Forward Through Ferguson

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter that speaks to the primary responsibilities of the role outlined below.

This posting will remain active until the position is filled.

About Forward Through Ferguson

Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) is the nonprofit organization formed to carry on the work of the Ferguson Commission. We are a fast-paced, small, and agile team where we strive for excellence. We are looking for people who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and also have a shared belief in and commitment to modeling our core principles for achieving Racial Equity: applying and modeling a Racial Equity lens and committing to radical collaboration, policy and systems change, radical listening, and a culture of trying. We encourage reading more about these core principles in our #STL2039 Action Plan.

FTF’s focus is to serve as a catalyst in leading our region on a path toward Racial Equity—a St. Louis where life outcomes are no longer predictable by race—by advancing a three-pronged strategy:

  • Advocating for policy and systems change,
  • Strengthening regional capacity for Racial Equity work, and
  • Growing the people power and financial capital for sustainable change.

Our Mission:

Embracing the Commission’s mandate, FTF centers impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure all people in the St. Louis region can thrive.

Position Description

Reporting to the Lead Catalyst, Resource Development, the Development Catalyst is a full-time staff position. The role will grow FTF’s impact by ensuring access to the resources necessary to catalyze Racial Equity across the St. Louis Region.

Primary Responsibilities

Individual + Institutional Prospecting and Fundraising (30%)

  • Collaborate with Lead Catalyst, Resource Development on updating and monitoring the annual development calendar to ensure year-round engagement and stewardship of individual donors
  • Conduct research on prospective institutional funders
  • Assist with grant writing and reporting
  • Monitor and ensure the appropriate follow up occurs with donors and supports
  • Process donations, generate and track tax-receipts, and acknowledgement letters
  • Maintain relationships and support retention of donors through relationship building skills

Development Operations (40%)

  • Manage data entry and development of donor database and email distribution
  • Run reports using donor database on an on-going basis
  • Schedule and attend Development Committee meetings (as requested)
  • Assess and respond to internal and external inquires about supporting FTF
  • Assist with invoicing, accounting, reporting, and other administrative functions as needed
  • Provide scheduling and correspondence support to the Lead Catalyst, Resource Development
  • Prepare meeting materials for donors and development committee
  • Support special projects at the discretion of the Lead Catalyst, Resource Development

    Community-Centric Funding (20%)

    • Create and manage peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns
    • Establish and manage crowdfunding campaigns under the supervision of Lead Catalyst, Resource Development
    • Develop and implement all aspects of direct donor mailings, appeal letters, and other donor mailings and create innovative ways to acknowledge funders
    • Develop and execute recognition plans as needed

      Special Event Support (10%)

      • Logistical support with special event execution
      • Assist with creating and monitoring event planning timelines

      Experience & Qualifications:

      The ideal Development Catalyst will have demonstrated relationship management and project management skills, as well as strong attention to detail.

      This job is for you if:

      • You hold a demonstrated commitment to continual improvement through Radical Listening, humility, and self-reflection.
      • You get joy out of executing a plan and collecting the (formal and informal) data needed to iterate on and refine that plan.
      • You love movements, social change and community-led transformation of systems.
      • You are relationship driven and great at listening and encourage learning from all stakeholders.
      • You want to experience working with an organization that is influencing philanthropy and actively developing more equitable and just fundraising practices.

        The following skills and qualifications are required for the position:

        • Knowledge of social media tools: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
        • Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (eTapestry or others).
        • Demonstrated experience and comfort in fundraising, soliciting for donations, and/or planning major events.
        • Takes initiative with an attention to detail and ability to be self-directed and create detailed personal project plans.
        • Ability to implement plans for the execution of large, multi-step projects.
        • Ability to thrive in a team environment with an orientation towards receiving and applying constructive feedback.
        • Ability to work within a fast-paced environment and effectively manage initiatives, multiple projects, and fulfillment of ad hoc requests simultaneously in collaboration.
        • Ability to monitor progress towards goals, assess risks, and adjust plans as needed.
        • Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced work environment with an ambitious team.
        • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

        The following skills and qualifications are preferred for the position:

        • Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
        • Excellent critical thinking skills and strong cultural and emotional intelligence.
        • Experience with individual and group accountability towards a shared goal.
        • Passion, idealism, integrity, initiative, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.


          Additional Position Details

          Some of the work for this role may occur outside of the traditional workday, particularly occasional community meetings and events. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted through our job portal until the position is filled.

          Compensation & Benefits

          This full-time position has a salary of $53,000.

          Benefits

          • Flexible work schedules and collaborative workspaces
          • Employer paid health & dental insurance
          • Generous paid time off policies
          • Paid parental leave
          • 401k with employer match
          • Employee professional development budget
          • PSLF qualifying employer

          Hybrid Work Policy

          While FTF has implemented a hybrid work policy candidates will be required to live in or relocate to the St. Louis region.

          Commitment to Diversity And Equal Opportunity Policy

          Forward Through Ferguson encourages individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort. Forward Through Ferguson is committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.



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