The Organization
The Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) exists to create and protect the conditions that enable the charter public school sector to thrive, and ultimately advance a larger goal of ensuring all Massachusetts children and families have equitable access to high-quality public schools. Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) serves more than 70 charter public schools and 44,000 students. As the voice of one of the nation’s highest-performing charter public school sectors, MCPSA engages in public policy advocacy, strategic communications, and best practice sharing and training aimed at strengthening educational programming.
Position Overview
At this time, MCPSA is seeking a strategic, creative, and values-aligned Director of Development (DOD) to build upon our fundraising success and secure the revenue needed to continue to ensure that all students in Massachusetts have access to a high-quality public school. With ownership of a $2M fundraising goal in FY21, the DOD will lead development strategy, partner closely with the Executive Director on donor activities, and join a team that is committed to continual learning and growth, open communications, and a shared belief in the power of charter public schools. Specifically, the DOD will:
- Design and implement a bold fundraising strategy to 1) raise $2M+ annually, 2) grow engagement of current supporters, including renewing and/or increasing multi-year grants, and 3) generate new relationships with institutional and individual funders.
- In close partnership with the Executive Director, initiate and cultivate relationships with funder prospects with the potential to make 5 and 6+ figure gifts.
- Build out a robust individual giving program ranging from grassroots giving campaigns to major donor cultivation. Conduct research through iWave and other platforms to identify and qualify prospective donors.
- Serve as “chief grantwriter,” taking ownership of MCPSA’s letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports, and tightly manage a fundraising calendar to ensure that proposals, renewals, and reports are submitted on time.
- Create and strengthen processes and systems for fundraising operations. Develop and manage systems in Salsa Engage/CRM and/or other donor relationship management systems, ensuring that all touchpoints and projections are tracked with a high degree of timeliness and accuracy.
- In partnership with MCPSA staff, design and execute targeted cultivation and stewardship events throughout the year, such as roundtables and leadership convenings.
- Create a structure for strategic donor communications, including stewardship touchpoints, briefing materials for donor meetings, funder presentations, written appeals, and other materials as needed. Leverage data, impact stories, and knowledge of MCPSA’s member schools in communications.
- Become a knowledgeable ambassador for MCPSA, with an understanding of the funding, policy, and educational landscape that impacts MA’s charter public school movement.
WHO YOU ARE
- A versatile and well-rounded fund development professional. You bring success at least 8 years of work experience in fundraising, with a track record of qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding institutional and individual supporters. You enjoy both the behind-the-scenes and donor-facing aspects of fundraising, and are knowledgeable about fundraising systems, processes, and best practices.
- A “big picture” thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You approach challenges and opportunities through an analytical lens and take a hands-on approach to translating strategy into tangible activities. You appreciate how routine tasks and details contribute to overall success.
- An exceptional writer, storyteller, and communicator. You are skilled in analyzing, breaking down, and communicating complex ideas in ways that inspire others to action. You demonstrate an understanding of the context surrounding an issue area and create logical arguments that clearly articulate the “why” behind an organization’s mission and impact. Extensive grant writing experience is required.
- A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships both internally and externally. You “manage up” to senior leadership and effectively work across functional areas.
- A tech-savvy and well-organized project manager. You are experienced in leading multiple projects with concurrent deadlines. You are skilled at building processes and systems, and strategically use limited resources to create the biggest impact. You are proficient in donor relationship management and research programs and utilize technology to track people, resources, and programs.
- A flexible, self-directed, and willing team member. You are at home in a lean nonprofit environment with the ability to stay focused and nimble in the face of growth and change. You play well with others, pitch in wherever is needed, and are comfortable with shared responsibility.
- A passionate advocate who is committed to MCPSA’s mission and values. You believe in the power and possibility of charter public schools. You thrive in an organization that values excellence, continual learning, teamwork, integrity, and personal ownership.
The following knowledge, skills, and experiences are nice to have:
- Experience with planning and executing high-touch fundraising events
- Experience with Salsa and/or CRM systems; iWave and/or other donor prospecting systems
- Knowledge of and experience with political fundraising; understanding of 501c(4) organizations
- Knowledge of and experience with Massachusetts’ philanthropic community
How To Apply
If this opportunity calls out to you, please click here to submit 1) a tailored, authentic cover letter that explains why this mission excites you and why this particular role is a fit for you and 2) your resume. Please address your cover letter to Tim Nicolette, Executive Director. We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to get back to applicants within two weeks.