Development Associate
Afropop Worldwide (World Music Productions)
About Us
World Music Productions d/b/a Afropop Worldwide is a pioneering organization that has bridged cultures through music and stories since 1988. Through our Peabody Award-winning public radio program, Planet Afropop podcast, and content-rich website (afropop.org), we showcase the vibrant music and stories from Africa and its global diaspora. Our work provides cultural context to contemporary issues including women's rights, climate change, and governance, making music a powerful lens for understanding our shared future. Our team has conducted original research in over 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and North America.
Position Overview
We're seeking a dynamic Development Associate to help lead our fundraising initiatives. This role offers an exciting opportunity to grow from part-time to full-time while playing a crucial role in sustaining and expanding our cultural impact. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with our Executive Producer, board, and staff team to secure and expand funding from foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead proposal research and writing for foundation and corporate grants
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive donor database and prospect pipeline
- Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, potential board members, and strategic partners
- Create compelling fundraising communications and materials
- Manage digital and physical development assets
- Co-design and co-execute annual Year-End Appeal campaigns with the team
- Participate in organizational succession planning for the next 2-3 years
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree
- 3-5+ years of professional fundraising experience in the non-profit sector
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven track record in relationship building and donor cultivation
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
- Experience with remote work and independent project management
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Passion for African and diaspora music and cultural heritage
- French and/or Spanish language proficiency
- Experience with arts/cultural organization fundraising
- Knowledge of current trends in nonprofit development
- New York City residence
Position Details
- Status: Part-time (with potential for full-time)
- Salary: 20 hours per week @ $35/hour
- Schedule: Flexible with occasional evening and weekend work preferred
- Location: Remote with preference for NYC-based candidates
What Our Colleagues Say
"Afropop Worldwide rocks! For 36 years, this program has done more than just promote the great artists of Africa. It has also told our stories, championed our causes and brought the realities and challenges of Africa today into households and earbuds around the world."
—Angelique Kidjo, 5-time Grammy Award winner and APWW Board Member
"The music that Afropop Worldwide covers is a wellspring of American and world culture, and no other organization I know does so well in helping it reach the listeners it deserves."
—Jon Pareles, Chief Pop Music Critic, New York Times
“Simply a treat for the ears!” Jeffrey Jones, Director, The Peabody Awards
How to Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to:
Sean Barlow
Founder and Executive Producer
sean@afropop.org
Afropop Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.
