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Development Director, Growth

Chalkbeat, the growing nonprofit news organization telling the story of education in America, is expanding into new topic areas, including election administration and public health.  As Chalkbeat expands we are seeking a major gifts officer to join our team, to help us achieve our ambitious fundraising and expansion goals. Working closely with Chalkbeat’s expansion team, the Major Gifts Officer will oversee the foundation and Major Donor relationships to support new verticals; Votebeat, Healthbeat and Localbeat.

The right candidate will be smart, organized, and entrepreneurial, with a track record of fundraising success . A passion for journalism and an understanding of its importance to democracy is preferred.

This position will report to the Senior Director of Development & Donor Relations.

Responsibilities

  • Develop strategies and move relationships forward with approximately 100 major donor and family foundations. 
  • Lead the development of long- and short-term plans to meet assigned revenue goals for campaign funding priorities.
  • Leverage the moves management system for major gift donors and prospects within the MGO’s portfolio, with the goal of increased and new giving.
  • Work with designated board members to develop personalized solicitation and stewardship touchpoints.
  • Develop and oversee the planning and execution of one-on-one meetings, dinners and other events with the goal of creating targeted cultivation and stewardship opportunities.
  • Work with the major gifts team to develop innovative stewardship and communication strategies.
  • Assist in the development of research strategies and targeted areas for research, working closely with the Major Gifts team and the prospects research.
  • Establish strong relationships and lines of communication with other staff, working together to create accurate and informative messaging, increased donor awareness of key initiatives, and engaging donor cultivation events.

 What background and skills do you have?

  • At least 5 years of front-line fundraising experience, preferably managing an active portfolio of individual donors
  • Proven track record of securing annual gifts of $10,000 and multi-year gifts of $50,000 and above.
  • Entrepreneurial and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to exercise creativity and initiative in achieving gift goals.
  • Experience working with volunteer boards and committee members and coordinating volunteer-led fundraising activities
  • Experience meeting revenue goals
  • Grant writing and editing skills
  • Proficient experience with fundraising databases
  • Self-starter with the ability to get up to speed quickly and work independently
  • Highly motivated, organized, flexible, and proactive
  • Proven project management and task management ability in a deadline-driven environment
  • Ability to work in an environment where multitasking is the norm, the pace is fast, and priorities will evolve.
  • Excellent communication skills—both oral and written
  • Ability to work and collaborate with colleagues within and across departments
  • Demonstrated ability to articulate the vision and mission of the organization.
  • Proficiency with office software, primarily the Google Suite.
  • Passion for equity and the future of journalism is a must. 
  • Bachelor's degree with significant work experience or a Master's degree in a related field. 

Up to 40% travel is required.

This is a full-time position with benefits. Chalkbeat offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package, including a paid winter recess.

About Chalkbeat:
Chalkbeat is the nonprofit news organization committed to covering one of America’s most important stories: the effort to improve schools for all children, especially those who have historically lacked access to a quality education. We are mission-driven journalists who believe that an independent local press is vital to ensuring that education improves. Currently in eight locations and growing, we seek to provide deep local coverage of education policy and practice that informs decisions and actions, leading to better schools. Read more about our mission and values.

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