period of up to six (6) months to develop and implement an executive regional fundraising strategy. This role will explore bilateral, foundation, corporate and individual revenue sources. The Consultant will report directly to the Associate Director of Houston Operations and Programs.

Scope of Work

SJLI is seeking a Development Consultant with a proven track record for excellence in developing fundraising plans and developing an organization's fundraising capacity.

The consultant’s responsibilities will include:

1. Project Preparation:: Attend a kick-off meeting with the staff to align on scope, priorities, work plan, and deliverables; attend regular meetings with staff thereafter; and attend periodic meetings (remotely) with the Board, as requested.
2. Analysis: Conduct an audit of SJLI’s fundraising capacity and infrastructure to recommend areas for improvement, including areas of internal strengths & weaknesses and external opportunities & challenges that will inform the fundraising plan and ensure success;
3. Research: Identify untapped fundraising and grant opportunities and prepare a report including relevant information, including application procedures and deadlines for grant-making institutions;
4. Donor Prospecting:: Develop a vetted list of potential major donors and assist staff in developing relationships and making connections;
5. Organizational Systems:: Update and assist staff in managing the annual fund development calendar of appeals, publications, and events;
6. External Communications: In coordination with SJLI’s Communications Team, develop key messages, materials, cases for support, proposals, and other donor communications and events as they pertain to the mission of SJLI;
7. Integration & Reporting: Develop multi-year fund development plan and implementation strategy to increase unrestricted revenue.

Preferred Qualifications

• Houston based consultant that is available to travel throughout the Greater Houston area;
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, with a successful track record of engaging donors and strengthening donor relationships and building systems;
• Demonstrated track-record in securing gifts/grants from multiple revenue sources;
• Strong passion for SJLI’s vision for social justice and equity

If interested in being considered for this consultancy, please provide the following:

1. CV;
2. A narrative that addresses how the goals and Scope of Work described herein will be accomplished;
3. Fee proposal.