Director of Development Job Description

Reports to: VP

Location: Concept Schools Central Office, 1336 Basswood Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173

About Us:

Concept Schools is a leading not-for-profit Charter Management Organization (CMO) committed to providing quality education and fostering academic excellence among students. Concept Schools provides a high-quality, STEM-focused, and college-preparatory education through a network of charter public schools while offering exceptional programs, comprehensive services, and opportunities to partner in education. Concept manages 35 schools across the Midwest and supports the teaching and learning of over 14,000 K-12 students.

With a mission to prepare students for college and beyond, we strive to develop well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as the Director of Development.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development strategically leads philanthropic efforts through the cultivation of relationships with individuals and organizations who share a passion for supporting quality education and the mission of Concept Schools. The Director of Development reports directly to the Vice President (VP).

Specific objectives and responsibilities of the position include:

Development Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Development Plan that outlines the fundraising goals, strategies, and timelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify funding needs and create budgets with compelling narratives to support successful grants.
• Work with the senior leadership team to develop strategies and systems to initiate and meet fundraising goals.

Fundraising and Donor Cultivation:

• Plan, implement, and direct development events to achieve fundraising, donor acquisition, cultivation, stewardship, and community engagement goals in coordination with Concept leadership.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward potential major donors to support the network's strategic growth strategy.
• Write and coordinate full grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and government agencies as per the grants calendar and reporting requirements.
• Manage fundraising activities, including major gifts and special projects.

Community Engagement:

• Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs of the organization to accurately represent Concept Schools when interacting with funders.
• Represent Concept Schools at community events and coordinate regular cultivation activities with potential donors.
• Oversee the recruitment and training of volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts.

Grant Management and Reporting:

• Maintain a grant calendar to track opportunities, proposals, and report deadlines.
• Research grant opportunities from various agencies and respond to inquiries on drafted and submitted proposals.
• Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities.
• Develop an overall grant writing strategy to secure additional funding for the
• organization.
• Ensure accurate and persuasive communication of achievements and goals to prospective donors.

Relationship Building:

• Foster and maximize relationships with institutional and private funders.
• Develop ongoing stewardship systems for local businesses and corporations to expand their partnerships with Concept Schools.
• Oversee the fundraising database, prospect management systems, and gift acknowledgment processes.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred with a minimum of five years of experience and a proven track record in successful partnership, grant research, writing, and professional fundraising experience. Professional accreditation or designation (e.g., CFRE, CFRM) is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with volunteer leadership and major donors/prospects.
• Experience with fundraising software and the ability to monitor progress and track results.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to foster teamwork, supervise support staff, and provide excellent customer service.
• Public relations experience with a successful track record.
• Commitment to the values and mission of Concept Schools.