Search Announcement

National Director of Development

Washington, DC

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

At the highest levels of government and corporate America, there is consensus that increasing college access for all students is a national imperative. College Summit is the leading college access organization that leverages the power of young people to be agents of change for themselves, their schools and their communities. Partnering with high schools across the nation, College Summit develops a corps of high school students who lead their peers to and through college. The organization, which has been recognized for its social innovation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and President Obama, annually serves 36,000 students and strives to increase that number. College Summit provides a system for improving college access and career success in 140 partner high schools in 15 states.

This is an exciting time at College Summit as significant growth and positive change is on the horizon.

College Summit is a great place to work for creative, results-driven people who have a passion for breaking new ground in the field of social change.  Employees find the work to be challenging and innovative.  The organization is constantly searching for new and better ways to ensure that more low-income and first generation students can make it to and through college.

POSITION OVERVIEW

To help move the organization’s valuable mission forward, College Summit is seeking to hire an innovative and savvy National Director of Development.  This leader will provide planning, management, and coordination of national philanthropy and related activities, including communication with and solicitation of prospects and funders, donor stewardship, annual appeals, and other development-related activities.  The National Director is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of donors of large gifts (upwards of seven figures), including foundations, high net-worth individuals, and some corporations and government grants.  S/he also works collaboratively with the Chief Development Officer and across the United States with regional development leaders to synchronize the organization’s philanthropic efforts and help to ensure that best practice is effectively engaged.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will be a deeply experienced and dynamic business professional with significant depth of knowledge in the broad scope of resource development.  A degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred (advanced coursework or degree in nonprofit management highly desirable) and a minimum of seven (7) years of fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector; significant record of fundraising achievement with increasing levels of responsibility; demonstrated effectiveness working with boards, volunteers, and a wide range of constituents; and experience with SalesForce, Foundation Center, Wealth Engine, & Lexis Nexis will be an advantage.  This position also requires proven competence in budget planning and management; strong communication skills and leadership presence; excellent writing and presentation skills; critical thinking and solid pattern recognition abilities; strong project management skills; and ability to manage projects to completion through effective collaboration with others.  Stellar interpersonal skills: ability to coalesce, enable and work with cross-functional teams and lead through influence are essential.  Keen interest in and enthusiasm for College Summit’s mission of helping low-income students complete college and willingness and ability to travel nationally, up to 50% are also required.

HOW TO APPLY

For fullest consideration, submit a resume and cover letter responding specifically to the experience and qualifications being sought to: [email protected] or mail or fax to: Nonprofit HR, Attn: CS NDD SEARCH, 1400 I Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005, Fax:  202.785.2064. Electronic submissions preferred. Applications will be accepted until position is filled but interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately.  Please visit http://www.collegesummit.org for more information or contact Dennis Sawyers, Managing Director, Talent Acquisition at [email protected].