Development Director

Development Director

College Possible Seattle

 

About College Possible

As one of the largest and most successful college access and success programs in the country, since 2000 College Possible has helped put more than 50,000 students from disinvested communities on the path to economic mobility via completion of a college degree. Its proven near-peer coaching model, delivered by recent college graduates serving as AmeriCorps members, provides high-touch interventions proven to help students navigate and overcome the most common barriers to college access, retention and degree completion. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds.

College Possible is a growing nonprofit coaching students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of leaders. Our model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has a budget of $33 million, more than 128 full-time employees and more than 321 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-22 school year, we will reach an estimated 21,245 students in all 50 states, at more than 169 partner high schools and at nearly 107 colleges.

College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education. To learn more read our Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA; College Forward in Austin, TX; and has Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org.

 

Your Role as Development Director

The Development Director is responsible for managing, coordinating and achieving revenue goals to support organizational priorities. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Grants Manager and the Board to lead, support and achieve all fundraising activities through building relationships with corporations, foundations, individuals and the government. In collaboration with the Executive Director, this position will lead in the development and implementation of the site's fundraising plan including grants, appeals, events, and stewardship of current future donors, as well as assisting in the oversight of the Board. The Development Director is a key member of College Possible Site leadership team, and will be relied on for expertise in planning, facilitation, problem solving, and proactive measures. This position will assist in achieving site revenue goals and support organizational priorities, driving the mission forward.

The successful candidate will be ready to hit the ground running with enthusiasm, fundraising expertise, superior organizational and communication skills, analytical capabilities, and a talent to manage multiple projects at once.

• Prospecting and Cultivation: Oversee prospecting and donor research for new donations. Strategize and work with the Executive Director to implement cultivation techniques to inspire prospective supporters to become donors and increase the number of donors to the annual operating fund.
• Relationship Management and Stewardship: Manage a portfolio of donors, building on existing relationships and developing new, and improve donor retention through a meaningful stewardship strategy. Leverage Executive Director and board members in these efforts.
• Strategic Planning and Analysis: Help build the annual fundraising plan and oversee the implementation. Manage progress toward funding goals with the use of fundraising database.
• Fundraising Events: Help ensure success and growth of College Possible fundraising events, including an annual benefit.
• Grant and appeal writing: Develop, write and submit grant proposals and reports. Support achievement of site revenue goals through superb grant writing for proposals and reports to corporations and foundations. Using Raiser's Edge database, accurately track grant reporting deadlines to ensure timely submission and compliance.
• Supervise Grant Manager: Effectively coach and supervise Grant Manager position to ensure achievement of fundraising goals
• Supervise Communication and Development Associate: Effectively coach and supervise Communications and Development Associate to ensure achievement of fundraising goals.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

 

What You Bring

 

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree and/or CFRE preferred.

Related Work Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years work experience, with a minimum of three years of experience in fundraising.
• A minimum two years of supervisory experience.
• Previous experience organizing events preferred.

Computer/Software Skills:

• Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in: Microsoft Word, Excel and donor database software.
• Raiser's Edge experience preferred.

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Strong management abilities with significant experience managing people and programs.
• Vision and demonstrated ability to develop, promote and deliver positive results.
• Significant commitment to the mission of helping low-income students earn admission to college and persist toward degree completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Entrepreneurial skills and spirit, with demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven record of facilitating collaboration and cooperation with organizations and the community.
• Attention to detail, including proofreading and project follow-through.
• Comfort with data collection, analysis, and a strong focus on results.
• Must have a commitment diversity, inclusion and/or equity in the workplace.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed
• Office environment with limited travel
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day

 

What We Offer

In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:

• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country
• a competitive salary commensurate with experience
• excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities