Director of Development

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 seeking a results-driven, relationship-focused Director of Development to lead and expand its fundraising efforts. This critical role focuses on cultivating relationships with corporate partners and philanthropic leaders to secure major gifts and build sustainable partnerships. The Director will be responsible for growing Fast Forward’s fundraising pipeline, identifying new prospects, and meeting annual revenue targets. The Director reports to the VP of Fundraising and Partnerships.

This position is based in San Francisco, CA; it is a full-time, in-office role (no remote work).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Business Development

• Secure Fast Forward’s annual fundraising targets, with a focus on six- and seven-figure partnerships with corporate partners.
• Generate and manage a pipeline of prospective funders, focusing on corporate partners. 
• Develop tailored proposals, presentations, and outreach strategies to engage potential partners.
• Lead the pitch process and close both new and renewing partnerships, building long-term funding relationships.

Partnership Management & Execution 

• Cultivate and steward relationships with key stakeholders, acting as the main point of contact for corporate partners.
• Initiate renewal processes for existing partners and work to grow their contributions over time.
• Maintain consistent communication with prospects and funders, providing updates on Fast Forward’s impact and milestones.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure seamless onboarding and ongoing engagement with new partners.

Strategic Collaboration

• Work closely with the leadership team to refine Fast Forward’s development strategy, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, including maintaining accurate records in Hubspot and tracking progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with program and marketing teams to align messaging and showcase Fast Forward’s impact effectively.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Fast Forward seeks a driven, collaborative individual with the following experience and skills:

• Proven Fundraising or Sales Success: At least 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or business development, with a demonstrated track record of securing six-figure partnerships or gifts. Experience managing corporate partnerships is a plus. 
• Strategic Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Strong commitment to anticipating and exceeding partner expectations, with excellent follow-through and responsiveness.
• Goal-Oriented and Organized: Ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment while staying focused on results.
• Compelling Communicator: Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive pitches and tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrates a strong dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, prioritizing equity, and championing diversity in all aspects of work and relationships.
• Mission-Driven Mindset: Passion for championing nonprofit tech startups and advancing Fast Forward’s mission of scaling social impact.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• 401k retirement plan & employer matching
• Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio - with free transit to/from downtown San Francisco!
• Every other Friday is a half day
• Platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Most importantly, input on the office snack order 

COMPENSATION

• Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 - negotiable depending on experience. 

Note: In accordance with federal, state, and local safety guidelines, this role is expected to be performed in-person, in San Francisco.

Fast Forward is a social justice organization founded on the idea that those with proximity to the problem should have proximity to the power to fix them. Our true north is empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the tools, community, and capital they need to scale solutions for underserved groups, and we know that a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is inextricable from that pursuit. Read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidelines to learn how we approach DEI across our investments, community, and workplace.

Fast Forward is an equal opportunity employer.