Development and Impact Manager

Position Overview

The Development and Impact Manager works closely with the Executive Director and Senior Policy & Communications Manager to advance Blueprint Labs’ mission by ensuring its fundraising and policy processes operate efficiently.

The selected candidate will be an experienced manager who has a demonstrated track record of successful engagement and communication with donors, foundations, policymakers, and external stakeholders. The Manager is responsible for the strategy, execution, and evaluation of a diverse set of fundraising initiatives including individual giving, grant writing, foundation partnerships, and events. In partnership with the Executive Director and Senior Policy & Communications Manager, the Manager develops the organization’s short- and long-term fundraising strategies and support its strategy to develop and communicate policy impact. The position will be charged with developing systems for individual stewardship, proposal development, foundation outreach, and policy impact. The Manager supports the Charter School Research Collaborative and Blueprint’s other education partnerships. The Manager is a clear communicator who can effectively represent Blueprint Labs both in person and in writing.

The Development and Impact Manager is based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus in Cambridge, MA. Staff must work in the office at least 3 days per week. The Manager receives a full-time, one-year appointment that is renewable contingent on funding and mutual agreement. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. The estimated starting salary range is $118,000 – 160,000 and is likely to fall in the bottom half of this range. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising and Development:

• Develops and coordinates implementation of a multi-year fundraising strategy with the Executive Director and Senior Policy & Communications Manager, ensuring alignment with the organization’s short- and long-term strategic plan
• Serves as the primary liaison between Blueprint and MIT development staff in SHASS, Foundation Relations, and Resource Development
• Researches and prepares background research on prospects, creates and implements high-level strategies to source and cultivate prospective donors with leadership, with support from policy team colleagues
• Establishes a system and timeline for donor engagement, including a process for outreach, cultivation, and giving level recognition; helps develop and execute a strategy to grow our individual giving portfolio, with a focus on high net worth and major donors; maintains accurate donor records using Blueprint’s database.
• Sets measurable fundraising goals and reports progress to Blueprint’s leadership team; monitors and improves effectiveness of fundraising operations
• Creates tailored plans to creatively communicate Blueprint’s work and impact while speaking to donor’s specific interests
• Researches and identifies grant opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and programs; conducts outreach and presents to foundation staff, with support from supervisor
• Supports Blueprint’s leadership prepare for high-level external engagements, including preparation of background materials, emails, and pitches
• Drafts reports for philanthropic funders and policymakers on the progress of research projects and programmatic efforts

Policy Impact and Management:

• Initiates and builds new relationships and avenues for policy impact through outreach and convenings
• Serves as an external representative of the organization to key stakeholders, including presenting at conferences and other events
• Drafts presentations, speeches, and other public communications
• Develops materials to highlight Blueprint’s evidence of impact
• Helps organize convenings and other events that bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers
• Help to promote organizational visibility through external communications, media relations, and public speaking engagements when needed

Other duties as needed or required.

Supervision Received

The Development and Impact Manager is supervised by the Senior Policy and Communications Manager. The work is conducted in an independent and fast-paced research environment, with regular staff and research meetings.

Supervision Exercised

This position does not oversee staff.

Qualifications & Skills

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and a demonstrated track record of establishing successful systems for fundraising and donor management.
• Communication Skills: Strong writing and speaking skills and the ability to communicate across multiple stakeholders, as well as the ability to craft compelling fundraising messages. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in relation to communicating about research and Blueprint’s policy work. Accurately, succinctly, and persuasively communicates information written and orally to staff, researchers, external partners, and high-level external audiences (e.g., foundations, senior staff at external organizations, policymakers) with minimal director-level supervision. Proposes the structure and scope of presentations or other oral communications. Adapts communication style and tone to the audience.
• Management and Leadership: Must have strong management skills and the ability to prioritize and deliver results. Project management skills including the ability to plan projects, determine staffing, set timelines, and execute plans to meet organizational goals.
• Responsibility and Judgment: Must be able to work independently and across all levels of the organization. Handles confidential information and issues with discretion and good judgment.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel as needed to attend events or participate in meetings.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Master’s degree in a related field (economics, public policy, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field) preferred.
• Donor Management: Experience initiating and managing relationships with prospective high-value donors and donor-focused institutions.
• Board management: Experience working with a Board of Directors or other fundraising committee.
• Public Education Sector: Experience working on K-12 education research and/or policy with public schools, districts, etc.
• Events: Experience planning and organizing events.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application via MIT’s online job board. If this link does not work, visit https://jobs.mit.edu/external, search for job ID 24657 and complete an application. Please include:

• Cover letter* (outline why you are interested in Blueprint Labs and why you are qualified for this role)
• Resume/CV

Incomplete applications will not be considered; please be sure to include both components (cover letter, resume). Please note that because this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for at least 2 years from the date of application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates can expect an initial Zoom video interview, a time-limited task to understand job specific skills, and a final interview with more members of the team. The recruitment process can last 2-3 months.

* Blueprint Labs values diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusivity in our work and the broader perspectives our staff bring. We encourage people of color, first generation college students/graduates, and other underrepresented groups to apply to this role. In your cover letter, please consider sharing how your racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic and/or other identity has influenced your desire to work at Blueprint. This is not required, but rather an opportunity for us to get to know you. For more information, read the MIT Economics Department’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.