Development Director, Fund for the School District of Philadelphia

Posted by Fund for the School District of Philadelphia on August 8, 2016

Title: Director, Development
Department: Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
Reports To: President and CEO

Job Summary
The Development Director is responsible for building and managing a strategic plan to increase charitable donations to the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia on behalf of the School District of Philadelphia. In this capacity, the Development Director will provide leadership in the areas of fund development, in the private sector and work with the President and CEO to engage high net worth individuals.

As the strategic fundraiser for the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, the Development Director will be expected to understand the strategic vision of the Superintendent and the details of the strategic plan, as articulated in Action Plan 3.0. This information will be utilized to shape a short-term and long-term fund development plan that will solicit supplemental funding for key activities. The Development Director will be responsible for building, managing key relationships and serving as an ambassador in the local and national philanthropic community along with the President and CEO and members of the board.

Essential Functions:
 Authors, provides recommendations, and manages a long-range fund development plan that is designed to generate revenue, inclusive of corporate, philanthropic and individual-school based fundraising activities
 Ensures that philanthropy and fund development are carried out in keeping with the organization’s value, mission, vision and plans
 Works closing with the leaders of the SDP Grants Development and Strategic Partnerships offices in charting the organization’s course in fund development
 Evaluates the effect and impact of internal and external forces and its fund development strategy, recommends short and long-term fund development plans and programs and establishes annual performance measures
 Keeps President and CEO informed of developments in philanthropy and fund development as well as current trends, issues, problems and activities. Recommends policy positions concerning fund development.
 Assists in the development of a balanced funding mix of charitable sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of the organization that will enable it to attract, retain and motivate donors and fundraising volunteers
 Staff the marketing and development committee of the Fund’s board of directors.

Minimum Requirements
 Bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university.
 Minimum of 10 years of full-time paid, professional administrative experience, which has involved working in the areas of fundraising.
 Comprehensive management skills and experience are required including but not limited to short and long-term planning, evaluation, oral and written communication skills, marketing and financial management.
 Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a comprehensive fund development program and producing charitable contributions. The individual is expected to be a highly competent enabler of volunteer fundraisers and staff.
 Knowledge and experience in the following areas is required: the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering, research and cultivation practices, standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, telephone solicitation, direct mail, online solicitation, and development office functions including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising reporting. The individual is also expected to have demonstrated experience and confidence in asking people to contribute time and money. Familiarity with computer systems is necessary.
 Certification in fundraising, the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Professional) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:
o current practices in fundraising, both with public and private funding sources locally and nationally
o laws and regulations governing partner organizations and their services in and to schools
o strong relationship and project management skills
o program design, planning, development, implementation and evaluation.
o grant writing/application process.
o technology and computer software applications relative to fundraising
Demonstrated ability to:
o communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, school staff, city staff, and partnership organizations.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships with the corporate and philanthropic community.
o be entrepreneurial

The essential elements for this work are: ability to work well in teams and use informal authority to accomplish goals; belief in the vision that all children deserve a quality education; willingness to learn and explore; expertise to accomplish the work; and tenacity to stick with it until you get results. If you share this passion, we want to hear from you. Tell us what excites you about this opportunity and why you are right for it.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

To apply, please email a copy of your resume to: [email protected] by August 26, 2016. No telephone calls, please.

The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer.