What are the responsibilities and job description for the DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT position at Summer Search?

At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Summer Search Boston is Seeking a Director of Development to build the program’s fundraising capacity through leading internal development operations and external donor relations. Partnering with Summer Search National’s Managing Director of Development and Boston’s Executive Director, this hire will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, with the goal of raising approximately $3.5M for FY 2025 and 50% of FY26’s fundraising goal. In addition, the Director of Development will supervise 2-3 staff members working collaboratively to ensure excellent development operations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Oversee Summer Search Boston’s development function, including building and implementing a strategic plan, in order to achieve a fundraising goal of approximately $3.5M for FY24 and 50% of FY25’s fundraising goal.
Assume personal responsibility for managing an existing portfolio of ~50 individual donors and family foundations, with the goal of raising over $1.25M annually from this portfolio.
Identify, research, qualify and cultivate new major gift prospects with the capacity to make five- and six-figure gifts.
Build donor-specific cultivation strategies, leveraging staff and Board leadership to solicit and steward prospects and donors.
Act as a key liaison to the Board, working with the group to promote a culture of philanthropy and offering proactive support and guidance for their development activities.
Directly supervise and mentor a Senior Donor Relations Manager and Senior Manager of Institutional Partnerships in order to ensure excellent institutional and individual donor strategy and execution, as well as data tracking and analysis against fundraising goals.
Collaborate with local and national development staff to support key network-wide partnerships with corporate, foundation, and individual donors.
Serve as the strategic lead for Boston signature fundraising events, including Voices of Summer Search.
Represent Summer Search at key networking opportunities and community events with external stakeholders.

WHO YOU ARE

The Director of Development is a results and mission driven team player who thrives in an authentic, feedback-driven culture and excels in an entrepreneurial setting. Strong candidates for Director of Development will bring :

EXPERIENCE : You bring at least five years of professional experience in the nonprofit development field, with a successful history of advancing individual relationships toward increased support, ideally at the five- and six-figure level.

FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES : You approach fundraising through an analytical and data-driven lens and are hands-on in translating strategy into tangible activities and goals.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT : You partner with prospects and donors by building lasting relationships to support the organizational mission and meet fundraising goals.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT : You coach, guide and support members of your team towards achieving individual and collective goals. As a leader you embody practices to effectively hold space, facilitate professional growth, amplify strengths, and hold staff members accountable. Your management style reflects your ability to be adaptive, responsive, and supportive of your team to show up as their authentic and full self.

DATA MANAGEMENT : You are adept at the process of acquiring, validating, and managing accurate information within a shared system. You leverage databases to track donor data and organize information within the Development function.

CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS : You understand the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices and are self-reflective about your own privilege and positional power. You apply critical thinking and act toward liberatory and inclusive practices.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS : Experience with Raiser’s Edge or comparable fundraising database and all Microsoft Office functions required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated experience in major gifts and community-centric fundraising practices.

Must live and be able to work in the Boston area.

Prior experience in serving as a liaison to Board development activities preferred.

Bachelor’s degree required.

In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.

LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Work location is the Summer Search Boston office in Jamaica Plain, MA and we currently have a hybrid schedule in place. Staff can work from home 3 days a week / 2 days in the office. Reliable transportation to travel to office and events is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is an exempt position with an annual salary ranging from $110,000-124,175. Summer Search is committed to transparent, equitable compensation practices. Salaries are benchmarked using current market data and salary bands are created to demonstrate the growth potential within the band. Typically, offers are made at the starting place of the salary band. The Hiring Manager partners with the Talent Team to ensure offers are appropriate, competitive and maintain internal equity.

Well-being, flexibility, and ongoing learning and development are pillars of our culture. We value our staff and are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard and valued. Investments in our staff include :

Medical insurance with up to 90% employer contribution.

Dental, vision, FSA, life and disability insurance plans.

401 (K) and Employer Match up to $2,000 annually.

Generous time off including 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 18 holidays (2 floating holidays of your choice, a birthday day-off, 10 company-wide holidays, and a 1-week December closure).

Refresh Fridays – a paid day off the first Friday of every month!

A comprehensive Employee Recognition Program (years of service awards, spot awards, and professional development funding).

A four-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment.

Individual, local, regional and national training.

A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.

An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care / community care.

Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness in order to impact how we work with students, as well as how we work together as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

TO APPLY

Submit a resume and targeted cover letter that answers the question “Why are you interested in the Director of Development opportunity at Summer Search?” Please address cover letter to Kristie Loftus, Managing Director of Development.

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Salary : $110,000 - $124,175

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