The WATCH Project

Compensation

Full Description

Organization Summary The WATCH Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of Georgia homeowners living in common-interest communities, including homeowners associations (HOAs), condominiums, and cooperatives. Our mission is to create positive change through empowerment, advocacy, and reform. We believe that community living should be fair, transparent, and harmonious. To achieve this, we provide homeowners with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to navigate the complexities of their communities. Our work is focused on three key pillars: • Education: Empowering homeowners by providing clear, accessible information about their rights and responsibilities. • Advocacy: Championing legislative and policy reforms at state and local levels to protect homeowners and promote good governance. • Support: Offering direct assistance and a supportive community for homeowners facing challenges. The WATCH Project is committed to being a leading statewide voice for homeowner rights, fostering communities where homeowners and their associations can thrive together. Role Overview The Director of Funding & Grant is a critical leadership role responsible for securing the financial resources necessary to power The WATCH Project's mission. This individual will be the chief architect and executor of a comprehensive development strategy that diversifies and grows our funding base. They will be a dynamic fundraiser who can compellingly articulate our impact to foundations, corporations, and individual supporters, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of our non-partisan advocacy and education work. Key Responsibilities Strategic Fund Development (20%) • Develop and implement a multi-year comprehensive fundraising strategy to significantly increase revenue from diverse sources. • Establish and monitor annual fundraising goals, budgets, and performance metrics. • Identify, research, and cultivate new funding opportunities to expand the organization's donor base. Grant Writing & Foundation Relations (50%) • Lead all aspects of grant procurement, including research, proposal writing, budgeting, reporting, and relationship management for foundations and philanthropic institutions. • Maintain a robust pipeline of grant opportunities aligned with our advocacy, education, and operational needs. • Ensure timely and compelling submission of grant proposals and reports, managing all deadlines with precision. Individual Giving & Membership Programs (10%) • Develop and execute strategies to grow individual giving, including annual funds, major gifts, and planned giving. • Oversee the donor management system, ensuring accurate tracking, segmentation, and stewardship of all contributors. • Create and manage a compelling membership program that provides value to homeowners while generating sustainable revenue. • Lead donor communication efforts, including appeal letters, impact reports, and personalized outreach. Corporate & Organizational Giving (20%) • Cultivate and secure sponsorships and partnerships with corporations, law firms, real estate-related businesses, and other organizations whose values align with our mission. • Develop tailored corporate giving and sponsorship packages that offer mutual benefit. • Represent The WATCH Project at networking events to build relationships with potential corporate supporters. Desired Background & Qualifications Required Experience & Skills: • A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in non-profit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing grants and growing individual donor programs. • Demonstrated success in writing and winning significant grants from private foundations, corporate foundations, and government sources. • Experience developing and managing corporate sponsorship or giving programs. • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and cases for support for a watchdog/advocacy organization. • Proficiency with donor management/CRM software (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, DonorPerfect). • A highly motivated self-starter with excellent project management skills and the ability to work independently in a remote setting. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience fundraising for advocacy, consumer rights, housing, or legal non-profit organizations. • Knowledge of the specific fundraising landscape for non-partisan watchdog agencies. • Experience with digital fundraising campaigns and social media fundraising strategies. • Established relationships with funders in the areas of housing, consumer protection, or civic engagement. • Direct personal or professional experience with common-interest communities (HOAs, condos, co-ops) is a plus. Visit TheWatchProject.org to learn more.