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Development Director

at ScholarMatch

JOB SUMMARY

ScholarMatch is seeking an outstanding candidate to join their dynamic team as a Development Director to lead the organization through an exciting growth phase as they begin to scale. This position reports to the Executive Director, and will be a leader in the stewardship and fundraising for this growing organization. The Development Director will collaborate with an exceptionally fun, smart, and caring Development team, including our Community Engagement Manager, Communications & Marketing Manager, and Development Assistant. Duties include leading fundraising vision, grantwriting and grants management, fundraising and stewardship events, as well as individual fundraising efforts. The annual budget of ScholarMatch is $4 million, with an annual fundraising goal of $2.4 million for this position.

 

ABOUT SCHOLARMATCH

Founded in 2010, ScholarMatch is dedicated to supporting first-generation and low-income students in their journey to and through college. ScholarMatch focuses focus on what students need most: hands-on help applying to college, financial assistance that removes barriers to graduation, and a support system through college. With a unique, community-centered approach, ScholarMatch programs change the trajectory of students’ lives by matching them with volunteers, resources, and a community that cares. ScholarMatch has teams based in both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership (20%)
   • Lead the Development team of 3 people plus and outside grant writer
   • Provide strategy and oversight for communications, marketing, and community engagement

 

Fundraising Strategy & Vision (10%):

  • With the Executive Director, manage and implement a multi-year, strategic fundraising plan

  • Support the ongoing deepening of ScholarMatch’s fundraising vision: a model of generosity and fund development rooted in relationship, community building, and interconnection, rather than a transactional process

 

Grants Management & Cultivation (30%):

  • Manage efficient systems to ensure accurate records and timely communication with funders, including oversight of grants calendar database for all institutional donors

  • Cultivate and sustain private, corporate, and individual foundation relationships

  • Conduct ongoing research and successfully cultivate new grant prospects

  • Write successful grants, proposals, and reports. At times, collaborating with a contract grantwriter to write and submit proposals for foundation and corporate grants, reports, and other opportunities

  • Create other collateral as-needed, including budgets, research documents, pitch letters, and MOUs

  • With support from our Communications & Marketing Manager, collect information and develop materials about ScholarMatch’s programs to showcase progress and make the strongest case for support

  • Work closely with relevant staff to ensure funder reports, proposals, and MOUs are complete, timely and accurate

 

Individual Donor Relationship Building (30%):

  • Responsible for holding a donor portfolio and regularly sharing our work with the phenomenal people who support us, through written communication, in-person meetings, and attendance at special events

  • Provide leadership around cultivation and moves management within the team

  • Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing Manager on biannual mailings and online campaigns

  • Oversee the creation and launch of our Annual Report, student donor letters, and other materials

 

Events (10%):

  • Lead the Development team in planning, execution, and follow up for events including annual Trivia Night fundraiser, Donor/Volunteer Gratitude Celebration, and student graduation celebration

 

Other:

  • Participate in team and department meetings as assigned

  • Participate in bi-annual team offsite retreats

  • Attend organizational events as appropriate

  • Other duties as assigned
     

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree required

  • 7+ years of full-time, progressively responsible fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector

  • Experience writing successful, high-quality grants, reports, and fundraising collateral

  • Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and execute fundraising and marketing strategies with multiple priorities.

  • Track-record in raising major gifts from individuals

  • Event planning and communications experience

  • High degree of professionalism and outstanding clear communication skills, strong experience managing others.

 

ATTRIBUTES

  • High degree of professionalism and outstanding clear communication skills, strong experience managing others.

  • Strong intrapersonal skills, aptitude for building relationships

  • Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively about ScholarMatch to varied audiences

  • Strong organizational and time management skills

  • Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, while maintaining a commitment to training and mentoring others.

  • Understanding of and commitment to social justice, ScholarMatch’s mission and organizational values.

  • Understanding of DEI and applications to Development

  • Leadership skills, collaborative approach to work, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices rooted in generosity, community, and respect.  Excellent listener.

  • Strong work ethic and be willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done with a focus on stewarding career development of internal team members vs hiring external contractors

  • Sense of humor
     

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is consistent with that of small grassroots non-profit organizations, and commensurate with relevant experience and expertise ($85,000-$105,000 DOE). ScholarMatch offers a robust and competitive benefits package including generous PTO, health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 401k with company match, transit benefits, professional development and wellbeing support, and a paid sabbatical after 5 years on. This is a full-time, exempt position.

 

• Hours: traditional business hours with occasional evening and weekend events. Occasional travel required.

This position is open until filled, with a priority deadline for applications by October 7th.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested and qualified applicants should submit a cover letter highlighting fit for the position and resume to recruitment@broderickhaightconsulting.com with the subject line "ScholarMatch – Development Director"

 

Please do not contact the client directly.   BroderickHaight Consulting is retained by ScholarMatch to support this Development Director search.

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