Location: Remote (LA or Milwaukee preferred)

Hours: 20 hours per week

Compensation: $30,000–$60,000 annually

About Us

For the past several years the Center for the Working Poor has been in the process of building a new experimental recovery program that we are tentatively Twelve-Step for Everyone, which we believe can build a new base of activated people for progressive social change in the United States. It is an ambitious project to create a recovery program, not just for addicts, but for everyone.

Rooted in our ancestral history, and embedded still today in many of our spiritual and religious traditions, mutual aid is a different way of meeting our needs that is self-sustaining, scalable, and accessible. One of the best representatives of this alternative model is 12-Step, which is arguably the largest mutual aid society in the world today. Millions of people use it to remain sober from chronic addictions; find a community of support for living with loved ones suffering from addiction; heal from the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family; restore healthy boundaries around emotional/sexual attachment; and recover from various other compulsive patterns of behavior. What we need is a program for everyone: which can both address the egoic programming, shortcomings, or various destructive patterns we all need to heal and grow from, and also mobilize participants into a progressive movement ecosystem.

The Christian right has recognized and co-opted the 12-step model, adapting it into a conservative evangelical framework,called Celebrate Recovery, that serves as both a recruitment tool and an ideological pipeline into specific churches. Within right-wing religious networks, 12-step programs have been integrated into church-based recovery ministries that do more than provide support—they cultivate a disciplined base primed for political mobilization. This structure has been used in service of anti-abortion activism, reactionary social policies, and broader right-wing organizing efforts.

Progressives, for the most part, have ignored this phenomenon. The 12-step model holds enormous potential for progressives, offering a replicable and sustainable framework for community-building, leadership development, and collective transformation.

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Part-Time Development Director to lead our fundraising and donor engagement efforts. The Development Director will play a key role in cultivating donor relationships, securing funding from individuals and foundations, and ensuring effective grant management.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Engagement & Fundraising

Develop and manage donor lists, ensuring accurate records and strategic outreach.
Identify and cultivate new donors, deepening relationships with existing supporters.
Plan and conduct donor meetings to strengthen engagement.
Craft and deliver compelling fundraising pitches.
Create fundraising materials and assets to support donor engagement.
Act as the primary liaison between the organization and its donors.
Organize educational events for funders to increase awareness and support.
Develop strategies to cultivate different levels of donors, from small contributors to major gifts.

Foundation & Grant Development

Research and develop multiple strategies to secure foundation funding.
Manage grant applications and ensure timely, accurate grant reporting.
Track and report fundraising progress, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals.

Qualifications & Skills

Proven experience, or deep desire to learn-- nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.
Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
Ability to create compelling fundraising pitches and donor materials.
Experience/and or ability to plan donor-related events.
Knowledge of foundation fundraising and grant reporting best practices.
Self-motivated and organized, with the ability to work independently in a part-time role.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

Resume – Include your relevant experience, skills, and contact information.

Cover Letter – Describe your qualifications and why you are interested in this role.

Where to Apply:

Email: Send your resume and cover letter to centerfortheworkingpoor@gmail.com with the subject line: Part Time Development Director – Paul Engler.

Application Deadline: April 15

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Thank you for your interest!

The Center for the Working Poor

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Part-Time Development Director