ABOUT EDUCATION OUTSIDE
Education Outside is a San Francisco-based nonprofit that advances science and environmental education in elementary schools. We have grown rapidly from four pilot schools in 2011 to 37 partner schools today. We currently reach 14,000 public school students—more than half of San Francisco’s public elementary school children. We teach a rigorous, standards-based curriculum during the instructional day outside on school grounds. Our program makes scientific inquiry, connection with nature, and environmental sustainability fundamental parts of the urban public school experience. The key to Education Outside’s success is our growing network of passionate outdoor instructors—AmeriCorps members whom we train and then place in our partner schools to teach for two years.
Education Outside has broad-based funding with an operating budget of $3 million this fiscal year. Our program is innovative, effective, and scalable, and we have ambitious growth plans, including expanding in and beyond San Francisco during the coming year.
POSITION SUMMARY
At this exciting point in Education Outside’s growth, we seek an experienced and bold Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO) to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated and accomplished development and communications professional to be part of an organization working toward a future in which all children—regardless of race, class, or geography—have positive early experiences practicing science and connecting to the natural world.
As a key member of the senior leadership team—and in partnership with the board of directors—the CDCO spearheads all fundraising, communications, and marketing efforts. S/he has experience cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of six-figure donors, achieving aggressive annual fundraising goals, and collaborating with and managing a team. S/he is also an effective and skilled communicator who will lead Education Outside’s overall marketing and communications strategy. The CDCO is an exempt position with a team of three FTEs and reports directly to the Executive Director.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Education Outside’s Chief Development and Communications Officer is a creative, energetic, hands-on leader who has the initiative and interpersonal and communication skills necessary to achieve our annual fundraising, outreach, and marketing goals. S/he will be comfortable working with colleagues at all levels of the organization—as well as with a high-powered board of directors—and able to juggle many projects at once. S/he will have a strong attention to detail as well as the strategic agility and the vision to move Education Outside forward in a period of fast-paced growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Education Outside’s Chief Development and Communications Officer is responsible for:
Fund Development
Raise $3M+ annually from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies
Develop and implement an annual plan to meet budgeted goals
Work closely with the Executive Director and board to develop and steward relationships with local, regional, and national funders
Expand our individual donor base, overseeing annual fund, fall event, and all fundraising efforts
Prepare the Executive Director and board for cultivation and solicitation activities, and partner with them on implementation
Ensure best practices for development systems, procedures, and ethics
Conduct research to identify prospective individual and institutional donors
Work with our grant writer to ensure the submission of high-quality grant proposals and reports, consistent with organization’s messaging
Communications & Marketing
Lead Education Outside’s overall marketing and communications strategy, including branding, core messaging, and public relations:
Develop and implement annual communications plan for all print and digital output
Develop PR/marketing plan to broaden our exposure to various audiences
Develop speeches and presentations as needed for Executive Director
Act as a key ambassador (with Executive Director) to the public, by attending events and representing and promoting Education Outside in the community
Management & Oversight
Oversee, mentor, and manage the development and communications team
Set annual department goals and work with the team to achieve them
Report on progress/results to leadership team and board
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of program operations to further fundraising and marketing goals
Provide input and strategic thinking for special projects
Participate as a key member of the leadership team
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong commitment to Education Outside’s mission
Excellent written and oral skills with strong knowledge of marketing and communications tools/ platforms
At least eight years of development and/or relevant experience
Proven experience managing a team and achieving results
Thorough understanding of all components of a diversified funding base
Excellent presentation and organizational skills
Experience leading the planning and implementation of donor cultivation and fundraising events
Experience working with nonprofit boards
Dynamic, outgoing, and collaborative approach
Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university a minimum
COMPENSATION
Depending on experience. Benefits include a significant budget for professional development, as well as medical, dental, and vision insurance, and optional pre-tax plans for commuting and retirement. Some flexibility in work schedule is possible.
How to apply
If you think you are a good fit for this exciting position, we would welcome a cover letter and resume. Please email hiring@educationoutside.org with your cover letter in the body of your email that explains why you’re a great fit for this position and attach your resume. Your email subject line should use the following format: “[CDCO2016]: Your Name.” For example, [CDCO2016]: Jane Doe.
Education Outside is an equal opportunity employer striving to create a diverse workforce. We are seeking a diverse candidate pool and welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds.