Position: Director of Development

Organization: East Harlem School at Exodus House

Reports to: Head and Co-Founder of School

Website: https://www.eastharlemschool.org

To Apply: Please submit a resume and a compelling letter of interest as one PDF to jamie@jamierenwickadvisors.com (subject line: EHS Development Director search)

Background

The East Harlem School (EHS) is an independent middle school serving 105 students in fourth through eighth grade. Still run by co-founder Ivan Hageman, who grew up on the site of the school when it was a drug rehabilitation center opened by his parents, EHS has brought elite, elegant education and unique extracurricular opportunities to students from low-income families of East Harlem, the Bronx, and beyond, since 1993. The East Harlem School challenges students to develop a balanced physical, moral, and intellectual strength that they will use to adapt to change - and for the final purpose of creating and sharing lives of deep meaning, dynamic virtue, and transcendent joy.

Position

The Director of Development will lead and manage all fundraising and development activities for The East Harlem School, which has an annual operating budget of approximately $3.2 million. This person will implement a comprehensive development plan that ensures EHS has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of emotional intelligence and be excellent at both frontline fundraising and strategy development. This role dynamically combines a roll-up-your sleeves sensibility with strategic thinking. The ideal candidate will have broad experience in development, including the implementation of fundraising appeals, major gifts campaigns, event planning, and uncovering potential institutional foundation funders. In addition, this person will have the ability to effectively communicate the mission, vision, and values of EHS to the public. The Director of Development will hire and manage a Development Associate. They will report to the Head of School and work collaboratively with the EHS Board of Trustees, faculty, program and administrative teams.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and External Relations

• Implement and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the priorities, vision, and mission of EHS with a focus on Board growth, an annual fundraising event, major gifts, fundraising appeals and new grants
• Strategically plan, manage and execute one major fundraising event, the Poetry Slam, including detailed event plans, creative strategies, timelines, and budgets; engage stakeholders and ensure seamless execution to achieve revenue targets
• Work with the Head of School to ensure thorough strategy and preparation for Trustee, donor and prospective donor meetings
• Connect, engage, and nurture relationships with key stakeholders by managing a portfolio of donors, prospects, and Trustees
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major and individual gifts
• Lead donor research and prospecting efforts
• Produce compelling written materials with excellent grammar and copywriting, and craft messages for specific audiences to bolster fundraising efforts
• Work closely with the Director of Finance to accurately account for all philanthropic revenue and ensure a high level of data integrity
• Oversee all print, digital, and social media content
• Uncover and apply for new grant opportunities as well as manage all grant submissions and reporting
• Oversee use of eTapestry donor database to support fundraising strategy
• Ensure that all donors receive accurate and timely tax acknowledgment letters
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations Coordinator to help keep EHS alumni engaged; help organize alumni-focused events as requested

Board of Trustee Relations

• Develop strong relationships with each Trustee, ensuring their involvement with EHS is aligned with their interests and the organization’s needs
• Plan and oversee Trustee meetings three times a year; prepare and present reports on progress towards fundraising goals; ensure that accurate minutes are recorded and edited at and following each meeting
• Work closely with the Head of School and Trustees, attract new board members who will actively assist EHS in achieving its fundraising goals.
• Plan and execute any Trustee-related events

Strategic Leadership

• Be a visible and engaged organizational leader beyond development; participate in school activities as appropriate
• Monitor and analyze trends in fundraising and donor behavior, including forecasting and making strategic recommendations for improving fundraising performance and effectiveness

Development Team Leadership

• Hire and manage a Development Associate and set individual and team goals
• Provide training, coaching, and regular feedback to improve performance and ensure accountability
• The successful candidate will receive training and professional development from a seasoned fundraising consultant at the beginning of their tenure

QUALIFICATIONS

Personal Attributes

• A deep commitment to the East Harlem School’s mission and inclination to work for a founding Head of School with deep roots in the community
• A desire to work with and on behalf of middle school–aged students from low-income families
• High emotional intelligence, and a natural ability to navigate and engage with staff, students and families, trustees, donors, volunteers, vendors, and partner organizations
• Demonstrate authenticity, high standards, humility, and integrity
• Sense of humor, humility, and warmth
• Strong self-starting work ethic and project management skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Desire to be part of a small team and commitment to working collaboratively

EXPERIENCE

• Seven to 10 years of fundraising experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles and the philanthropic landscape in the New York City area 
• Proven success as a frontline fundraiser; experience working with boards
• Experience with donor database software; proficient in Microsoft Office/Google suite, especially Excel
• Spanish proficiency is a plus, but not a requirement

BENEFITS

• Salary: $100,000-$120,000; commensurate with experience
• A competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, is offered
• Free, high-quality plant-based lunches and breakfasts are provided daily at EHS for all students and staff

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EHS is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. EHS does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.