Director of Philanthropy

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.

• 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.

Just A Start completed its first-ever capital campaign in  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 ) 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.

Just A Start is seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Director of Philanthropy…