About Just A Start

Founded in 1968 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Just A Start is a community development corporation that builds homes, careers and futures.  

Just A Start believes that access to stable housing and sustainable careers are the essential building blocks of equitable communities. For 58 years, we have focused on meeting the fundamental needs of individuals and families who have been systemically denied opportunities to realize their full potential. Our programs include affordable housing development and services, career training for adults and youth, and financial empowerment programs, spanning Cambridge, the Metro North region and Boston.

We have developed and operate 750 affordable apartments. To keep community members housed, we also offer financial and technical assistance to prevent evictions and support low- and moderate-income homeowners. Finally, we prepare individuals of all ages and circumstances with the skills and knowledge they need to secure fulfilling careers, leveraging their talents to achieve economic mobility and strengthen the region’s workforce.

Mission Statement: Just A Start promotes equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. 

Vision Statement: Just A Start’s vision is an equitable community where everyone can secure a solid economic foundation. 

Our Impact:

• We have developed and own 750 affordable homes, housing approximately 1,800 people, with another 350 homes planned over the next 5-7 years.
• Each year, we help 600+ people with rental assistance, housing stabilization, homelessness prevention, and home improvement services.
• We train nearly 100 adults annually for careers in biomedical and IT fields and support 50 youth with career training in construction, entrepreneurship, and green jobs. Upon securing employment, graduates of our IT and biomedical programs see an average annual income increase of $20,000. 
• We provide 150 people annually with financial coaching and education to help them plan and save for their futures.
• Our free tax preparation services return approximately $650,000 each year to low- and moderate-income community members.

Looking Ahead: Completed Capital Campaign, Economic Mobility Hub, and 5-Year Strategic Plan 

Just A Start completed its first-ever capital campaign in 2022-2024 to support the development of our Economic Mobility Hub, a 70,000 square foot, 6-story building that houses Just A Start’s headquarters, and space for well-integrated services including career training for youths and adults, financial empowerment, 24 affordable apartments, housing resources, and pre-kindergarten classes.

We raised $5.6 million through the campaign, exceeding the campaign goal of $4.25 million by 30%. The campaign was successful in raising funds, expanding and engaging donors, and elevating the organization’s profile. Over 60% of gifts came from first-time donors. Riding on the success of the campaign, we have room to grow our individual and business donors. 

With the opening of the Economic Mobility Hub in 2024, we embarked on a five-year strategic plan (2025-2029) that emphasizes not just what we do, but how we do it. Our “how” includes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, program integration, learning and evaluation, and a participant-centered approach. The plan focuses on enhancing, expanding and better integrating our work to support economic mobility through housing, careers, and financial empowerment. It also maps out our fund development plan, including promoting a culture of philanthropy across the organization, building partnerships, and amplifying our impacts. 

The Opportunity 

Just A Start is seeking a Director of Philanthropy

Just A Start is seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Director of Philanthropy to lead our Philanthropy team to advance Just A Start’s mission by ensuring the organization’s long-term financial sustainability, and by raising Just A Start’s profile through strategic marketing and communication initiatives. 

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Philanthropy manages the Philanthropy team, which includes the Associate Director of Institutional Giving, Associate Director of Communications, and Philanthropy Associate. The Director of Philanthropy also staffs the Board of Directors’ Fundraising Committee. In this leadership capacity, the Director is a strategic thought partner for program directors and the Executive Director.

The incoming Director will build on Just A Start’s strong fundraising foundation and successful capital campaign to shape the next phase of the organization’s philanthropy program. Key priorities will include strengthening and diversifying the donor pipeline, developing the next iteration of the major gifts program, deepening Board and donor engagement, and building on the strong foundation already established to further advance Just A Start’s fundraising strategies, systems, and future goals . 

Key Responsibilities: 

The Director of Philanthropy will be charged with providing strategic leadership, planning, implementation, and partnership on all aspects of fund development and communications. 

In 2026, Just A Start’s annual budget is $10.5 million, supported by a diverse mix of government, philanthropic, earned, and real estate-related revenue. The Philanthropy Team is currently responsible for raising approximately $3 million annually. This fundraising goal is expected to evolve and likely increase over the next several years as Just A Start grows its programs and navigates a changing funding landscape. 

Key Job Activities:

Philanthropy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities and future strategic planning efforts. 
• Work in partnership with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, the Leadership Team, and Just A Start staff on all major fundraising initiatives.
• Develop and implement an annual fund development plan, and special fund initiatives such as endowment and planned gifts. Create strategies to raise funds from diverse funding sources, including foundations, corporations, government, and individuals - direct mail and major gifts.
• Lead and evolve Just A Start’s major gifts program, managing the full donor cycle from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship. The Director will help shape the next iteration of the program, including refining major gift strategies, donor segmentation, and giving levels to align with Just A Start's evolving goals. 
• Oversee fundraising systems, operations, and infrastructure to ensure accurate donor data, effective prospect tracking, timely reporting, and efficient fundraising processes, including management and optimization of Salesforce CRM.
• Lead, manage, and develop the Philanthropy Team, setting clear priorities and performance goals, fostering collaboration and accountability, and ensuring successful execution of annual fundraising goals and longer-term strategic initiatives. 

Executive Leadership and Board Engagement 

• As a member of the Leadership Team, actively participate in organizational strategy, management, budgeting, culture-building, and internal communication. Provide leadership in advancing, implementing, and monitoring Just A Start’s strategic plan.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and Leadership Team, bringing a philanthropy, communications, and external-relations perspective to organizational decision-making.
• Help foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization, engaging leaders and staff in understanding their roles in building relationships, communicating impact, and advancing Just A Start’s mission.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board Fundraising Committee, partnering with committee leadership to establish priorities, develop strategies, and track progress toward fundraising goals.
• Engage and support the full Board of Directors in giving, fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship, and help Board members serve effectively as ambassadors for Just A Start.
• Provide Board members with the information, tools, messaging, and opportunities they need to confidently represent the organization and strengthen relationships with donors, partners, and other key stakeholders.

Marketing & Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of Marketing and Communications, partnering with the Associate Director of Communications to strengthen Just A Start's visibility, messaging, brand positioning, and donor engagement. 
• Oversee the implementation of a comprehensive marketing/communications plan annually for Just A Start that continues to increase and strengthen the visibility and awareness of the organization.

External Relations

• Cultivate and maintain a strong network of new community, corporate, philanthropic, government, and civic relationships that expands Just A Start’s visibility, strengthens its reputation, and creates new opportunities for partnership and support. 
• Steward and deepen existing partnerships by leading the partner relationship management in collaboration with the Executive Director, program directors and other colleagues.
• Represent the organization and be an effective ambassador at outside events and activities.
• Strengthen Just A Start’s external presence and reputation by identifying opportunities for organizational visibility, thought leadership, speaking engagements, community participation, and other forums that advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. 

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, mission-driven philanthropy leader who is energized by the opportunity to build upon Just A Start’s strong foundation and expand our community of supporters and partners. They will bring the following capabilities:

• Strategic,  Visionary, and Entrepreneurial Leader: A forward-thinking leader who can translate Just A Start’s mission and strategic priorities into a compelling, comprehensive philanthropy strategy. The successful candidate will balance long-term vision with strong execution, establishing clear goals, using data to assess progress, bringing initiative, curiosity, and adaptability to identifying and building new opportunities to strengthen Just A Start’s visibility and financial sustainability.
• Relationship Builder and Ambassador: A skilled relationship builder with the confidence, presence, and credibility to represent Just A Start externally and inspire engagement among individual donors, corporations, foundations, government partners, board members, and community stakeholders. They will communicate the organization’s impact in a compelling and accessible way, and cultivate relationships that expand our reach and support. 
• Collaborative Strategic Partner: A trusted and collaborative partner who will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Leadership Team, program leaders, and staff across the organization. They will promote a culture of philanthropy, strengthen coordination across departments, and help colleagues understand their role in advancing Just A Start’s external presence.
• Experienced Fundraising and Communications Leader: A results-oriented professional with a demonstrated record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies across multiple revenue streams. They will understand how philanthropy, marketing, communications, and external relations reinforce one another and will provide effective leadership and support to a talented team responsible for these functions.
• Supportive and Accountable People Manager: An inclusive and effective manager who sets clear priorities, supports professional growth, encourages collaboration, and holds themselves and others accountable for results. They will bring sound judgment, adaptability, and a willingness to remain engaged in both strategic leadership and hands-on execution.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit organization with demonstrated success in a development function, team leadership, and forging and managing relationships with multiple donor sources.
• A strong track record at expanding and cultivating new and existing donor relationships over time for annual fund and capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated success personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant gifts from individuals, as well as building and expanding a major donor pipeline.   
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders and build long-term relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with a flexible and adaptive leadership style, which can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising activities.
• A professional and resourceful style, with the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and social media platforms, or the ability and willingness to become proficient in these areas.
• Passion for Just A Start's mission.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This is a 37.5-hour per week hybrid remote/in-the-office position with a salary range of $130,000.00-$150,000.00. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, with a minimum of 3 days in the office. Occasional evening availability may be required for events and other organizational activities. 

 In addition to a competitive salary, Just A Start offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, transportation benefits, 20 PTO days in the first year, 13 paid holidays, volunteer time off, employee assistance program and a 401k retirement savings plan with a 3% employer contribution. In addition, Just A Start has implemented a “Find Your Joy Fridays” benefit that allows full-time employees to leave work at 2:00 pm on Fridays.  

Just A Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Our staff represents a wide range of ages, races, interests, and backgrounds coming together in pursuit of common goals.  We value diversity and work together to create an inclusive culture where people from all backgrounds can thrive and belong.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: The employee must have sufficient mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  Specific vision abilities required include ability to read printed materials and a computer screen, close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Normal office conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate and can occasionally be loud.