Full-Time Development Director – California
Job Description
ORGANIZATION
College Summit is a national nonprofit that transforms the lives of low-income youth by developing a corps of high school students who lead their peers to and through college. The organization, recognized for its social innovation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and President Obama, serves 50,000 students annually. College Summit provides a system for improving college access and career success in 180 partner high schools in 15 states.
Leveraging entrepreneurship and innovation, College Summit is committed to bringing college access and career success to an even greater number of students. We’ve been recognized as a U.S. Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the World Economic Forum (Davos), and named among the top 30 social entrepreneurs in the world by Forbes Magazine. We also received five consecutive Fast Company Social Capitalist Awards. While College Summit continues to be laser-focused on our core program, we always strive to scale and improve what we do.
College Summit has operated in California since 2002. Today the state is divided into two regions – Northern and Southern – and serves over 5,000 students annually. Under the leadership of a new and dynamic Executive Director, California is one of the fastest growing and highest potential areas for College Summit. We have a bold vision for making the state a leader in college access and persistence. For more information, visit www.collegesummit.org.
POSITION
The Development Director for California (Northern and Southern California regions) will oversee a portfolio of funders, including individuals, foundations, and corporations. The incumbent will report to the Executive Director (ED) of the California Region and work closely with the National Chief Development Officer to expand the current donor pipeline and secure new revenue for the region, as guided by the vision and priorities of the California Executive Director.
The position requires 50% travel within California, as well as to Washington, D.C., and the ability to travel to develop donor cultivation and stewardship strategies in line with regional funding priorities and revenue goals. The Development Director will contribute to all steps in moves management– from identifying qualified prospects, to writing compelling proposals, planning and executing small cultivation events, and making in-person donor visits, as well as helping to steward and grow the region’s two Advisory Boards. This position can be based in either Northern or Southern California.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Create successful development strategies for California that meet and exceed the current revenue goal of $1.5m+.
Develop and manage a robust donor pipeline of new and existing supporters in California, and effectively move constituents through the moves management system.
Successfully solicit and close high dollar gifts for regional programs.
Support the California Executive Director in managing and stewarding two high-level Advisory Boards in the Southern California and Northern California regions, and recruiting new members with capacity and networks.
In coordination with National’s grant-writing and marketing teams, produce compelling fundraising materials, including LOIs, grant proposals, acknowledgement letters, case statements, and other communications.
Represent the California region’s priorities and overall vision at internal and external meetings and events.
Brief the California Executive Director to ensure effective meetings with major donors.
Plan small cultivation and fundraising events for the region, as needed.
Communicate and liaise with other College Summit regional Development Directors (including national) to share best practices and collaborate.
Manage the pipeline using College Summit’s centralized donor database system (Salesforce), and oversee donor files to ensure profiles are kept up to date with relevant giving history, contact information, and notes.
50% travel within the region, as well as occasional trips to Washington, D.C.
QUALIFICATIONS
5-7 years of experience in frontline fundraising with individuals, foundations, and corporations, and thorough knowledge of development best practices.
Proven track record of closing five-to-seven figure gifts.
Knowledge of the California education funding base (ie: Hollywood, Silicon Valley, etc.); existing donor contacts in the California region a plus.
Demonstrated experience with databases; Salesforce experience strongly preferred.
Self-motivated with superior interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work with cross-functional teams and lead through influence.
Flexible and adaptable; ability to perform well in an entrepreneurial environment.
Capable, trusted pair of additional hands.
Enthusiasm for College Summit’s mission of helping low-income students enroll in college.
Bachelor’s degree required.
COMPENSATION
Competitive salary based on experience. College Summit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.