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Director of Development

  • Position Type:
    Administration/ Director

  • Date Posted:
    8/27/2015

  • Location:
    Home Office
    (High-Needs School)

  • Date Available:
    As soon as possible

  • Closing Date:
    Rolling

  •    Additional Information: Show/Hide
    OVERVIEW: Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Development will support the ED and Board of Trustees in the development and execution of a long­-term capital campaign, including major donor, corporate, foundation, endowment, special event and direct mail efforts. The Director of Development will be also responsible for managing stakeholder relations with the board of trustees, parents, alumni, volunteers, partners, and community members, as well as prospective students and team members. This will all be in an effort to build the school's visibility, impact, and resources in advancement of its mission.

    ORGANIZATION: Founded in 2006, UHCS is a free public charter school founded in Newark, New Jersey. The school's mission is to develop in each child the character, scholarship, and leadership necessary for success in life, college, and community. Our historically underserved student population is over 85% low income and 100% minority.

    Our strategy to achieve this mission is based on a theory of change guided by six core beliefs:
    • All students can achieve high levels of character, scholarship, and leadership.
    • Effective instruction is the single greatest factor in increasing student achievement.
    • Great staff are the key to effective instruction.
    • Strong school culture makes effective instruction possible.
    • Data-driven decision-making improves instruction effectiveness.
    • Partnerships with parents and community reinforce student learning and achievement.
    Implementing activities based on these principles, the school has made strong student achievement gains on statewide assessments. UHCS performance now outpaces district-wide proficiency rates and is gaining ground on statewide proficiency rates. The school has been recognized nationally with the prestigious EPIC Silver-Gain award for this achievement. The recently released New Jersey Department of Education School Performance Report for 2013-2014 indicates UHCS outperformed over 70% of schools with a similar demographic profile. It also notes the school met 100% of state-set student academic growth targets last year. At the same time, UHCS has grown its enrollment over 300%, from 200 students in grades K-4 to 625 students in grades P-8.

    The centerpiece of our strategy to-date has been the development of a second facility to house the growing enrollment and new initiatives described above. Our new 34,000-square-foot Upper School building consists of a renovated former button factory that opened in October 2013 as well as a brand new building, which opened in September 2014.

    Now serving 650 students with a $10M budget, UHCS is at a key inflection point in its development where it seeks to secure its future by purchasing its new facility as well as consider options for growth. This may include the addition of a high school, enhanced social and mental health services, diversified arts education, and more personalized learning using technology.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with the ED, board, and senior staff, in developing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy to include major donor, corporate, foundation, endowment, special event and direct mail efforts.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy within the school, including supporting parents, staff, and board members as they take on a more active development role.
  • Identify prospects for annual and major gifts, and cultivate meaningful relationships with them in order to secure significant contributions.
  • Maintain close relationships with corporations and foundations to build fundraising capacity.
  • Lead the development and execution of all grant proposals and reporting.
  • Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program, including tracking of gift records, donors, and data base management.
  • Promote understanding, acceptance and support of the mission and objectives of the school.
  • Organize special events that support the school's development and outreach goals.
  • Attend board meetings and serve on other board committees as requested by the ED.
  • Identify, recruit, and engage volunteers including: parents, alumni, staff, and community members.
  • Conduct outreach for new employees.
  • Manage the school's online presence, including website and social media.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the ED.

  • QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum 2 years experience in development field.
  • High energy and passion for the school's mission and vision. ?
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact confidently and effectively with school staff, students, donors, trustees, media and alumni.
  • Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the school.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail. ?
  • Flexibility in doing whatever it takes, big or small, to get the task accomplished.
  • Ability to be highly confidential in handling sensitive personal and institutional information
  • Proficient in office productivity software (word processor, spreadsheets, etc.)
  • Proficient in database management (preferably Raiser's Edge or similar program)
  • Proficient in use of social media (including Facebook, Twitter) and website management.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Required criminal history background check, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status & NJ residency.

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