Development Director Opening

Development Director Job Announcement

Powerful Schools’ mission is to engage children in learning by partnering with high needs Southeast Seattle public elementary schools to provide literacy and arts programs and to build communities that encourage student achievement. Founded in 1991, Powerful Schools has been locally and nationally recognized for its ability to collaborate with school communities to improve student achievement in reading, writing and the arts through in-class and after school learning and enrichment activities. Powerful Schools serves more than 2,300 students across seven elementary schools per year.

The Powerful Schools Development Director is responsible for the development efforts of Powerful Schools, including fundraising activities such as the annual fund and major gifts campaigns, grant and corporate donations and special events. The Development Director works proactively with Executive Director, Fund Development Committee and Board of Directors to provide leadership, strategic direction, oversight and management of the fundraising activities at Powerful Schools. The Development Director reports to the Executive Director.

Individual Gifts

Strategize and coordinate cultivation activities needed to accomplish the annual fundraising objectives, emphasizing new and existing individual donors, managing all aspects of bi-yearly solicitations and donor acknowledgments
Develop and implement strategies and programs to engage donors and increase both the number of individual donors and average giving levels
Oversee management of donor database for timely recording of donations, updating records, and tracking and generating pledge and matching gift reminders
Work with the board to identify, cultivate and secure major donor relationships with individuals

Special Events

Coordinate event committee and table captains for Powerful Schools’ annual fundraiser
Plan and coordinate and/or manage other donor solicitation/cultivation, donor stewardship and fundraising events throughout the year

Corporate Giving and Foundation Grants

Create partnerships with local and national businesses and foundations through grants
Develop and manage grants application calendar, and prepare grants and follow-up reports to ensure timely and high-quality submissions and reports
Identify and cultivate sources of foundation and government grants and ensure compliance with all requirements for received grants
Work closely with program directors to determine grant priorities

Board relations

Engage board in solicitation of potential donors
Support Fund Development and Breakfast Event Committee Chairs and Committees; attend all committee meetings
Support Executive Director and Board members in board activities, as it pertains to fundraising

Other

Develop and draft (in conjunction with Executive Director and with input from the program staff) all written materials related to the above responsibilities, e.g., solicitation and acknowledgment materials, proposals and applications, sponsorship packages, development reports and analyses, Board materials, etc.
Develop and implement development strategies and mechanisms including Major Gifts, Planned Giving and Endowment programs
Generate fund development reports as requested
Create annual development plan

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Five years of experience in raising funds in the non-profit sector.
Experience working with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
Proven ability to attract, develop and sustain strong relationships with major financial supporters from the philanthropic, foundation and corporate communities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated interest in children’s and education issues.

Compensation

$51,000 to $56,000 DOE plus benefit package

To Apply

Send cover letter and resume to Bgreen@powerfulschools.org

Deadline for applications: April 29, 2008