Research & Communications Officer

Description

Funders for LGBTQ Issues

Job Posting: Research & Communications Officer 

Reports to: Vice President of Research & Communications
FLSA: Exempt (Full Time)
Location: Remote  

ABOUT FUNDERS FOR LGBTQ ISSUES

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a network of funders committed to advancing equity and well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, & queer (LGBTQ) communities. We provide three key services:

1. Organize convenings and forums for LGBTQ funders to connect, coordinate their efforts, learn from each other, and maximize their impact. 
2. Provide training and support services for foundations to help them increase their LGBTQ-inclusiveness in both grantmaking and internal practices. 
3. Provide up-to-the-minute information, research, and resources on LGBTQ grantmaking for the benefit of funders and the broader LGBTQ movement. 

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is unique in that the organization not only raises funds to support its own work, but also works to increase resources for the LGBTQ movement, particularly the most under-served communities within the LGBTQ movement, such as LGBTQ people of color, transgender communities, and women. Please visit www.lgbtfunders.org for more information on our work.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a hub of information and resources related to LGBTQ philanthropy and social justice grantmaking. The organization has a long history of conducting original research to describe the scale, scope, and impact of funding for LGBTQ communities and produces other knowledge products related to the advancement of LGBTQ equity in philanthropy.

Our Tracking Report: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Grantmaking by U.S. Foundations (hereafter, “Annual Tracking Report”) and other special reports monitor the character of LGBTQ funding and identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for philanthropy. Our reports are considered among the field’s most reliable and useful sources of data on funding flows to LGBTQ communities and have been cited by academic journals, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, newspapers, blogs, and other media.

The Research & Communications Officer will play an instrumental role in maintaining and strengthening the organization’s research program and develop impactful communications to advance our mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Knowledge Strategy

• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to develop an organization-wide research strategy to meet the needs of the Funders for LGBTQ Issues network. 
• Ensure the successful execution of the research and knowledge agenda by participating in project planning and budgeting. 
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key organizations in the field including CHANGE Philanthropy and the Global Philanthropy Project by building the reputation of Funders for LGBTQ Issues research and communications capacity. 

Data Collection, Review, and Coding

• Oversee the successful completion of the annual resource tracking project in close partnership with the Vice President of Research and Communications and with the support of project consultants.
• Conduct annual data collection campaign to solicit detailed submissions of LGBTQ grantmaking from over 200 participating foundations. 
• Intake and organize data submissions and conduct a robust document review process from non-submitting foundations, including review of annual reports, financial filings, and other publicly available documentation. 
• Manage data cleaning and coding process in close collaboration with Vice President of Research and Communications and project consultants, pursuing opportunities for project innovation.

Writing and Communication

• Lead the writing of the Annual Tracking Report in close collaboration with Vice President of Research and Communications, research partners, and project consultants. 
• Work to translate research findings to programs and engagement teams to support team objectives and initiative goals.
• Produce additional content such as articles, infographics, or posts for web and social media to amplify our research to our core audiences.
• Represent Funders for LGBTQ Issues and present research at meetings and conferences as an authoritative voice on issues related to philanthropy for LGBTQ issues. 
• Support the organization’s overall communications strategy to engage our network and the wider philanthropic community. 
• Support internal knowledge sharing and staff education to encourage collaboration and team growth. 
• Respond to research inquiries, both internal and external. 

Project Management and Departmental Administration 

• Oversee annual Resource Tracking Project and provide project management and support to other research and communications initiatives. 
• Maintain and improve our CRM database in collaboration with other departments. 
• Provide oversight and support to consultants retained to support research projects or other department initiatives. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with the management and analysis of large data sets, including an aptitude for database maintenance as well as advanced Microsoft Excel skills. 
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize ideas in a succinct and compelling manner.
• Broad understanding and commitment to LGBTQ issues, and, ideally, in-depth knowledge of at least one sub-population or issues, such as LGBTQ poverty, HIV/AIDS and health issues, trans communities, and LGBTQ communities of color. 
• Organized and detailed oriented, with the ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects and deadlines while advancing long-term organizational goals. 
• A strong aptitude for data communication and visualization. 

Additional qualifications that will make a candidate competitive for this role:

• Self-starter with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a small and highly motivated team. 
• Experience using statistical software such as STATA in social science research and/or familiarity using scripting/programming languages to conduct research. 
• Strong commitment to social justice and interest in the study and practice of social justice philanthropy. 
• Strong aptitude for adapting to new technology, with experience using or interest to learn software including Salesforce, Asana, Constant Contact, and more. 
• Experience in philanthropy or LGBTQ movement funding a plus. 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; Master’s or another advanced degree a plus. 
• Excellent sense of humor. 

CLOSED MAIN OFFICES

Due to COVID-19, our team is working remotely until it is safe to resume travel and work from our primary office in New York City (for staff located within the metropolitan area).

REMOTE WORK

This position is fully remote in the continental US only.   

TRAVEL

Staff travel and organizational representation are shared with Funders staff to ensure reasonable travel expectations. Normal travel for this position was 20%. This is expected to resume at this pre-pandemic level in 2022.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary is in the range between $73,000-$78,000. Excellent benefits, including full medical, health reimbursement, and flexible spending accounts, retirement plan contributions, and generous vacation schedule. Flexible work hours friendly to balancing work and personal obligations. Funders for LGBTQ Issues values mentorship and leadership development and will work with the hired candidate to identify opportunities to support their professional growth in philanthropy and beyond.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format to the Research & Communications Officer position on our career page at lgbtfunders.bamboohr.com/jobs. Due to the expected high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone inquiries.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

Funders for LGBTQ Issues does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, whistleblower status, marital status, or any other category protected by state or federal law. We strongly encourage people with traditionally marginalized identities to apply.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact marvin@lgbtfunders.org upon submitting your application.