About Opportunity@Work: Opportunity@Work is a national nonprofit whose mission is to rewire the labor market so that STARs, workers who are skilled through alternative routes instead of a bachelor’s degree, can work, learn, and earn to their full potential. By 2030, Opportunity@Work aims to enable at least 1 million working adults in America to get hired into middle- and high-wage jobs, thus generating a $20 billion boost in annual earnings. We are driven by a firm belief that “if you can do the job, you can get the job.” STARs earn valuable skills through pathways like military service, community college, talent development programs, partial college completion, or on-the-job experience, instead of through a bachelor’s degree. STARs are half of the U.S. workforce, yet over the last few decades they’ve been blocked from accessing millions of good-paying jobs – and have actually seen their wages decline. Opportunity@Work’s research capabilities inform the nation’s understanding of STARs and uncover insights that show how to make positive change within regions and industries. Our national awareness campaign, “Tear the Paper Ceiling,” communicates a new, positive narrative about STARs and elevates contributions to the skills-first movement. We’ve developed accessible STAR-centric tools, powered by our data and generative AI, to help organizations make more informed decisions on inclusive workforce strategies and hiring. #YouWantToBeHere
Position Summary:
As Director of Resource Mobilization, you will grow Opportunity@Work's philanthropic revenue by building relationships with institutional funders capable of investing $500K or more. You'll own a portfolio of current and prospective private and corporate foundations, moving each from cultivation to close and partnering with the Vice President and other executives on top-tier asks. A key part of the role is securing and/or enhancing the multi-year anchor partnerships that sustain our largest bodies of work. You'll represent Opportunity@Work with funders and philanthropic leaders, and work across teams to translate organizational priorities into compelling investment opportunities. If you are a relationship-driven fundraising leader who is energized by opening doors, building new institutional partnerships, and turning shared interest into significant investment, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
Funder Cultivation and Stewardship (75%)Own a portfolio of current and prospective institutional funders, moving each from cultivation through solicitation and close, with a focus on securing new $500K+ investments and multi-year anchor partnerships.
Lead funder meetings and solicitations, connecting Opportunity@Work's mission and funding priorities to each funder's goals. Design and carry out stewardship strategies that retain current funders and grow their investment year over year.
Identify and qualify new prospects, using workforce and philanthropic trends to decide where to focus.
Build and activate a network of philanthropic champions: well-connected leaders who may not fund us directly but can open doors, make introductions, and advocate for Opportunity@Work in rooms we aren't in.
Represent Opportunity@Work at conferences, convenings, and events to expand our funder network and influence.
Fundraising Strategy and Internal Partnership (25%)Partner with the Executive Office to understand, capture, and build on the CEO's funder relationships and meetings, including preparing briefings and follow-up plans for CEO and executive engagement.
Work with the Senior Manager, Revenue Operations to keep Salesforce accurate across funders, prospects, champions, and events, and use that data to shape funder strategy and prioritization.
Partner with the Senior Manager, Resource Mobilization to develop proposals, presentations, and reports for portfolio funders that align with organizational goals and core messaging.
Serve as a liaison between Resource Mobilization and teams across the organization (Marketing, External Affairs, Programs, Finance, and others) so funding asks reflect organizational priorities, and we can deliver on what we commit to funders.
Serve as a role model across the organization, helping build a collaborative, fun, and results-oriented culture.
Qualifications and Core Competencies 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including closing multiple $500K+ gifts from foundations or corporations.
A natural relationship-builder who can command a room and inspire confidence in funders and partners.
A strategic thinker who can structure fundraising problems, use data, and propose solutions to hit revenue targets.
Excellent collaboration skills, with a track record of aligning senior leaders and cross-functional teams around shared fundraising goals.
Exceptional writing and speaking skills, with the ability to craft narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple funder relationships and deadlines at once.
Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM to track engagement and pipeline.
Comfort and experience using AI tools.
Familiarity with workforce development, economic mobility, or systems-change philanthropy is a plus.
Embody our core values: better together, intentionally inclusive, always learning, seeking clarity to inform action, and championing empowerment.
A well-developed sense of humor and adaptability to change.
Opportunity@Work is an equal opportunity and skills-first employer. We celebrate diversity and the dignity of every worker - especially those with overlooked skills. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Additional Information:
Travel Requirements: As needed for key funder meetings/events (20%)To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Opportunity@Work’s career page. We will review applications on a rolling basis and contact you if we move forward with a phone interview. The pay range for this role is: 116,063.00 - 140,000.00 USD per year
