Development Director, Bellevue Schools Foundation

Bellevue Schools Foundation

12241 Main Street, Bldg. #5 ∙ Bellevue, Washington 98005

Phone: 425-456-4199 ∙ bellevueschoolsfoundation.org

 DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: The mission of the Bellevue Schools Foundation is to promote and fund the best possible learning opportunities for ALL Students in Bellevue’s public schools. For over 40 years, the Bellevue Schools Foundation has driven resources to Bellevue’s public schools, with over $36 million contributed to date. Students enrolled in the Bellevue School District are incredibly diverse: 100 languages are spoken; 125 countries of birth are represented; and 40% of students speak a first language other than English. Bellevue Schools Foundation is particularly noteworthy for its commitment to teacher development, and 45% of Bellevue School District teachers have achieved NBCT certification through the National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards, an achievement that is proven to directly correlate with increased learning potential in students. Bellevue Schools Foundation supports the dismantling of structural and systemic inequities that perpetuate both naive and intentional discrimination against persons of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender orientations, disabilities, and economic statuses. The Foundation believes that education is the basis for opportunity, growth, and success in life.

POSITION SUMMARY & REPORTING: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director is a senior leader in the organization and will be primarily responsible for creating and implementing a strategic plan to raise vital funds for the organization in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The Director will be part of a dynamic team, and as such, should have an engaging personality and a track record of forging strong relationships with stakeholders. S/he must have a strong sense of purpose and passion for creating access for underserved students. The Director will be proactive and capable of thinking strategically, be detail-oriented, have strong follow-through skills, able to prioritize multiple assignments, and handle complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising (70%)

• Create and execute on an annual operating plan that delivers on overall organizational fundraising goals
• Spearhead the fundraising strategy that is planned around individual, corporation, foundation giving and events
• Oversee all aspects of the donor cultivation cycle (cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) to fulfill annual revenue and capital campaign goals
• Establish revenue goals in consultation with the Executive Director and the Development Committee and develop strategies to reach them
• Develop and implement short and long-term fundraising plan in consultation with the Executive Director and Development Committee to secure financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Identify and cultivate potential new trustees in consultation with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees
• Identify and cultivate new donors and increase current donors’ level of support annually
• Support the Executive Director’s relationships with prospects and donors and coordinate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship interactions
• Prepare written materials, including correspondence, proposals, solicitations, acknowledgements
• Utilize and leverage Donor Perfect to appropriately document donor engagement and document interactions
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to manage organization’s brand and support the development of marketing materials and communications, both physical and virtual
• Support the development of programming, staffing, and facilitation of events, and logistics during the year including, but not limited to:
  • Spring for Schools
  • Cultivation Events
  • Stewardship Events

Leadership (20%):

• Provide robust leadership in advancing development initiatives designed to meet the funding goals of the organization in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees
• Oversee staff members and/or consultants supporting the development team and all functions the role executes

Operations and other duties (10%):

• Ensure consistent data collection and entry into database by compiling, analyzing, and reporting development data
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of reports necessary to carry out the functions of the department.
• Prepare reports for management and grantors, as necessary or requested.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in fundraising and senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or school setting;
• Familiarity with database management
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule based on organizational needs and donor base priorities

• Proven performance in a fast-paced, customer service-oriented environment and comfortable creating and meeting measurable targets and holding self and staff accountable
  • Commitment to the mission of Bellevue Schools Foundation
  • BA required; Advanced degree preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to facilitate meetings
  • A high level of respect for confidentiality and ethical practices

Desired Competencies

• Superior analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Collaborative approach to problem solving and ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels (internally and externally)
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work under pressure; ability and desire work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline;
• Ability to look at situations from several points of view
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-oriented attitude
• Strong organizational and time management skills

To apply: Send a cover letter detailing your individual and institutional fundraising expertise and applicable experiences along with a resume to info@bsfdn.org with the following subject line: “LAST NAME, Development Director Application”

The Bellevue Schools Foundation is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.