Closing the gaps in achievement and opportunity, pre-K through college.

Director of Development

The Education Trust
Washington, DC

The Education Trust seeks a Director of Development to design, articulate, and implement a fundraising strategy that will increase the Trust’s capacity to replicate and expand upon its success in foundation support with current and untapped sources as well as identify and prioritize new possible funding streams. Founded in 1992, The Education Trust promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels – prekindergarten through college. They work alongside parents, educators, policymakers, and community and business leaders across the country in transforming schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. Lessons learned in these efforts, together with unflinching data analyses, shape their state and national policy agendas with the goal of closing the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people – especially those who are black, Latino, American Indian, or from low-income families—to lives at the margins of the American mainstream.

Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, The Education Trust speaks up for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. They are widely recognized as an unrivaled source of effective advocacy, expert analysis and testimony, concise written and spoken presentations, research, and technical assistance to districts, colleges, and community-based organizations. Regardless of location or context, they maintain a relentless focus on improving the education of all students, particularly those the system traditionally has left behind.

The Education Trust has grown significantly over the past five years. The quality and impact of its work coupled with the Trust’s ability to advocate for students through policy as well as in the field has attracted stable, multi-year funding support from leading national education foundations. While the organization has been successful in garnering significant support from a highly respected but limited range of sources, the organization’s leadership and board seek a Director of Development who will devise and lead a concerted effort to ensure not only that current funder relationships are properly stewarded and expanded upon but also that new opportunities in foundation support are identified and strategically cultivated. In addition to increasing overall foundation funding capacity, the new Director of Development will explore natural fundraising pathways in the areas of corporate and individual giving with the aim of further diversifying funding streams. The Education Trust is implementing a 10-year strategic plan with clear goals, priorities, and work plans. Reporting to the Vice President for Operations and Strategic Leadership and in close partnership with the executive leadership and program directors, the Director of Development will provide overall direction, coordination, and implementation of the organization’s fundraising operations. S/he will serve as a strategic and galvanizing force in the identification and generation of significant, topical and new sources of support that will align with The Trust’s ambitious goals.

The Education Trust is seeking a highly-motivated, entrepreneurial, and seasoned development professional with 5 to 7 years of experience in private fund development and a track record of raising significant foundation support as well as knowledge of corporate and individual giving. The role requires a keen intellect and curiosity as well as the ability to communicate effectively The Education Trust’s mission and commitment to closing the persistent gaps in opportunity and achievement among students from pre-kindergarten through college. The Director will be a planful, strategic thinker with an energetic team spirit and the ability to translate long-term goals into practical action steps. Successful experience building new foundation relationships and creating new programs for individual and corporate donors is essential. Collaborative, collegial and committed to the highest standards, the Director will bring out the best in staff and will inspire others to leadership. In keeping with the organization’s reputation for the highest quality work product, exceptional writing skills and sophistication are required. An undergraduate degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.

The Education Trust is conducting this search with the assistance of Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group. Please find detailed application instructions at the end of this document.
 

CHALLENGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a new position at The Education Trust; the new Director will serve as a member of the management team, providing the strategic vision and collaborative leadership necessary to plan and execute a development plan that ensures The Trust’s continued independence and commitment to quality.

The following are the specific responsibilities and duties of this position:

• Facilitate the creation of fundraising plans, including annual and long-term income goals and strategies, in consultation with the President, other senior managers, and the Board.

• While maintaining current alliances, identify and cultivate new foundation prospects, oversee development of proposals and reports, support staff outreach to prospects and donors, and visit prospects alone and/or with staff or Board members.

• Engage and win the respect of staff throughout the organization, gaining substantive knowledge of their work; partner with senior staff in the pursuit of philanthropic support, providing direction and professional insight.

• Identify and explore opportunities for corporate and individual support with an emphasis on unrestricted giving, ensuring the Education Trust’s continued independence and reputation for breakthrough thinking. Advise and coach the President, staff, and Board members on solicitations, and the development of prospect cultivation and donor stewardship activities.

• Advise the senior staff on ways to expand income and exposure from conferences and meetings.

• Motivate, involve, and support the staff and Board in successfully raising funds and meeting the ongoing challenges of a first-rate institution.

• Ensure the highest quality in fundraising communications and promotional materials, including proposals, applications, correspondence, reports, budgetary and program information, and monitoring.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

For this pivotal role, The Education Trust seeks a seasoned development professional who has a clearly demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission and values. The new Director must be a strategic thinker, a sophisticated and persuasive communicator, and a keen listener and consensus builder.

An ideal candidate will bring the following professional experience and personal characteristics:

• A passion for and commitment to the mission of The Education Trust, as well as an appreciation of the objective thought leadership of its staff; the ability to convey the critical need for solutions to the persistent gaps in opportunity and achievement among those at the margins of the American mainstream, especially among low-income families and communities of color;

• At least 5 years experience directing development efforts in a non-profit organization;

• Innovative strategic thinking with demonstrated success in the creation and implementation of development plans and strategies;

• A proven record of success in designing and leading efforts to raise funds from foundations, corporations, and individual donors, including personally soliciting donors;

• Excellent written, presentation and communication skills and the experience and inclination to be an effective, outgoing spokesperson for The Education Trust;

• Successful experience designing and managing fundraising events;

• A strategic and comprehensive approach to planning and decision making; the ability to back assertions with facts and data; a strong management record with proven success in producing results;

• Exceptional organizational skills with an eye for detail; the highest degree of professionalism and follow-through;

• A collegial, consultative, and team-building approach that puts others at ease and engenders trust; the ability to actively listen, with an appreciation for nuance in communication;

• Unquestioned integrity and a commitment to the highest ethical standards.

• The intellectual strength and curiosity to understand and appreciate the varied and complex pursuits of the program and policy staff, and the ability to translate that understanding to the layperson;

• A friendly and supportive management style that brings out the best in colleagues;

• An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature;

• An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Education Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

More information about The Education Trust may be found at www.edtrust.org.

Due to the pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, but no later than March 5, 2010. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history and where you learned of the position should be sent to: TET-DOD@nonprofitprofessionals.com. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail. . 

 

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit applications via electronic mail.

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer.