Sr. Director, Development

Sr. Director, Development

College Possible - Minnesota Site

This Work Is Our Mission

At College Possible, we believe talent is universal, but access to opportunity is not. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That's where you come in.

We support students on their journey to higher education by providing personalized coaching, resources, and guidance. When you join College Possible, you become part of a team dedicated to making college access and success a reality. Together, we help students navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees.

Our Impact

80% of College Possible students are admitted to college
86% of College Possible students enroll in college
93,000 students served nationwide since 2000

Why Join Our Team?

When you work at College Possible, you're not just taking a job-you're advancing a mission to help more students get to and through college. You'll play a direct role in helping students achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures.

Key Benefits

Professional Growth
Access training, mentorship, and career development opportunities as you support student success.

Mission-Driven Impact
Make a direct difference in students' lives by helping them access and complete college.

Collaborative Community
Join a team that values teamwork, innovation, and excellence in service of students.

Work-Life Balance
Enjoy flexible work options, unlimited PTO, and resources to support your well-being.

Your Role as Senior Director of Development

The Senior Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director to translate org-wide and site strategies into an actionable plan for all fundraising activities including corporations, foundations, individuals, other community organizations and government. This position is responsible for leading the development and communications team and leading on the implementation of the site's fundraising plan including grant proposals and reports, prospecting, solicitation, relationship building, portfolio management, data analysis, special events, as well as the design and implementation of the site's marketing and communications plan.

Leading and Managing Development & Communications Team: Responsible for directly supervising the personnel of development and communication roles within the development department. Develop and mentor staff to ensure positive relationships, while communicating clearly on strategies and priorities, and developing skills that lead to high performance.

Prospecting and Cultivation: Lead the identification, qualification, and cultivation of major gift prospects to secure significant contributions for the organization. Develop and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, implementing strategic cultivation plans to maximize their engagement and giving potential. Collaborate with the Executive Director to design and implement effective fundraising strategies that expand the donor base and increase annual fund revenue.

Relationship Building and Stewardship: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with existing donors to foster long-term engagement and increase their lifetime giving. Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship program to recognize and appreciate donors at all levels. Leverage Executive Director and advisory board members in these efforts.

Portfolio Management: Lead the development team in the assignment of individual and institutional prospects, donors and supporters to portfolios ensuring that the team is set up for success in meeting the needs of, and deepening partnerships with, key constituents. The Senior Director of Development also maintains a portfolio of key individual and institutional supporters.

Planning and Analysis: Collaborate with the Executive Director and local advisory board of directors to move organizational priorities forward through the annual fundraising, communications and marketing plans and supervision and oversight of the external relations team all with the broad goal of achieving revenue goals. Oversee the creation of metrics and KPIs for the MN development team to track and analyze progress towards achieving revenue and communications goals.

Local, State, & Federal Government Relations & Advocacy: Work closely with the Executive Director and local board of directors to cultivate and build on existing local, state, and federal grants. Work with local, state, federal government to advocate for College Possible and key legislative initiatives that support mission.

Special Events: Work closely with the Executive Director and local board of directors to create a multi-year plan for special events designed to support the long-term revenue goals of College Possible MN. Oversee the external relations team in the planning, execution and follow-up of the special events as identified in the multi-year plan.

Other Duties as Assigned.

What You Bring

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree and/or CFRE helpful.

Related Work Experience:

• At least five years of leadership/oversight of development and communication teams. Experience demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Experience with AmeriCorps, VISTA, or other service programs preferred.

Computer/Software Skills:

• Experience with Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or other CRM preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Products.

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Proven ability to prospect, secure and steward high level donor relationships resulting in sustainable revenue.
• Significant commitment to the mission of helping low-income students' admission into college and persist to degree completion.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Flexibility to work in multiple locations.
• Demonstrated ability to use collect and analyze data.
• Ability to recruit, select, and train qualified individuals.
• Proven record of facilitation and collaboration with organizations and the community.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Office environment with limited travel.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day.

What We Offer

In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:

• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team:

Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume, cover letter.