Director of Development

Director of Development

The Education Trust

Washington, DC

The Education Trust seeks a Director of Development to design, articulate, and implement a fundraising strategy that will increase the Trust’s capacity to replicate and expand upon its success in foundation support with current and untapped sources as well as identify and prioritize new possible funding streams. This is a new position at The Education Trust; the new Director will serve as a member of the management team, providing the strategic vision and collaborative leadership necessary to plan and execute a development plan that ensures The Trust’s continued independence and commitment to quality. 

ABOUT THE EDUCATION TRUST: Founded in 1997, The Education Trust promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels – prekindergarten through college. They work alongside parents, educators, policymakers, and community and business leaders across the country in transforming schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. Lessons learned in these efforts, together with unflinching data analyses, shape their state and national policy agendas with the goal of closing the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people – especially those who are black, Latino, American Indian, or from low-income families—to lives at the margins of the American mainstream. More information about The Education Trust may be found at www.edtrust.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: The Education Trust has grown significantly over the past five years.  The quality and impact of its work coupled with the Trust’s ability to advocate for students through policy as well as in the field has attracted stable, multi-year funding support from leading national education foundations. While the organization has been successful in garnering significant support from a highly respected but limited range of sources, the organization’s leadership and board seek a Director of Development who will devise and lead a concerted effort to ensure not only that current funder relationships are properly stewarded and expanded upon but also that new opportunities in foundation support are identified and strategically cultivated.  In addition to increasing overall foundation funding capacity, the new Director of Development will explore natural fundraising pathways in the areas of corporate and individual giving with the aim of further diversifying funding streams. Reporting to the Vice President for Operations and Strategic Leadership, and in close partnership with the executive leadership and program directors, the Director of Development will provide overall direction, coordination, and implementation of the organization’s fundraising operations.  S/he will serve as a strategic and galvanizing force in the identification and generation of significant, topical and new sources of support that will align with The Trust’s ambitious goals. 

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: The successful candidate will be a highly-motivated, entrepreneurial, and seasoned development professional with 5 to 7 years of experience in private fund development and a track record of raising significant foundation support as well as knowledge of corporate and individual giving. The role requires a keen intellect and curiosity as well as the ability to communicate effectively The Education Trust’s mission and commitment to closing the persistent gaps in opportunity and achievement among students from pre-kindergarten through college.  The Director will be a planful, strategic thinker with an energetic team spirit and the ability to translate long-term goals into practical action steps.  Successful experience building new foundation relationships and creating new programs for individual and corporate donors is essential.  Collaborative, collegial and committed to the highest standards, the Director will bring out the best in staff and will inspire others to leadership. In keeping with the organization’s reputation for the highest quality work product, exceptional writing skills and sophistication are required.  An undergraduate degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred. 

TO APPLY: Due to the pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, but no later than March 5, 2010. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history and where you learned of the position should be sent to: TET-DOD@nonprofitprofessionals.com. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.  

Please submit materials by electronic mail.

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer.