Director of Development

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising and external communications efforts. Reporting directly to the Associate Executive Director, the Director of Development will manage and support the Development Manager and the Communications Manager, driving efforts to expand our grants portfolio, increase individual giving, and elevate our organization’s visibility and impact.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, experienced fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing and stewarding diverse funding sources, including grants, major gifts, and individual giving programs. They will be creative and strategic thinkers, capable of prospecting new funding opportunities, cultivating donor relationships, and managing compelling communications that inspire support.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The Central Office is the non-profit entity that manages the Urban Dove Charter Schools. The CMO provides a wide range of services–including back office functions, accounting, hiring, professional development, data analysis, public relations, advocacy, and more. The CMO is also responsible for providing support structures for the schools and ensuring proper replication of the model as the organization expands.

Core Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy, including institutional giving, individual giving, and special campaigns.
• Lead efforts to expand and diversify the grants portfolio through strategic prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship of foundation, corporate, and government partners.
• Oversee and strengthen the individual giving program, including major gifts, annual appeals, and donor stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with leadership to set and achieve fundraising goals aligned with organizational priorities and growth.

Grants & Portfolio Management:

• Work closely with the Manager of Grants to identify and pursue new grant opportunities while maintaining relationships with current funders.
• Ensure timely and high-quality grant proposals, reports, and supporting materials.
• Track and assess grant performance, ensuring compliance and effective use of funds.

Prospecting & Donor Cultivation:

• Identify and cultivate new prospective donors and funding opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Design and implement donor engagement strategies to increase retention and deepen connections to the organization.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the Manager of Grants and the Communications Manager.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing development team culture.
• Partner with program, finance, and leadership teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational needs and impact goals.

Communications & External Relations:

• Oversee the development of compelling storytelling and communications that highlight our mission, impact, and funding needs.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to execute strategic campaigns and donor outreach efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• 5 years of progressive development experience, including managing a team.
• Proven success in securing grants, expanding funding portfolios, and managing individual giving programs.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and steward donor relationships.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and project management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundraising databases and CRM systems.

OUR MISSION:
Urban Dove energizes, educates, and empowers young people through our network of UD Team Charter Schools serving over-age/under-credited high school students. UD Team's innovative model uses sports, teams, restorative practices and mentoring to create a culture of high expectations and shared responsibility. By instilling our core values of Teamwork, Leadership and Communication, we develop our students into confident young adults ready to reach their full potential.

OUR VISION:
Urban Dove envisions a world where all children receive the high-quality education and support they need and deserve. Through education, they will acquire the critical skills needed to develop into economically, socially, and emotionally independent adults who are empowered to create a more just and equitable society for future generations.

EEOC:
Urban Dove provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000