Director of Development, Mastery Charter Schools

Posted by on October 31, 2011

Director of Development – Mastery Charter Schools

Posted on: October 13, 2011

Mastery Charter Schools, a growing network of charter schools created to prepare underserved youth for success in post-secondary education and the knowledge-based economy, seeks a Director of Development. Since its founding in 2001, Mastery has relied on private, foundation, and corporate gifts to fund the initial costs associated with opening new, high-quality charter schools as well as special initiatives that impact teacher and school leader quality. Mastery has a strong fundraising track record and will soon embark on an ambitious, 5-year fundraising campaign to support our growth to serve more than 10,000 students in Philadelphia and Camden.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, the Director of Development will implement the development plan for the organization, including: securing funding opportunities, such as private and federal grants and foundation partnerships; cultivating major gifts from individuals and corporations; and creating annual fund efforts. The Director will work to develop and maintain relationships with existing and new funders that further the organization’s mission. In managing the development operation, the Director will also be responsible for donor tracking and special fundraising events, as well as coordination of special site visits. S/he is a big thinker who is able to share and communicate the vision of the Organization to potential funders and build lasting relationships with those interested in supporting Mastery. S/he is a fantastic writer, has outstanding interpersonal skills, and is deeply committed to the Mastery mission. This is a full-time position located in Philadelphia, PA.

Responsibilities: The Director of Development will be responsible for the following: • Monitor State and Federal funding initiatives and develop relationships as required; pursue State and Federal funding opportunities where appropriate • Develop relationships with national and local funders and write grant proposals as required • Represent Mastery Charter Schools in public forums • Develop communications materials related to development efforts for the Mastery website and publish a quarterly newsletter for donors • Create Mastery’s strategy for annual giving • Oversee data entry of all donor gifts, including tracking, reporting, correspondence, and follow-up • Assist the Deputy Chief Innovation Officer in strengthening Mastery’s development strategy and implementing new initiatives

Qualifications: • Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible development/fundraising experience, with a proven track record in major gift cultivation and solicitation • Experience fundraising in education-related organizations a plus • Ability to execute; great track record of getting things done • Grant writing experience and success • Solid public speaking skills; smart and compelling • Excellent interpersonal skills; can build relationships • Excellent organizational skills • Mastery of word, excel, and PowerPoint required; proficiency in Raiser’s Edge a plus • Ability to multi-task and manage complex projects while still smiling • Entrepreneurial zeal • Sense of humor and zaniness is appreciated • Team player • BA/BS required, relevant advanced degree preferred

Compensation and Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and includes excellent benefits.

To Apply: Mastery Charter School has engaged Koya Leadership Partners to help in this hire.

Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume on our applicant portal: http:www.sekoyia.com/jobPosting/apply/470

Mastery Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Mastery Charter Schools: Mastery Charter Schools is a growing network of charter schools created to prepare underserved youth for success in post-secondary education and the knowledge-based economy. We believe that educational inequity is the single most pressing social problem facing our country-the civil rights issue of our day. Mastery exists to solve the problem by closing the achievement gap. Our mission is to ensure that all students learn the academic and personal skills they need to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and pursue their dreams. Mastery integrates modern management and effective educational practices to drive student achievement and we live by our motto: “Excellence. No Excuses.”

Mastery currently operates seven schools in Philadelphia serving 4,100 students in grades K through 12. Through a unique partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, six of our schools are turnarounds of low performing District schools. After Mastery assumed management of these schools, test scores increased an average of 52 percentage points per subject in every grade while violence dropped 80%. Simultaneously, student retention has increased dramatically. By producing breakthrough results with the same students in the same buildings, we are demonstrating that all students can achieve at the highest levels. Mastery will open additional elementary and middle/high schools in the coming years. For more information, visit: http://www.masterycharter.org.

About Koya Leadership Partners:

Koya Leadership Partners is a national retained search and consulting firm that works exclusively with non-profits and social enterprises. We deliver measurable results, finding exceptionally talented people who truly fit the unique culture of our client organizations. For more information, visit: http://www.koyapartners.com.

To Apply: Mastery Charter School has engaged Koya Leadership Partners to help in this hire. Please send a compelling cover letter and resume to Amy Shea via our online candidate portal:

http://www.refineapp.com/jobPosting/apply/470

Mastery Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.