Director of Institutional and Corporate Giving

Student Leadership Network supports young people growing up in diverse underserved communities to gain access to educational opportunities that help prepare them to lead successful lives. In 1996, Student Leadership Network (SL Network) opened the United States’ first all-girls public school in 30 years – The Young Women’s Leadership School of East Harlem. The organization has grown to a network of 41 public schools, including 21 all-girls schools nationwide. Over the last 25 years, SL Network has impacted more than 50,000 students through three life-changing programs: The Young Women's Leadership Schools (TYWLS), CollegeBound Initiative (CBI), and Young Women's Leadership Network (YWLN). To learn more, visit www.student leadership network.org. 

Student Leadership Network is seeking a Director of Institutional and Corporate Giving. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development (MDD), the Director of Institutional and Corporate Giving is responsible for leading Student Leadership Network’s foundation, corporate, and government fundraising efforts, which currently comprise $3.5 million of the organization’s nearly $12 million revenue for the current fiscal year. SL Network is supported by some of the nation's and NYC's most rigorous education funders including the Gates Foundation, Robin Hood, the Clark Foundation, and the Charles Hayden Foundation.  The Director of Institutional and Corporate Giving will identify viable prospects, develop relationships with funders and local Council Members, write grant applications and reports, and take ownership for the implementation of fundraising strategies designed to achieve the revenue targets defined in SL  Network’s strategic plan. They will also supervise the Senior Manager of Institutional and Corporate Giving who is responsible for conducting all institutional prospect research, growing a pipeline of prospective funders and ensuring the cultivation, stewardship, renewal and solicitation of foundation, corporation and government funders. 

This position will work in collaboration with the organization’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Vice President (EVP) & Chief Innovation Officer, and cross-functionally with other teams at Student Leadership Network, as needed. The successful candidate will have at least five to seven years of institutional relations experience with foundation, corporate and government sources in a non-profit setting. Experience working with data teams to track metrics for funders, a demonstrated track record of surpassing fundraising goals, and a passion for equalizing educational opportunities for students growing up in diverse underserved communities is essential. 

Primary Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide leadership and guidance to the MDD and CEO on strategy and tactics related to achieving the institutional giving plan and setting revenue targets.  
• Under the supervision of  the MDD, implement the departmental plan for managing and growing relationships with foundations, corporations, and government funders to support the expansion plans defined in Student Leadership Network’s multi-year strategic plan, which anticipates growth in these revenue categories from approximately $3.5 million in FY 2022 to $4.5 million in FY 2025.  
• Draft and execute an annual foundation, corporate, and government cultivation strategy which includes updates, meetings, site visits, and other events, which help to grow foundation, corporate, and government support and help to deepen relationships.  
• Prepare the CEO, MDD, and other leadership team members as appropriate, to lead meetings and liaise with foundation, corporate, and government funders.  
• Research and identify foundation, corporate and government prospects to support growth in NYC and new markets. 
• Write and submit compelling and timely proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and government agencies by working with Student Leadership Network staff responsible for each grant as well as the finance team.
• Oversee the Senior Manager, Institutional and Corporate Giving’s development of concept papers, grant proposals and requests for foundation, corporate, and government funding.  
• Understand Student Leadership Network’s mission and goals to effectively research, monitor and identify new potential sources of funding.  
• Track funder activities utilizing Salesforce to ensure that funder interactions are documented and assigned action steps are completed and regularly updated.
• Stay up to date on current trends in foundation, corporate, and government giving and engage in training and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
• Manage, motivate, and develop the skills of Senior Manager of Institutional and Corporate Giving.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications:  

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher  
• Minimum of five to seven years of relevant institutional giving experience including, grant writing experience with foundation, corporate and government sources  
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising goals  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  
• Ability to conceptualize and describe organizational needs in accessible, compelling and inspiring ways
• Significant relationship building, revenue responsibility, and management experience  
• Proven ability to generate revenue and ability to identify new opportunities without direction from supervisor  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with individuals with diverse personalities, work styles and at all levels across the organization   
• Ability to lead internal and external meetings and speak publicly  
• Creative, strategic thinker with ability to proactively develop new ideas  
• Proactive and organized project management style  
• Strong understanding of data and institutional voice
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and prioritize while working under competing  deadlines  
• Passionate about Student Leadership’s mission, committed to teamwork, and achieving results
• Must be willing to provide proof of COVID 19 Vaccination 

Benefits: Paid time off, Medical, Dental, Vision and 401K match