Director of Development and Communications, Steppingstone Scholars Inc.

Posted by on February 04, 2013

Director of Development and Communications, Steppingstone Scholars Inc.
Posted on: January 14, 2013

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Development and Communications is a senior management level position directly responsible for all development and communication activities across the organization including strategy, implementation, results measurement, and evaluation. He/she will work closely with the President, Board of Directors, development committee, and program staff on setting the long-term direction of the organization and in managing the overall organization. He/she will directly supervise one full-time Development Associate and manage relationships with consultants.

KEY GOALS: To establish and implement Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. (SSI) fundraising strategy and significantly grow the revenue pipeline in support of program growth; to diversify the base of support and nurture multi-year commitments among individuals, major donors, corporations, grant-makers, and foundations; to oversee events; to lead communications planning for the organization and to maintain, and further develop, holistic communications strategies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and tactics that support organizational and programmatic growth to achieve the organization’s strategic plan objectives.
• Provide assistance and leadership to the President to build and maintain long-term relationships with donors and to cultivate effective, meaningful relationships with prospects that result in measurable results.
• Secure funds from local and national sources and provide direction and leadership to the President and Board of Directors, engaging and involving them effectively in this effort.
• Lead, and actively participate in, efforts to increase the amounts of all gifts and grants.
• Oversee the preparation of high-quality and timely grant proposals, solicitations, funder reports, acknowledgements, and any other communications required to support ongoing fundraising activities.
• Oversee SSI annual fundraising event, cultivation events, and the development of additional special events.
• Manage SSI’s donor/funder tracking programs and staff responsible for data entry.
• Oversee production of all print and virtual PR materials, including newsletters/e-newsletters, annual reports, and information packets.
• Provide input to the President with regard to the composition of the Board of Directors; manage, help orient, and motivate board members toward the fulfillment of their fundraising responsibilities to the organization.
• Implement and maintain an effective board fundraising committee structure; convene all development committee meetings and coordinate all board development efforts. Prepare and present all development reports.
• Plan and implement appropriate communication strategies that increase organizational visibility, promote the expansion of program growth, and leverage fundraising.
• Participate in the development of key messages for fundraising and program marketing initiatives; review and approve all messaging for donor cultivation and fundraising.
• Oversee the organization’s website, social media strategies and tactics.
• Serve as the lead contact for media relations.
• Lead efforts to ensure consistent messaging and effective message communications among all staff and Board members.
• Must be committed to the mission of SSI.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills Required:The successful candidate will have five years of broad experience, demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities and results in a non-profit environment. The candidate should have a demonstrated track record developing and increasing contributed revenue and experience managing communications strategies.

• Experience in fundraising and development with an emphasis on major gifts and institutional solicitation.
• Excellent communication, written and speaking skills.
• Experience developing communications, media, and social media strategies.
• Knowledge and experience with donor management software.
• A background working with diverse populations.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working in a small and collaborative team environment.
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit sector and strong interest in education.
• Strong knowledge of Philadelphia education landscape, with emphasis on educationally underserved and low-income populations, is preferred but not required.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.

ABOUT US: Steppingstone Scholars, Inc., a Philadelphia based non-profit, is dedicated to helping educationally underserved students in the Greater Philadelphia region achieve academic success. Students with the potential and a community of support are prepared for admission to and success at the best public, non-public and independent college preparatory schools through a program of academics, mentoring and support. Steppingstone Scholars works with partner schools to create opportunities that lead to college degree attainment and career success. Our vision is that every child who is academically motivated will be prepared for college.

http://www.steppingstonescholars.org

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/35p7wwNmGJHmD/