Director of Development

Position Description

Agency Mission & Reach: 

Horizons Atlanta (HA) is a community-centered summer learning program that has been proven to close the opportunity gap. We believe that every child in Atlanta, regardless of background, should have the same chance at making a positive impact in their community. We provide this opportunity by eliminating the critical barriers to success that many of our children face, thus putting them on the path to: 

• Read proficiently by the end of third grade,
• Achieve eighth-grade math proficiency
• Build swimming skills and confidence
• Graduate from high school, college, and/or career-ready

In 2023, Horizons Atlanta served over 1,400 rising 1st through 9th grade students across 11 program sites in Metro Atlanta. We continue to grow by adding cohorts of students to develop programs into their full nine-year continuums, piloting new offerings such as high school and afterschool initiatives, and through innovative partnerships aimed at holistically supporting the students and communities we serve. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Horizons Atlanta seeks an experienced Director of Development to assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors with the design and implementation of a strategic, cohesive, and systematic advancement program to broaden Horizons Atlanta’s development, outreach, and stakeholder relations activities. The role includes leading the planning and execution of key tasks to increase and diversify our donor base and strategically elevate the Horizons Atlanta brand in the education and philanthropic communities. 

The Director of Development is a member of the three-person Horizons Atlanta executive team and reports to the Executive Director. This position is expected to maintain excellent internal and external stakeholder relationships for the purpose of organizational resource advancement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP

• Serve as a member of the organization’s senior leadership team, leading day-to-day operations and strategy and ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to track fundraising progress against budget milestones and fundraising goals and provide budget forecasts.
• Serve as primary regional staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee.
• Manage one direct report: Conduct regular 1:1 meetings and guide them toward success in reaching their goals.

DONOR PROSPECTING AND SOLICITATION

• Manage a portfolio of foundation, government, and individual donors, including prospecting, grant application, proposal development, and solicitation ($50k ).
• Cultivate relationships with donors in the DOD’s portfolio through correspondence, phone calls, and meetings. Manage reporting required by grants.
• Oversee maintenance of Bloomerang (donor CRM) 
• Plan and lead the organization’s annual fundraising plan, including an Annual Fund Campaign, with support from the Assistant Director of Development, Executive Director, and Board of Directors. Oversee planning and messaging around Horizons Giving Day, and Georgia Gives Day campaigns.

DONOR STEWARDSHIP

• Oversee the stewardship plan for Horizons Atlanta donors. Produce and submit detailed partnership reports for donors and partners within the DOD portfolio that communicate key objectives, programming, results, and impact of the partnership, including but not limited to grant reports and donor gift acknowledgments.
• Manage the 100% Club (donor recognition program) stewardship.
• Create additional donor engagement programs (recognition opportunities, events, gifts, and marketing efforts) to deepen relationships with individual donors. 

COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Oversee execution of key communications initiatives, including monthly newsletters, press releases, and social media. Ensure brand alignment across all levels of the organization.
• Oversee production of all marketing collateral, including brochures, videos, press releases, event materials, and Annual Reports, both internally and through external consultants.
• Develop marketing toolkits with tailored materials for prospective donors, host institutions, board members, and champions.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Board Chair, and other champions as necessary to develop on-brand talking points that effectively communicate the organization’s mission and goals.

EVENT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

• Oversee planning and production of fundraising and donor stewardship events such as Horizons Honors, our annual fundraising and scholar recognition event, alongside the ADOD, Site Directors, and Program Team. Evaluate, plan, and oversee the execution of donor stewardship and fundraising events, such as needed.

SITE-LEVEL FUNDRAISING SUPPORT

• Collaborate and support Horizons Atlanta’s team of site directors to guide them in establishing fundraising plans and fundraising best practices for each host institution program.

POSITION STRUCTURE

• This is a full-time, exempt position. Regular business hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, but availability for some early morning, evening, and weekend meetings and events is required.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred 

• Minimum of seven years of professional fundraising leadership experience in complex advancement and donor engagement programs 

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including a history of soliciting/securing five-figure gifts 

• Direct donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation experience 

• Foundation relationship and grant writing experience 

• Persuasive public speaking, written and verbal communication skills 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word (or Google Suites alternatives) 

• Familiarity with donor CRMs and electronic communication technology (MailChimp) 

• Excellent planning and organizational skills, detail-oriented, and demonstrated ability to manage deadlines and multiple ongoing projects from start to finish 

• Experience developing and maintaining productive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders (e.g., senior corporate executives, school presidents, Horizons parents, Board of Directors, site directors, and educators, etc.) 

• Ability to effectively “manage up” to the Executive Director and Board of Directors 

• Ability to work as a leader and as part of a team 

• Ability to manage ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment 

• Unwavering commitment to customer service and satisfaction 

• Relentless results orientation 

• Commitment to the mission of providing life-changing academic and enrichment programs to children facing inequities in education

• Strong goal-oriented mantra with a strong desire to build a career within Horizons Atlanta 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to info@horizonsatlanta.org. 

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and based on prior experience. A competitive benefits stipend will also be offered.