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Now Hiring: Development Strategist Job Posting

  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago


ABOUT CIRCLES USA


Circles USA is a national 501(c)3 committed to ending poverty by harnessing the power of community, connection, and social capital—one local chapter at a time. Founded in 1998, Circles supports a growing community of practice with 60+ local chapters in over 20 states. Our mission: Building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge. 


Through Circles USA’s model, we facilitate deep transformation through a multi-generational, intersectional approach to community organizing and education. Our initiative layers economic mobility coaching, locally-rooted support systems, and grassroots civic engagement to realize our vision of a future where all individuals live in equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists. Read more about us at https://www.circlesusa.org.


ROLE OVERVIEW


Circles USA is seeking an experienced and visionary Development Strategist to build and lead our fundraising during a pivotal season of growth. This is a part-time contract position with an ultimate goal to convert into permanent, full-time staff contingent on performance and revenue growth.


You will design and execute a diversified development strategy that expands our funding portfolio across foundation and government grants, major donors, individual giving, and other aligned revenue opportunities. You will build upon our existing relationships, augment Circles USA’s strong case for support, and expand our national reputation to create the systems, partnerships, and momentum necessary for sustainable and predictable funding growth. The ideal candidate will also identify and cultivate their own connections to funders.


Relationships are essential to accomplish our mission, so this position is more than just the numbers—it’s building community, too. While revenue growth matters, calibrating the engine that sustains development based on our core values matters just as much. The Development Strategist must connect with local chapters and individuals with lived experience of poverty, so that our fundraising strategy and storytelling reflect their dignity, authenticity, and will to create real social impact.


RESPONSIBILITIES


Development Strategy

  • Translate our existing case for support and strategic plan into a full fundraising strategy.

  • Establish 12- and 24-month revenue targets across funding streams.

  • Build a measurable development roadmap with clear performance indicators.


Foundation & Grant Portfolio Expansion

  • Identify, cultivate, and qualify Circles for new foundation prospects.

  • Manage proposal development, submission calendars, and reporting cycles.

  • Strengthen and expand existing family foundation relationships.


Major Donor Development

  • Partner closely with the Executive Director in donor cultivation and solicitation.

  • Build and manage a structured major gifts pipeline.

  • Develop multi-year funding opportunities where appropriate.


Individual Giving

  • Launch and optimize recurring giving strategies.

  • Execute annual appeals and strengthen donor stewardship.

  • Improve retention and long-term donor engagement.


Systems & Infrastructure

  • Implement and optimize CRM and prospect tracking systems.

  • Establish a clear management process.

  • Create dashboards for pipeline visibility and revenue forecasting.



SUPPORT


You will work in a collaborative leadership environment with:

  • our highly engaged Executive Director;

  • key board members with nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience;

  • our communications team, which includes a copywriter-editor, marketing specialist, and graphic designer;

  • our local chapters and community of practice who are the heart of our model.


WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE 


By the end of the first 12 months, you will have:

  • Built a functioning development infrastructure.

  • Significantly expanded our foundation and donor base and pipeline.

  • Activated leadership and board engagement in fundraising.

  • Secured new and expanded measurable funding commitments.

  • Produced a forward-looking 24-month development growth plan.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS


  • Degree in communications, English, nonprofit management, public health, or related field 

  • 5+ years of professional experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related nonprofit development communications roles

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex programs into compelling narratives

  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously

  • Strong understanding of fundraising best practices and the nonprofit funding landscape

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with donor databases 

  • Skilled in foundation trends and research, budget development, and major donor cultivation

  • Strong systems thinker with CRM and pipeline management experience


IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE


  • Builder mindset with demonstrated success scaling fundraising for growth-stage nonprofits

  • Proven track record of securing foundation grants and major gifts, in human services, economic mobility, community development, or similar mission-driven sectors

  • Possesses both a portable network of aligned funders and the relational skill to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts in a values-centered, relationship-driven environment

  • Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically (i.e., able to design big-picture strategy while executing details of proposals, donor meetings, etc.) 

  • Confident engaging with varying perspectives, from executive leadership and board members to diverse community members—especially those with lived experience of poverty

  • Collaborative, organized, and attentive to detail, with the ability to maintain consistent messaging and brand integrity


OTHER DETAILS


  • This is a remote position requiring strong independent drive, project management skills, reliable high-speed internet, and appropriate equipment for video conferencing.

  • Occasional travel may be requested to connect with local chapters. Approved travel expenses and hours will be covered and scheduled collaboratively.

  • Contract position: hourly wages negotiable based on experience and local cost of living.

  • As a contractor, you are responsible for applicable state taxes.

  • Additional benefits and perks are available upon conversion to staff status.


COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY


Our goal is competitive and equitable compensation. We use a market-based approach, measuring against similar nonprofits. We pay consistently across roles and comply with all statutory requirements.


HIRING WITH AN EQUITY LENS


At Circles USA, building a supportive, high-performing team that reflects diverse lived experiences is essential to our mission.


We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetics, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.


Research shows that women, people of color, and others from underrepresented communities tend not to apply for available positions unless they fully meet every qualification. Circles USA encourages all interested and experienced fundraisers to apply for this opportunity.



Learn more about Circles USA on our website, YouTube channel, and podcast.


TO APPLY:

Send your cover letter and resume to kamatara@circlesusa.org by April 30, 2026.



 
 
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