About Ascendus  

Ascendus is a nonprofit small business lender whose vision is to create a world of financial ascension for all. Our mission is to empower low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs through access to the capital and business support to create and grow healthy enterprises and contribute to thriving local economies. Since 1991, Ascendus has provided more than $400 million to more than 55,000 small business owners across the country.  For more information, visit www.ascendus.org   

Summary 

The Senior Development Officer supports the Development & Communication team’s solicitation of $22 million in annual requests. The Senior Development Officer will report directly to the Chief Development Officer, and work closely with the Leadership Team including the CEO, COO, and CFO. The position works closely with all members of the Development & Communications Team on identifying and pursuing fundraising opportunities. The position is collaborative, but requires initiative and the ability to own and close fundraising relationships and opportunities that align with the organization’s priorities. This position requires strong communication skills, and the ability to create high quality grant requests and reports on a weekly basis.  

You’d Be a Great Fit If: 

  • You have a proven track record in institutional fundraising and can manage a portfolio of donor relationships from prospecting to solicitation and stewardship. 

  • You are passionate about building transformative relationships that connect people, ideas, and resources to drive lasting impact for small business owners. 

  • You are collaborative yet self-driven, thriving in a team environment while taking ownership of projects and delivering measurable results. 

  • You are strategic and action-oriented, identifying opportunities to grow funding while contributing to Ascendus’ mission and long-term goals. 

Key Outcomes  

The Senior Development Officer will be responsible for achieving the following:  

  • Manage a portfolio of 40 institutional accounts, drafting and submitting grant proposals and reports, to request a total of $4.5 million annually; 

  • Secure $1.5 million annually through the $4.5 million in solicitations;  

  • Research, identify and cultivate new funding prospects to request at least $4 million in new support from prospective funders, converting 18% of dollars to approved grants; and 

  • In partnership with the CEO and CDO, provide strategic direction on portfolio and move management for high priority donors and prospects, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for institutions with 7-figure giving potential. 

Required Competencies and Qualifications  

Competencies: 

  • Communication.  The ability to effectively converse and listen to others concerning company matters.  The use of proper written and grammatical skills, and the meaningful application of computer technology [e-mail, Internet, etc.]. 

  • Strategic Planning.  The degree to which the incumbent gathers and interprets data, appropriately applies knowledge to the planning process, and generates strategic plans that contribute to the short and long-term goals and objectives of the organization. Effectively conveys the vision, strategy, goals, and culture of the organization. Takes into account strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and any other factor that might possibly affect company objectives. 

  • Initiative - The ability to perform job responsibilities independently and responsibly.  The ability to proactively complete tasks, solve problems, improve processes, enhance products, and/or extend services within assigned range of authority. 

  • Business Development. The degree to which results are demonstrated in developing new business, generating leads, expanding the client base, and developing revenue opportunities. 

  • Productivity.  The level of work output or efficiency as compared to a standard or compared to others.  The ability to use time and resources well. 

  • Attention to Detail. The level at which tasks are performed carefully, accurately, and in accordance with specific instructions. Consistency of work quality and compliance with standards, requirements, and expectations.  The tracking of numerical data and detailed organizational information, and the careful application of grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules. 

Experience: 

  • 4-6 years of frontline fundraising experience, ideally in the institutional space, that included accountability for meeting an organizational fundraising goal  

  • Experience writing successful grant proposals and success renewing institutional support 

  • Experience administering government grants (state or federal) 

  • Eagerness to learn, understand, and communicate CDFI and small business lending work 

Compensation and Benefits 

  • Competitive salary based on experience  

  • Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions toward medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families. 

  • Monthly mobile phone stipend of $30. 

  • Eligibility for 401(K) participation after 30 days of employment, and employer-match of up to 3% of annual salary. 

  • Flexible time off.