idealist.org

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

DC COLLEGE SUCCESS FOUNDATION

Overview of the Opportunity

The District of Columbia College Success Foundation (DCCSF) seeks a visionary entrepreneurial individual. This person will lead the development effort to raise millions of dollars for scholarships and college preparatory programs for public and charter school children in Washington,D.C. DCCSF began in 2006 funded by a $116 million dollar grant from the Gates Foundation that runs through 2020. DCCSF has also attracted major support from the Costco Wholesale Corporation and other leading corporations and foundations and prominent individual philanthropists.

Only nine percent of D.C.’s ninth graders will earn college degrees. Many lack hope of a better future. Too many will drop out of high school or, if they go to college, will not complete a degree. They will not be adequately prepared for a vibrant economy, successful careers, and rewarding lives. Things need to change.

DCCSF was created to bring change by providing educational and career opportunities for low-income, high-potential young people in the District. Its programs offer students scholarships, mentoring, and other support necessary to gain admission to and succeed in the colleges and universities of their choice.

Working with the city officials, the public schools and a coalition of leading businesses, philanthropists, and nonprofit organizations, DCCSF aims to double the numbers of DC students graduating from college.


DCCSF now seeks a Director of Development to work closely with its CEO and the Executive Director who stand ready to make as many calls as necessary in Washington and across the country to help the children in the District go to and complete college. The individual selected will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to education, to the District of Columbia, and to the lives of the young men and women we serve.

About the College Success Foundation and DC College Success Foundation

The College Success Foundation, of which DCCSF is a subsidiary, was created in the State of Washington in 2001 and since has awarded over 7,000 scholarships and helped nearly 2,000 students graduate from college with their baccalaureate degree. Its successful programs are now being replicated in other cities. The District of Columbia College Success Foundation was created in 2006 to bring the CSF model to the Nation’s Capital by focusing on students in six D.C. high schools, located in Wards 7 and 8. Plans for the future of DCCSF include expanding programs to additional schools and neighborhoods in the District.

DCCSF provides financial assistance and intense support to students while in high school and after they have enrolled in college. The Foundation supports students to graduate high school, be accepted to college, graduate from college and ultimately contribute back to their communities.



The Director of Development Position

The Director of Development will report to the DC CSF Executive Director with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Chief Development Officer at the College Success Foundation based in the State of Washington. Working closely with members of the Board of Directors and other community leaders, he or she will secure major gifts to expand DCCSF’s impact.

The Director of Development will develop and implement a sustainable fundraising strategy for DCCSF and the Double-The-Numbers initiative. The Director will provide results-driven leadership, strategic direction, and coordination for all fundraising efforts, including annual giving, endowments, capital campaigns, events, special projects, and solicitations.

The position requires an experienced fundraising generalist with a broad perspective on the development, management, and implementation of a large fundraising program. Emphasis is on the development of individual major donors, but the Director should also be experienced with corporate sponsorships, foundations, event management, and development services, including prospect research and fundraising records systems.

The position responsibilities will involve 25-35% travel.

The Director’s essential duties and responsibilities include:

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that significantly increase the organization’s support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources.
• Work in close collaboration with the CEO, Executive Director, Board of Directors, senior staff, and key volunteer leaders to establish and achieve organization-wide short and long term development and funding goals.
• Participate in the annual budgeting process and provide projected fundraising targets.

Donor Development

• Generate a sustainable financial base for the Foundation and the Double-The-Numbers initiative.
• Cultivate and directly solicit key donors.
• Represent the organization to key external audiences: peer organizations, philanthropic organizations, trade groups, and funders for development purposes.
• Manage a marketing program that introduces donor prospects to planned and major giving opportunities.
• Draft donor solicitation proposals.

Administration and Logistics

• Prepare periodic reports, financial statements and records of development activities.
• Evaluate, refine and develop new initiatives, recognition programs, fundraising policies and guidelines, and marketing tools and resource materials.
• Develop and maintain accurate contact and prospect and contact records.
• Review and revise, as necessary, systems for donor record-keeping, gift transmittal and stewardship.
• Plan and coordinate fundraising events.
• Assist in recruiting, training, supervising, and coaching volunteers.




Qualifications and Qualities of the Successful Candidate

DCCSF seeks an exceptional individual as Director of Development, someone whose professional skills and experience are matched by a commitment to the Foundation’s mission and the D.C. community. Specific requirements include:

• A Baccalaureate degree.
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible development experience.
• Proven success in major donor cultivation and solicitation in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience in budgeting, financial reporting and analysis.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Raisers Edge or comparable data management system.

Compensation

The Director’s salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience, education and fundraising track record. The District of Columbia College Success Foundation offers competitive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage for employees; a generous retirement contribution; holiday pay; three weeks of vacation for the first five years of employment and four weeks of vacation thereafter.

Application Information

Applications are now being accepted. Qualified and interested candidates must submit a letter of interest and resume to Diana Power, Director Human Resources hr-dc@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles of the DC College Success Foundation.

For further information on District of Columbia College Success Foundation, please visit our web site at www.dccollegesuccessfoundation.org.