Director of Development

About the role

Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS) is a tuition-free open enrollment charter school for grades K1-12 in Dorchester that is a public alternative to traditional district schools. We serve over 800 students across two campuses predominantly from the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. We believe in the social-emotional well-being of our students and know that a well-coached and supported educator is instrumental in helping our scholars both academically and in their SEL growth. Our expectation is that all of our students thrive at NHCS, graduate from high school, and pursue post-secondary education on the path to life success. Our educators are partners with our scholars and their families as they embark on this path.

Responsibilities

• Continuously refine the strategic Development Plan to achieve or exceed annual fundraising goals and other benchmarks of success.
• Manage all aspects of the donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship pipeline and directly manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Lead the Development Team to raise approximately $1 - $1.25 million annually to support operating expenses through initiatives including major planned giving, annual gifts, institutional, corporate, and government grants, and a series of events including an annual fundraising event that grosses over $500K.
• In partnership with a Campaign Committee and Senior Leadership, plan for the relaunch of a comprehensive Capital Campaign to fund needed facilities improvements for both campuses.
• Grow the pipeline of donors; serve as an ambassador for the organization with current and prospective donors as well as the broader community.
• Partner with the Executive Director so that they are effectively deployed in high-potential cultivation and solicitation opportunities.
• Ensure cohesive visioning and quality execution of all aspects of the school's advancement efforts, including marketing and communications for fundraising, scholar and staff recruitment, and other needs.
• Partner with and support an active and engaged Board of Trustees to serve as effective advocates and fundraisers on the school's behalf.
• In partnership with the Development Committee Chair, lead the Development Committee to set the committee's annual agendas and goals and to ensure productive and engaging meetings.
• Supervise members of the Development Team and actively support their professional growth.
• Collaborate with the Finance Team to develop annual departmental budgets; monitor and prepare regular reports on expenditures; and ensure optimal communication and alignment between departments.
• Manage relationships with contractual partners such as event planners, grant writers, and graphic designers, to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective support.
• Ensure effective systems and processes, including accurate and timely gift acknowledgment and regular reporting and analysis on fundraising progress.
• Actively participate as a member of the Leadership Team, thought partnering on key strategic initiatives and aligning as senior leaders of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 5+ years of experience in development.
• Demonstrated track record in acquisition and retention of individual and foundation donors.
• Experience with soliciting gifts of $25,000+.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the Boston area philanthropic community.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• A desire to mentor and develop high-potential staff.
• Outstanding written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of fundraising platforms, Excel/Sheets, and other tools.
• Previous experience in an educational setting is preferred.

About NHCS

Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS) is committed to being an anti-racist organization. The work of racial justice does not belong to a department or position; it is the responsibility of every member of our community—scholar, family, and educator. As an educational organization, we are committed to continual growth and learning so everyone can find a safe place to belong and walk on their own anti-racist journey in the midst of a racially diverse and vibrant community. This will ensure that we, as an organization, reflect, equip, and care for all.