Senior Director of Development: Central Management Office

Mission Statement:
Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

Equity Vision Statement:
Uplift Education proactively engages scholars, families, and staff members to thrive as their authentic selves and partner in the journey required to identify, address, and correct existing and potential inequities.
     
Primary Purpose:
The Senior Director of Development will strategically plan, organize, and direct Uplift Education’s fundraising, including the major-gifts program, annual fund, capital campaign, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and fundraising events.  The Senior Director reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) and will collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the President, and the Board Development Committee in all development and fundraising efforts. The Director will oversee the Development team, which includes the Director of Development, the Grant Writer, and the External Affairs Coordinator.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the CEAO, CEO, President, and Board to raise $15 million annually. This includes working with Uplift educational and programming staff to translate organizational goals into executable plans.
• Lead the development team to grow and maintain a major-gifts program that includes the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Establish, build, manage, and oversee the major-gift, annual fund, and planned-giving programs; direct capital campaigns and other fundraising, including employee giving. Work collaboratively with the special events team on fundraising events.
• Initiate the creation of and oversee all publications related to fundraising ensuring excellence in the writing, review, editing, and production of fundraising appeals, letters, acknowledgements, and other forms of communication.
• Manage, supervise, and mentor the Director of Development, Grant Writer, and External Affairs Coordinator to guarantee efficient and effective processes of the Development effort.
• Always demonstrate professional conduct and perform other related duties as requested.

Qualifications:
Education, Experience, and/or Certification(s)

• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Experience Requirements:
  • At least ten years of direct experience in philanthropic fundraising; specific and proven success with an individual major giving required, a demonstrated ability to raise at least $7 million annually preferred; must be able to thrive on achieving ambitious fundraising goals in collaboration with senior leadership, Board, and high-level volunteers.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of all areas of nonprofit development, including major gifts; individual, planned, and annual giving; capital campaigns; and special events.
  • Direct experience managing all aspects of a capital campaign including feasibility phase through completion of the campaign.
  • Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Must have the desire and drive to spend time in the broader DFW community to initiate and build external relationships.
  • Must possess analytical, financial, and quantitative skills to work in a data-driven environment, including experience optimizing databases to meet fundraising goals.
  • Friendly and collegial working style; comfortable and willing to work collaboratively across the organization.
  • A sincere and genuine interest in how Uplift Education can work to advance economic, educational, and social equity. Must have an appreciation and respect for principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Ability to work independently while exercising good judgment and demonstrating an understanding of ethics related to development activities and to handle confidential and privileged information with discretion.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, editing, and people skills. Must be able to speak and write credibly and convincingly about Uplift’s programs and articulate the organization’s mission, programs, and its uniqueness in a creative, compelling, and effective manner. Passion is a plus.
• Bilingual Skills: N/A
• Technology: Ability to use basic office equipment, as well as in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel) with the ability to learn and use computer software as necessary.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Physical Demands: Occasional support needed in setting up events/venues as it relates to fundraising activities. Ability to lift 20Lbs. 
Work Environment: Local DFW travel required; occasional national travel. Travel may include cold or warm weather locations.

Starting Salary: $130,000

Application Procedure:
Apply online
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Uplift Education is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state or local law.