Director of Advancement

About the Organization: EPACENTER is a creative youth development center in East Palo Alto that amplifies the creative potential in every young person. We harness the power of art, design, technology and culture to accelerate creative youth development outcomes for vulnerable youth in the City. EPACENTER offers free programming along four developmental pathways, including:

• Arts education classes that help students develop their 21st Century skills like creativity, teamwork, and perseverance
• Job training and workforce development programs in creative fields that close gaps in skills and build competencies
• Art production programs where students produce high-quality works of art for sale, and create public artworks and youth-produced events for public enjoyment
• On-going wellness programs that support youth throughout their engagement with EPACENTER to help them develop the socio-emotional skills that are needed to thrive.

Our age-differentiated programs are led by professional artists, designers, technologists and therapists with programs taking place during the school day, after-school and during the summer. Through our programming, we are working towards an inclusive Silicon Valley where anyone can become a creative and innovative leader in any sector, and economic and social success is enjoyed by all.

EPACENTER recently finished constructing a new, LEED Platinum certified, 25,000 square foot youth development facility in East Palo Alto that will open in late 2021. The building includes visual, dance and recording studios, a maker space, digital media labs, music practice rooms, a black box theater and an outdoor amphitheater. When the facility opens, the organization will serve thousands of youth ranging in age from 6-25 every year.

Position Overview: The Director of Advancement (DAO) serves as a central fundraising and communications leader. The DAO identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards principal and major gift donors to EPACENTER from individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies. In addition, the DAO oversees communication and marketing efforts including printed materials, the website, the annual report, all social media, and an array of digital communication tools, ensuring that all materials reflect the culture, mission, and strategic initiatives of the organization.

In partnership with the Executive Director, this position develops fundraising and communications plans and strategies that fund and promote programs and initiatives in support of EPACENTER’s students and instructors, as well as the East Palo Alto community.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement is directly responsible for growing EPACENTER’s pool of donors, and the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective donors and developing a comprehensive communications strategy on an annual basis. The Director of Advancement will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement an annual fundraising and communications plan that is ambitious, aligned with EPACENTER’s mission, and grounded in best practices.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and implement both short- and long-term advancement plans to meet established goals and objectives

2. Work with the Executive Director to develop fundraising goals and objectives for each category of donor. Track, report and evaluate progress towards fundraising goals.

3. Identify and research prospective donors. Develop and implement effective cultivation and solicitation strategies including one on one meetings, written communications, and events.

4. Provide coaching and support to Executive and Board members to help them develop effective relationships with donors and potential donors.

5. Ensure that we are appropriately thanking donors at all levels and giving them opportunities to engage and deepen their relationship with the organization.

6. Lead all donor communications, including donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and acknowledgment. Ensure consistent and effective messaging for fundraising letters, donor newsletters, fundraising donation pages and special campaigns.

7. Write and oversee the writing of effective proposals, reports, stewardship pieces, invitations, thank-you letters and other donor communications.

8. Ensure effective tracking and reporting of fundraising activities and donor information records.

9. Oversee the creation of an integrated communications strategy as well as the development of communication materials that effectively promotes EPACENTER programs, events, and activities to the general public and the youth and constituents that we serve.

10. Manage and direct the External Relations Coordinator.

11. Support the philanthropic work of the Board of Trustees and its various committees

12. May help identify and obtain government funding sources as needed.

13. Additional related responsibilities, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Contagious passion for youth arts education, and commitment to making an impact in East Palo Alto.

B. At least 4 years of demonstrated experience as a successful fundraising and communications professional, preferably in the context of education, youth development, or the arts. Demonstrated success in identifying, developing and retaining donor relationships resulting in significant support for an organization.

C. At least 4 years of demonstrated experience in developing comprehensive communications strategies for organizations

D. Broad and deep knowledge of fundraising best practices, particularly as related to foundations, corporations, and high net-worth individuals.

E. Proficiency with donor database software and donor screening resources.

F. Ability to travel to meet in-person as needed.

G. Ability to work independently and make both strategic and tactical decisions.

H. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

I. Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to connect quickly and work effectively with a wide range of people.

J. Facility with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and Zoom

K. Able to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or participate in an interactive process for accommodations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $140,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location