The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director (ED) and the Board to ensure the healthy growth and continued strength of Voices schools by raising the philanthropic resources it needs now and in the future. This will be done by clearly articulating highest priorities and making the necessary tradeoffs to choose activities that drive those priorities, cultivating existing and new donors , building long-term partnerships, predicting long-term needs, and pursing and working with partners who put the interest and needs of our students first.

The Director of Development reports directly to the COO and works closely with the Board and Development Committee. The Director of Development develops strong systems and uses a continuum of development approaches including foundation grants, individual donor relations, direct mail, online giving, giving societies, major gifts, events, appeals, corporate sponsorships, and legacy giving.

The Development Director’s immediate strategic priorities are focused on:

Expanding visibility, outreach, and cultivation through the creation of a fundraising, marketing and communication plan
Executing the Fundraising/Marketing/Communications Plan goals

The ideal candidate is a smart, systematic, experienced, entrepreneurial, detail-oriented, hard-working leader who can set strategic direction and execute on operations with equal enthusiasm. This candidate deeply believes in the Voices mission and school model and is committed to achieving it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donor Strategy and Stewardship:

Responsible for developing a comprehensive foundations, corporate, individual, major gift, and endowment, support strategy and implementation plan to support expansion and diversification of leadership gifts.
Evaluate federal, state, and local grant opportunities and pursue mission aligned grants to support the Voices Academies mission
Serves as a credible and informed spokesperson for Voices Academies in the community
Identify and recruit development prospects (Institutional, Individual, and Corporate).
Lead the organization in identifying and securing established fundraising goals and financial resources from individual sources each year.
In collaboration with the Executive Director, COO and program Directors, help donors see the tangible difference their contributions are making
Provide oversight to donor and volunteer recognition programs.
Develop relationships to build a strong awareness of Voices Academies work and accomplishments.
Execute critical activities related to development for Voices Academies Board. Manages development and campaign committees at the board and school levels.
Ensuring prompt and accurate communication with all donors. Primary responsibility for meeting all grant requirements including grant contract review and execution, tracking contract milestones, and completing grant reports.
Capture donor information and renewal/gift data in order to drive decision making and reporting to internal and external parties.

Department Leadership and Administration:

Ensure sound planning, management, and department accountability.
Develop budgets and goals for key fundraising/marketing/communication initiatives and ensure adequate financial controls and practices
Maintain a climate which attracts, retains and motivates a diverse and high caliber team of staff and volunteers
Regularly evaluate internal systems, policies and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure accuracy and integrity of prospect, donor and volunteer databases
Ensure that the department complies with all relevant policies and regulations set forth by the IRS, Board, and CEO
Develop internal data management, relationship management, knowledge management, and transactional systems to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of the development activities. Evaluate donor management systems that maximize donor cultivation, tracking, and conversion.

Partnerships with the board, schools, and volunteers

Partner with the Board, CEO and staff to develop and provide oversight to special events.
Attract and motivate a dedicated team of leadership volunteers to assist in the planning and execution of year-round fundraising strategies and events
Report regularly to the CEO, COO, and Board regarding strategies and outcomes
Attend as an active participant Board, development and volunteer leadership meetings
Provide support, education and leadership to Board and volunteers to assist them in their fundraising roles and responsibilities
Create effective lines of communication and linkages between donors, the Board, Executive Director and Principals
Developing event strategy to engage current and future donors in work; working closely with school leaders to ensure development activities accurately reflect school priorities without putting undue burden on school staff.

Complete All Other Duties as Assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

BA Degree in appropriate field/ or equivalent experience
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
Budget responsibilities annually including budgeting, oversight, nonprofit compliance, donor tax laws, and reporting abilities
Deep familiarity with best practices in donor engagement and stewardship of high dollar contributions. Planned giving, special campaign and events experience helpful
Exceptional communication skills- including public speaking, writing, facilitation, and the ability to effectively represent the Voices Academies organization
Previous experience with or ability to quickly connect with local and regional funders and stakeholders.
Excellent, demonstrated oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and be responsive to partners, professional advisors, funders, Voices staff, Board of Directors, and parents, etc
Ability to work well independently and within a team environment, managing multiple projects and priorities, and working cooperatively to meet internal and external requests
Experience or strong interest in public education, social justice and equity
Solid computer skills- proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel. Power Point) and spreadsheets and databases are necessary.
First Aid/CPR Certified
Prior administrative, demonstrated leadership skills, ability to write succinctly and accurately.
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Executive Director may find appropriate and acceptable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

California charter school experience or familiarity with California charter schools landscape and funding
A minimum of 5 years progressively responsible major gifts experience, at least 3 years as a senior manager
Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Commitment to work in an innovative and mission driven school environment
A leader with strong management and interpersonal skills and proven commitment to education of children from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds
Entrepreneurial passion and thinker
Maintain professional appearance
Tolerate high levels of stress
Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and roll-up-my sleeves attitude.
Intensely execution-oriented.
Possess a high moral personal standard; maintain a high degree of integrity in all facets of work; keep and maintain accurate records; maintain confidential and sensitive information; meet deadlines; communicate in oral and written form; prepare and present materials in a professional manner.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter detailing your interests as well as a resume to Frances Teso via email to fteso@voicescharterschool.com. Please call with questions. The position is available immediately and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.