For almost 40 years, the Public School Forum of North Carolina (the Forum) has worked with partners across the state to advance equitable educational opportunity and support public education through research, policy analysis, and innovative programs. In addition to its education research and policy work, the Forum is home to the NC Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP), the North Carolina Center for Resilience and Learning, and the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity (Flood Center).
The Forum seeks a Director of Development who will be responsible for building a comprehensive development program and growing relationships with individuals, foundations and corporations to secure philanthropic support for the Public School Forum of North Carolina.
The Forum is primarily funded through grants from NC and national funders, but there is much room to grow in individual giving, corporate support and federal/government grants. The ideal applicant will:
- understand the value of stewardship and relationship management to the overall effectiveness of development work
- have enthusiasm for leading teams and building sustainable fundraising programs
- be a detail-oriented, flexible, driven team player with a deep commitment to ensure that all children have equitable access to a high-quality education
The Forum fosters a welcoming, diverse and inclusive culture. This position reports to the Executive Director and supervises the part-time Development Manager.
Job Description
The Director of Development will:
- Craft and lead the implementation of an annual fundraising strategy to help ensure the Forum reaches its annual revenue targets ($2.8 million in revenue in FY23).
- Maintain a deep understanding of the Forum’s mission, strategic goals, policy work, centers, and programs in order to research and write compelling grant applications to support each team’s work. In collaboration with other staff, lead grant application and reporting efforts.
- Guide the strategy and execution of special giving opportunities and planned giving.
- Revamp corporate giving and sponsorship strategies.
- Develop strategies to significantly expand the base of annual support from individuals.
- Work with Board of Directors and staff to identify new revenue streams for the organization.
- Partner closely with the Executive Director to strategically build donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Utilize fundraising and relationship management expertise to help drive the organization’s fundraising strategy and support the Executive Director’s donor engagement efforts.
- Collaborate with internal team and external partners to create a strategy and ensure successful execution of a multi-channel marketing effort including digital donor engagement.
- Work with the Development Manager to maintain a complete and accurate database of donors and funding, establish appropriate tracking tools and make recommendations for database improvement as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with other Forum staff on internal and external events.
- Work closely with the Communications Manager to ensure consistency of messaging in marketing and communications materials.
- Be deeply embedded within the community; traveling to stakeholder events and engaging in meaningful ways with organizations that support public education.
- Work with the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to develop and meet short- and long-term fundraising goals.
- Support members of the Board in their donor engagement efforts, including identifying strategic fundraising connections, participating in donor meetings, soliciting gifts, and conducting donor stewardship activities.
- Work in collaboration with and supervise the part-time (32 hours) Development Manager.
Qualifications
- Commitment to supporting public education and ensuring educational equity, access, and opportunity for all students.
- A commitment to, appreciation for and understanding of organizational values around diversity, equity and inclusion.
- At least seven years’ experience in non-profit fundraising and a proven track record of success in resource development.
- Significant experience cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts, especially from foundations and corporate partners.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising strategies and best practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications.
- Strong networking skills and a desire to be deeply embedded and engaged with the community.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors.
- Thrives in a team-driven, collaborative work environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work on several simultaneous tasks and projects.
- Flexible and willing to take on new challenges.
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Ability to travel in-state, up to 10%
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful track record identifying and being awarded state and/or federal grants
- Experience with DonorPerfect or similar donor databases
- Experience/exposure to education sector
- Experience leading a team
Compensation
This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $85,000-$95,000 based on experience; the Forum is open to candidates seeking 75-80% of a full-time schedule with a prorated salary. The Public School Forum also offers the following benefits: a generous 401K retirement plan, personal leave policy, 10 paid holidays in addition to the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and a shortened (32 hours/Fridays off) summer workweek from Memorial Day to Labor Day, term life insurance, and employer sponsored group health insurance with access to dental, vision, short and long term disability plans. The Public School Forum of NC is a 37 year old nonprofit organization and not a state employer.
Position is located in the Triangle area of North Carolina and is a hybrid work arrangement. Occasional travel required. Background check required for employment. Employees meet at least once a week in person in Raleigh.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Public School Forum to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to jobs@ncforum.org with the subject line “Director of Development.”