What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fundraising & Donor Relations Specialist position at The Dissentient Initiative?
About The Dissentient Initiative
The Dissentient Initiative is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through early intervention, mental health support, public safety resilience, and prevention-focused programs. Our mission is to identify emerging challenges before they become crises and connect individuals and communities with resources that promote long-term safety, stability, and well-being.
Position Overview
The Dissentient Initiative is seeking a Fundraising & Donor Relations Specialist to help establish and grow the organization's fundraising efforts. This role will focus on identifying and cultivating donors, developing fundraising campaigns, securing financial support, and building long-term relationships with individuals, businesses, and community partners who share our mission.
The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, relationship builder, and strategic thinker who is excited to help a growing nonprofit create sustainable funding streams and expand its national impact.
Responsibilities
- Develop and support fundraising strategies that generate charitable contributions and organizational growth
- Identify, research, and engage prospective individual donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic supporters
- Cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors
- Assist in creating fundraising campaigns, donor appeals, sponsorship opportunities, and giving initiatives
- Support the development of recurring donor and membership programs
- Help organize virtual and in-person fundraising activities and awareness campaigns
- Collaborate with leadership to establish fundraising goals and revenue targets
- Track donor engagement, contributions, and fundraising performance metrics
- Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising documentation
- Assist in the creation of donor communications, presentations, and recognition programs
- Identify opportunities for corporate sponsorships, matching gift programs, and strategic partnerships
- Support donor stewardship efforts to encourage long-term engagement and retention
Qualifications
- Experience in fundraising, donor development, sales, business development, community engagement, or relationship management
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with supporters and stakeholders
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Passion for nonprofit impact and mission-driven work
- Interest in mental health, public safety, community resilience, or prevention-focused initiatives
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous nonprofit fundraising or donor relations experience
- Experience securing sponsorships, donations, or major gifts
- Familiarity with donor management platforms, CRM systems, or fundraising software
- Background in philanthropy, public relations, marketing, community outreach, or nonprofit development
- Experience developing donor stewardship and retention programs
What You'll Gain
- Opportunity to help build and shape a growing national nonprofit
- Direct collaboration with organizational leadership
- Meaningful experience in fundraising strategy, donor development, and nonprofit operations
- Professional networking opportunities with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community leaders
- Portfolio-building experience in nonprofit development and fundraising
- Potential opportunity to transition into a paid position as organizational funding and fundraising revenue increase
- The chance to make a measurable impact on programs focused on early intervention, mental health support, and public safety resilience
Apply
If you are passionate about helping nonprofits grow, building meaningful relationships, and creating lasting community impact, we encourage you to apply and join The Dissentient Initiative in advancing its mission nationwide.