Director of Development

Overview:
The Director of Development (DOD) leads Freedom School Partners’ (FSP) vision of philanthropy, secures charitable contributions, and supports FSP’s mission. This position will lead FSP’s fundraising effort to implement a creative, successful, well-organized, and diversified fundraising program that brings in a minimum of $2.5 million in contributed revenue each year through gifts from individuals, faith and community groups, corporations, and foundations. The Director of Development is responsible for leading a team that manages and executes individual and major giving strategies, strengthens and expands FSP’s marketing and communications efforts, and deepens volunteer engagement efforts. This position serves as a key team member at Freedom School Partners, working collaboratively to address short-term issues and reach long-term strategic goals for the organization. The Director of Development must succeed in working in an environment with collaborative work processes and shared accountability, while maintaining a deep commitment to FSP’s mission.

Responsibilities:
Development
• Responsible for creating and executing a long-range and short-term development plan (Annual Development Plan required).
• Oversee annual fundraising calendar, including deadlines for grants, fundraising events, solicitations, and reports due to funders.
• Ensure relationships with corporations, foundations, faith, and community groups, and individuals are adequately maintained and stewarded.
• Direct prospect research and ongoing maintenance of donor database.
• Oversee and provide strategic input into grant writing and research, and reporting to funders.
• Maintain accountability standards to donors and ensure compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fund development.
• Serve as staff liaison to Development Committee of the Board.
• Manage Development Team, including Donor Systems and Volunteer Manager, Individual Giving and Donor Stewardship Manager, Marketing and Communications Manager, and a contract Grant Writer, by providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee planning and implementation of annual fundraising events.
• Secure event sponsorships and donations to meet financial goals.
• Work with Development Team to support additional donor-focused events, such as Scholar Society Reception.
Communications and Marketing
• Lead efforts to develop and implement an effective communication and marketing plan.
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the organization.
• Identify opportunities to promote FSP throughout the community.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager on the following:
• Oversee the creation of solicitation and donor engagement materials, including annual reports and summer impact reports.
• Oversee the FSP website to ensure accurate information is maintained on-site and it effectively and clearly communicates FSP’s mission and impact.
• Write and distribute press releases and pitch feature stories to media contacts.
• Manage FSP’s collection of stories, photographs, and videos.
• Create and oversee implementation of social networking strategy, including e-newsletter, social media postings, and website.
Volunteer Engagement
• Share prospective volunteer opportunities with donors with an emphasis on corporate partners.
• Work with Donor Systems and Volunteer Manager to develop opportunities for meaningful volunteer engagement throughout the year.
• Support the development and growth of a Young Affiliates group.
Additional responsibilities
• Ensure Development Team has resources to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Attend Board meetings if requested.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the founding, history, and major accomplishments of FSP.
• Remain current with Charlotte news related to partners and constituencies, and share information with staff as appropriate (i.e., read newspapers, business journals, etc.).

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of development-related experience, with progressive leadership opportunities and management experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Focus on accuracy and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with a Cloud-based platform, i.e. SharePoint or OneDrive
• Prior experience with The Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Professional demeanor and team player
• Highly motivated and willing to support organizational needs beyond primary responsibilities
• Commitment to CDF Freedom Schools®
• Valid ID and reliable transportation
• Satisfactory drug test and satisfactory background check for criminal and child protective findings

Compensation and benefits:
• Competitive Salary ($65,000-$70,000)
• Full-Time (40 hrs./wk.; position may include occasional evenings and weekends)
• 10 vacation days earned after 90 days of successful employment (prorated to start of calendar year); additional days earned after 2 years of employment
• 9 paid holidays (defined annually) and 2 floating holidays
• 10 sick or personal leave days per calendar year
• Individual health, life, and AD&D insurance coverage through organization’s policies, premiums paid in full
• Option to participate in flex benefit plans (FSA and DCA)
• Option to participate in SIMPLE IRA plan, in which FSP matches employee contributions up to 3%