Associate Vice President, Development

Who We Are and What We Do 

Heights Philadelphia is a new kind of organization, an Economic Mobility Catalyst. Heights is committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Philadelphia by creating pathways to educational and workforce success for low-income, Black and Brown, and first-generation-to-college students. These pathways are the foundation of a more equitable and prosperous future for the city.

Heights serves more than 3,000 students from middle school to career with staff embedded in 23 schools across the School District of Philadelphia and partnerships with 13 colleges and universities. Through college and career advising, industry-aligned programming, transformative partnerships, and a community of support, Heights transforms opportunities for success. 

About this Role:  

Working closely with the VP of Advancement and the AVP of Advancement, the AVP of Development leads all aspects of Heights’ fundraising efforts and manages a team of four development professionals. (Heights’ Advancement Team includes communications, alumni and volunteer engagement, and fundraising.)

You’ll help us to achieve: 

$12 million in funds raised annually, securing contributions from corporations, foundations, government, and individuals to support the organization’s expansion.  A sustainable fundraising infrastructure, rooted in best practices and appropriate procedures, policies, reporting, and stewardship protocols to support Heights’ growth. Growth in the Heights donor base with retention and stewardship of current funders and identification of new funders.  

You’ll be responsible for: 

Leading a comprehensive fundraising program that supports organizational and programmatic growth. Inspiring and motivating a committed team of development professionals, ensuring activity is aligned to goals and fundraising data informs strategy.  Leading advancement prospect strategy sessions, ensuring the front-line fundraising team (including VP of Advancement and President) are actively moving their prospects forward along a moves management system. Working collaboratively with AVP of Advancement and the full communications and engagement team to create compelling messaging and events for current and prospective donors.  Managing a portfolio of approximately 60 prospects (individuals, foundations, and government funding sources) with the capacity to make an annual gift of $50,000 or more. Move prospects through the stages of identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation in a strategic and efficient manner. Steward prospects as appropriate.    Overseeing annual giving outreach efforts, stewardship reports, annual impact report, and planning and execution of donor appreciation events, and grant management. Oversee development data and reporting practices and workflows, optimizing the use of Salesforce (Heights’ CRM) to inform fundraising strategy. Providing direction, support, and leadership to the President, VP of Advancement, and Board’s Advancement Committee, engaging and involving them effectively in fundraising efforts.

About you: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, Advanced degree preferred but not required. 8+ years experience in fundraising with progressive responsibility.

Passionate about educational access for underserved communities. Self-starter with excellent  initiative, persistence and follow-through. Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts of significant organizational impact, as well as leading and managing a diverse team of individuals to deliver results. Excellent ability to think critically and strategically. Mastery of fundraising techniques and skills in all aspects of development, including grant management.

Excellent written and oral communications required including strong public speaking skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with a wide variety of constituencies. Knowledgeable and proficient in Google Suite (Email, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

Heights employees: 

Must meet expectations to report in-person on a schedule determined by their direct manager and/or the Vice President of the team.   Must meet PA State background check requirements [PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Fingerprint Check] at hire and every five years thereafter.  Strong orientation to customer service, particularly with regard to students, donors and funders, partners and colleagues  Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and related applications, as well as use of general office equipment (phones, computers, copiers, etc)  Fluency in the use of data and data systems. Maintains appropriate engagement with data entry, reporting and review.  Must adhere to COVID safety guidelines as established by Heights and/or its partners.  Office-based staff should be mindful of the organization’s strong recommendation that staff maintain up to date with COVID vaccination and boosters.  Site-based staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must submit to any COVID testing or other health screenings as required by the Department of Human Services and/or the School District of Philadelphia.  Must be able to work in a busy, often complex work environment that is generally climate controlled.  Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted on an occasional basis.  Must be able to sit for long periods of time.  Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time. Access to reliable transportation required