Director of Development, Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education

Posted by on July 6, 2009

[emailed 07/06/09]

Director of Development
Job Description

Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (“Ashe”), a long-standing nonprofit organization in the City of Philadelphia, is in search of a highly capable and energetic Director of Development to strengthen and execute a multi-pronged fund development strategy.

The mission of Ashe is to empower young people to achieve success as individuals and as active citizens in their schools and communities through innovative tennis, education, life skills, and youth leadership programming.  We support a diverse group of over 8,000 young people ages 4-18, with a particular emphasis on serving youth from under-resources families and communities.  To effectively carry out our mission, we have built a “hub and spoke” program model in which we deliver year-round programming at our brand new Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center on Ridge Avenue in East Falls, along with a vibrant set of grass-roots programs in neighborhoods across Philadelphia and Camden, NJ.

Our organization is currently in the midst of an exciting time for change and growth.  The Director of Development must bring a high level of competency, motivation, and commitment which is compatible with our rapidly emerging organizational culture.  The individual will report directly to the Ashe President and will be an active member of the staff’s senior leadership team.  In addition to having direct involvement with a wide array of individual and institutional supporters, the Director of Development will also have substantial contact with the Ashe Board of Directors and Advisory Board.

Primary Responsibilities

– With the President and Board Development Committee, prepare comprehensive fund development strategic and operational plans with revenue projections in the range of $2 million annually, in the areas of individual donors, family foundations, corporate giving, local and national private foundations, and government grants.
– With the assistance of a Project Associate (to be hired by the Director of Development), execute all aspects of the fund development plan (i.e. prospect identification, research, proposal/materials preparation, solicitation, follow-up) in conjunction with the efforts of the Ashe staff team, Board of Directors and Advisory Board, and a cadre of volunteers.
– Work closely with the Part-Time Coordinator of the Ashe Annual Benefit, along with the Benefit Co-Chairs/Benefit Committee, to ensure maximum fund development potential.
– Supervise and support the Coordinator of Special Events to ensure maximum fund development potential of all Ashe signature events.
– Create high-impact communication materials for targeted audiences.
– Develop and Implement a Planned Giving program.
– Maintain up-to-date calendar and work plan for completing grant proposals and reports.
– Maintain up-to-date and fully robust database of all donor activity using SAGE development software.

Required Skills and Experience

    Minimum of four years of development experience in a fast-paced, outcomes driven organization
    Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred
    High level of initiative, energy and entrepreneurial instincts; ability to set priorities and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
    Commitment to urban youth and education issues, and more just and healthy communities
    Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
    Proven ability to communicate, both in writing and verbally, clearly and persuasively
    Well-developed capacity to work effectively in a dynamic team setting with a diverse group of passionate people
    Knowledge of major individual and institutional donors in the Philadelphia region
    Experience with database management; knowledge of SAGE a plus

Compensation and Benefits

This position is a full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours/week, with a salary range commensurate with prior professional experience.  The compensation package will also include the potential for an annual performance bonus.  Benefits include: health insurance, paid vacation, and sick days.

How to Apply

Send your resume including a list of three references, a cover letter, and a relevant writing sample of original work to Savanna Hailu at [email protected].  Also send hard copies of five completed application packets to Savanna Hailu at 4842 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA  19129.   References must include name, nature and length of the professional relationship, and contact information.

The deadline for all applicants is Friday, July 24, 2009 at 5pm (EST).  Interviews will take place the week of July 27.  Applicants should be prepared to start employment in late August or early September, 2009.

http://www.ashetennis.org/