Director of Development

Job Description

Hey there

We're Koko, a mental health nonprofit created by a team out of MIT and Airbnb. We're backed by YCombinator and Fast Forward, and we've built services for most large Internet platforms, including TikTok, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

We're building scalable AI systems that save lives. We provide online mental health support at the moment young people need it most. We reach young people where they are — online — and embed our interventions into the platforms they use every day (e.g., TikTok, Discord). So far, we've provided support to more than 4 million young people, reaching individuals across 199 countries and six continents.

We're looking for an inaugural Director of Development to lead and grow our philanthropic efforts. This role will build on our existing work to create a robust fundraising program, while also deepening relationships with our current donors. You'll work closely with our CEO and CMO to secure the support Koko needs to scale our impact, and you'll shape how we engage high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate funders in our mission.

This role is ideal for a seasoned fundraiser who loves to build. We're looking for someone who is excited to directly contribute to fundraising and can bring structure, clarity, and creativity to a fast-moving, high-impact team. If you're energized by the idea of helping end the youth mental health crisis, and have the skills to help fund that future, we'd love to meet you.

Please note that this role requires ~20% travel. Core Requirements

8+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising

Direct experience identifying, connecting with, and closing six figure donors

A self-starter who's comfortable operating in ambiguity and creating systems from scratch

A clear communicator with excellent writing, presentation, and storytelling skills

Exceptional relationship building skills

Previous experience in a startup or early-stage nonprofit setting

Experience working in tech-forward or digital health environments

A passion for mental health and improving the lives of young peopleKey Responsibilities

Contribute to our $2M philanthropic fundraising goal for 2025 and develop the foundation to own our 2026 fundraising goal including a $4M pipeline

Build and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual (40%), foundation (40%), and corporate giving (20%)

Own and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, including many with existing ties to Koko

Work closely with the CEO and executive team to support high-level donor engagement

Collaborate with the team to develop compelling cases for support

Develop and implement systems for donor tracking, reporting, and stewardship

Represent Koko externally with professionalism and purpose

Track progress against quarterly goals and continuously refine strategies to improve outcomesCompensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 – $190,000 annually, based on experience, location, and qualifications

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement savings plan with company match

Flexible hours, fully remote, international offsites, no-meeting Fridays.

Professional development budgetWorking at Koko

Koko is made up of an exceptional group of dedicated individuals all fueled by the same passion - ending the youth mental health crisis. Our team, advisors, and board bring a variety of experiences together to impact more young people. Together, we're creating the most accessible online mental health intervention.

Wondering what it's like to work here?

Opportunity to shape both the vision and impact of an organization reaching millions.

Fun, dynamic team that knows how to move quickly to drive outcomes.

Flexible hours, fully remote, international offsites, no-meeting Fridays.

At Koko, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We serve a very diverse user base and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Many of the people working with us are former Koko users themselves.Our Values

Make a difference: Aim for large effects. Scale and impact should astonish people.

Be outcomes-based. Don't just assume we are helping people. Measure it.

Act with integrity: Be honest, ethical and genuine.

Challenge yourself: Do hard things you've never tried before. Do hard things no one's ever tried before.

Find balance: Have your work match your lifestyle, not your lifestyle match your work.

Full-time

Fully remote