VP of Fundraising and Partnerships

ABOUT FAST FORWARD

Tech is ubiquitous. Tech solutions for social problems are not. An emerging class of startups is building tech to solve these social problems. They are tech nonprofits. Fast Forward bridges the tech and nonprofit sectors to build capacity for tech nonprofits, so they can scale solutions to our world’s most urgent problems.

To date, Fast Forward’s portfolio of tech nonprofits have impacted 262M lives and raised $1 billion in follow-on funding. 85% of the portfolio have a founder who has personal experience with the problem, 62% have a founder who is a woman, and 75% have a founder who is a person of color.

As the first and only organization focused exclusively on scaling startups that combine the best tech with sustainable nonprofit business models, Fast Forward’s mission is to accelerate impact. Visit us: http://www.ffwd.org.

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: 10+ 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: