Who We Are: School in the Square (S2) is a fast-growing charter school currently serving elementary and middle school students, with plans to serve families from Pre-K - 12 with the opening of a high school with 9th grade in Fall, 2024. S2 engages, educates and empowers its students to respond mindfully and creatively to life's opportunities and challenges. Drawing its name from the concept of the public square or la placita , our mantra is Relationships First . S2 is where communities come together to solve problems and celebrate successes. Here, students, families and educators are seen, heard, and inspired. S2 students build the academic foundations, social-emotional intelligence, and the leadership skills necessary to excel in college and professional life. Our community is grounded in principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity (JEDI), enacting a culturally responsive and sustaining lens to our pedagogical practice and consistently examining the ways we can continue to walk firmly in the pursuit of social justice and against injustice of any kind. We take seriously our obligation as an anchor institution in our community. We understand that our students' ability to learn is directly impacted by their access to basic needs. Through our Family Support Program, we support over 200 families every month with bimonthly food pantries and other essential services, including internet hotspots and rent relief. Our Director of Development The Director of Development (DD) is a key position, reporting directly to and in partnership with the Executive Director (ED). The DD will spearhead development efforts as S2 continues to grow and will have the opportunity to formalize and build upon the existing development function. The DD will partner with the ED to systematize current grassroots efforts, plan, and manage efforts to realize organizational fundraising goals, with a focus on securing increased revenue from fundraising events with new and existing donors and to build engagement with S2. This position has significant responsibilities related to regular donor communications, utilizing donor research and cultivation, direct gift solicitation, grant writing, and public engagement strategies, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees. The DD also works to advance S2 's visibility and profile through written communications both online and in print. Responsibilities of the DD:
- In partnership with ED, drives strategic initiatives, and supports the development of long-term growth plans for corporate, foundation and individual outreach
- Analyzes and recommends emerging industry trends
- Engages targeted constituencies through development and management of programs and activities that deepen donor engagement and revenue growth; including and not limited to private individual and organizational events, and other events
- Creates and manages donor communications strategy and materials including house party presentations
- Serves as primary manager for current and potential donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations
- Writes grants and interim reports
- Assists ED, with stewardship, support and growth of the Board and development subcommittee
Who You Are:
- A self-starter who is creative and entrepreneurial with 2 or more years of demonstrated success in fundraising and development
- Familiar with the local non-profit and educational landscape with comfort working in, and at times with, the school community
- A strategic, solutions-focused thinker with strong communication and planning skills and able to work both individually and as a member of consensus-seeking teams
- Skilled and analytical with the ability to gather and analyze data extracting insights and reporting
- An expert in project management who is organized, detail oriented, and experienced in administrative responsibilities.
- An enthusiastic, go-getter, problem solver.
- Adept in relationship-building and navigating & leveraging high-stakes relationships and negotiations
- Experienced in grant writing (preferred), communications & social media a plus
What You Can Expect From Us: At S2 we take as much care of our teachers and staff as we do of our students. S2 is committed to supporting our teachers by helping them build sustainable, rewarding careers that center on each educator's passions and multi-disciplinary interests. All of our faculty and staff are valued professionals and we are proud to provide some flexibility on remote work, team-building and collaboration, comfortable and friendly working conditions, to ensure our team members all have what they need to succeed. In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, S2 provides ultra competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package with employer paid life insurance, a 401K program with a 6% organizational match, longevity bonus, generous paid time off, access to a federal student loan debt reduction program and a friendly work environment The pay range from this position is $90,000 to $130,000. Anyone who joins our team must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having obtained the booster.School in the Square proudly values diversity. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.