Director of Development

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Development (DoD) is responsible for leading and managing the fundraising program and the Development Team at The Neighborhood Academy. This is an exciting time in TNA’s history, and the new hire will play a critical role in shaping and institutionalizing the department as TNA maps its future. This position requires a collaborative managerial focus and a demonstrated ability to lead people and get results with them.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervisory Responsibility:

The DoD supervises the Development Team which currently consists of 3 – 4 development and marketing managers and associates. The DoD is responsible for the overall vision, leadership, strategic orientation, and results for the Development Team.

Leadership and Governance:

•     Maintain a highly collaborative working relationship with the Head of School and other senior administrators to ensure that the Development Team effectively advocates for the school’s strategic priorities, and engages the external community in helping to advance these priorities.

•     Provide leadership, foster initiative, ensure professional development, and provide clear feedback for growth to the Development Team.

•     Work closely and collaboratively with the Head of School and the Board Development Committee to build and empower the Board’s capacity, capability, consistency, and confidence in fundraising.

•     Attend Board meetings to report on fundraising and development issues as needed.

Fundraising:

•     Serve as the school’s chief fundraising officer, working with the Development Team to achieve yearly revenue goals of $6 million from all funding sources, including individual, EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit), foundation, corporate, corporate foundation, faith community, government grants, and event revenues.

•     Oversee and direct the implementation of the annual development plan and fundraising calendar.

•     Develop, execute, and maintain a strong, consistent, relational major gifts program and systematize a planned giving program.

•     Design strategies and tactics for growth and success across all areas of fundraising.

•     Monitor fundraising results and consistently report progress to the Head of School and the Board of Directors.

•     Collaborate internally to develop budgets, monitor and forecast revenue and expenses, and drive financial results.

•     Work closely with the Head of School to develop long-range strategic plans, and with other external directors to execute strategic and operational plans. Assist the Head of School in scheduling, carrying out and following up on solicitations.

•     Implement and maintain donor cultivation, solicitations, stewardship, and recognition programs.

•     Lead team to plan and implement targeted and effective outreach and communication activities to expand the size of the donor prospect pool and increase the level of financial support for the school.

•     Utilize Raiser’s Edge (the database) to analyze donor and fundraising data to make informed decisions on strategies and to measure the effectiveness of the department.

•     Additional fundraising responsibilities include, but are not limited to, overseeing the Development Team’s efforts in marketing, corporate and foundation proposal development, mailings and acknowledgement letters, alumni awareness and giving, special events, volunteer opportunities, and tours of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY

The Director of Development must have an understanding of and passion for the mission and strategy of The Neighborhood Academy. The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraising strategist and relationship builder with a history of innovation in fundraising and donor development to support the future of The Neighborhood Academy. The new DoD will be a visionary, collaborative leader and outstanding communicator who clarifies goals, builds teams, and cultivates trust while at the same time demanding accountability. The ability to effectively articulate specific fundraising goals and mentor and manage a team to achieve those goals is essential.

Education and Experience:

•     Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

•     Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible fundraising and administrative experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

•     Appreciation for the history and tradition of The Neighborhood Academy. Knowledge of how to effectively market and communicate the values and mission of the school both internally and externally to all constituents.

•     Visionary and strategic planning capabilities applicable to the development of an innovative fundraising program and the leadership necessary to ensure its successful implementation.

•     Strong management skills, marked by a collaborative leadership style, a desire to innovate, and the ability to develop and mentor the staff and set an example for others.

•     Broad exposure to and a demonstrated record of accomplishment in all facets of development, including fundraising, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaign planning and implementation, donor relations, and managing budgets.

•     Exceptional interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to interact effectively and appropriately engage with all the constituents of the school community: Head of School, senior administration, staff, faculty, the Board of Directors, alumni, parents, and friends of the school.

•     Self-starting, well-organized, and results-oriented individual who has a high energy level and an accompanying sense of urgency.

•     Exceptional written and verbal communication and public speaking skills to effectively represent the school.

•     Experience managing volunteers, including members of governing boards.

•     High level of computer literacy with knowledge of Raisers Edge and Microsoft Office.

•     Ability to work extended hours.

Requirements and Working Conditions:

•     General office environment

•     Lifting of up to 10 pounds

•     50% travel using own vehicle

•     Federal FBI & Pennsylvania Criminal Background & Child Abuse Clearances

Important Note:

• This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee, who may be asked to perform other duties as required.