Director of Development for the Fashion Scholarship Fund

The Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) seeks a proven resource development leader to cultivate, craft, and ‘close’ important mission-centric corporate partnership and philanthropic opportunities. The Director of Development is charged with raising significant financial resources for the FSF and strengthening the organization’s role as a recognized force for change in the fashion industry. Candidates with backgrounds in fundraising, marketing, corporate social responsibility, DEI, and/or other executive leadership roles will be strongly considered.

Founded in 1937, the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) is the fashion industry’s leading education and workforce preparedness non-profit, supporting the careers of the country’s most talented young adults, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, as they graduate college and pursue careers in the industry. Each year, the FSF awards $1+ million to 120+ Scholars from 66+ colleges and universities while providing a lifetime of professional support to 1,700+ FSF Scholars and Alumni, working hand-in-hand with an influential network of partners, including many of the fashion industry’s most influential businesses, brands, and visionaries.  

The Director of Development (DOD) reports to and supports the Executive Director while working closely with Board members, partners and investors, FSF staff and consultants, the FSF’s Equity Committee, and other key constituents.  The DOD collaborates with FSF program staff to implement partnership-related programs, but is a “team of one.” The FSF currently has a staff of four full-time professionals based in NYC.

Overview of Responsibilities                              

• Help develop and secure robust philanthropic and corporate partnerships that bring resources, especially funding, to the Fashion Scholarship Fund
• Play a major role in implementing and/or overseeing programmatic and related marketing efforts in fulfillment of partnership agreements

Responsibilities

Fund Development

• Directly support the Executive Director in securing and steering high-level partnerships and investment
• Inspire and support the Board and other stakeholders in their fund development-related activities
• Proactively suggest, forge, and strengthen relationships with corporate, foundation, and individual donors and prospects, engaging others and/or directly soliciting investments
• In close consultation with Executive Director and marketing/media consultants, initiate, negotiate, and close sponsorships and “cause marketing” partnerships
• Suggest and implement innovative communications, fundraising activities, and partnership/donor recognition strategies year-round to build and diversify funding sources
• Create effective collateral materials and proposals that reflect the FSF’s well-developed brand
• Create necessary infrastructure to ensure smooth operations of related internal functions

Partnership Implementation

• Suggest and manage partner involvement in FSF activities such as special scholarship programs, mentoring programs, internships or apprenticeships, and awards selection
• Collaborate with FSF staff and consultants to fulfill marketing and programming obligations
• Effectively track relationships, activities, and deliverables
• Ensure appropriate and strategic recognition for partners and investors

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a fund development or closely related role, with proven success in setting and meeting ambitious revenue goals, especially from corporations
• Experience leading negotiations to create complex strategic and/or marketing partnerships
• Strong, effective interpersonal and communication skills; ability to conceive and articulate a strong case for support appropriate to the opportunity (in writing and speaking)
• Deep knowledge base in corporate philanthropy and/or partnerships
• Experience and comfort serving as a front-line representative in high-stakes circumstances
• Outcomes-oriented approach with strong goal-setting, prioritizing, multi-tasking, and project management skills
• Familiarity with and comfort using database/CRM platforms and email marketing platforms

Ideal Qualifications

• Leadership experience in the fashion industry and/or related sectors (beauty, home, retail, direct-to-consumer)
• Passion for the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s work
• Deep awareness of trends in corporate social responsibility, especially as related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, sustainability, etc.
• Knowledge base in higher education and scholarship award structures
• BIPOC candidates and/or those from underrepresented backgrounds ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Salary range: $115,000-135,000.  Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.  Flexible/hybrid work-from-home arrangements will be considered.  The Fashion Scholarship Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of any protected category. 

To apply, please email resume and statement of interest to jobs@fashionscholarshipfund.org.