Director of Development
Mainspring is “the little school doing big things.” We are looking for a development professional who also believes that a small organization can make big change.
The Director of Development is currently a one-person department. We recognize the demands that this can put on a development leader. However, your strategic vision and sassy implementation skills will have the enthusiastic support and direct engagement of our Board of Directors and sharp administrative team. We said it throughout the pandemic and we say it still: we are in this together.
Every day, we help children 0-5 and their families grow. We help build healthy relationships with caregivers and educators, and within our community. As the organization grows, the development department will also grow.
To get there, the Development Director will grow philanthropic support (individual, corporate, and foundation donors), steward impactful relationships for Mainspring Schools, and extend brand awareness. With your leadership, we will design and execute an ambitious local fundraising and development communication plan, provide fundraising guidance, develop communication assets, and share reporting and forecasting. This effort will secure the organizational resources needed to provide the high-quality services that give children and families the foundation to thrive.
The Development Director must have a proven track record of results in fundraising and strategic brand awareness, experience developing relationships with donors and colleagues, and energy to build a coalition of supporters.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Development Director will collaborate with the Executive Director, Board members, and staff to develop a strong culture of philanthropy and gratitude, and to enhance donor engagement, significantly increasing size and number of gifts. Responsibilities will encompass the following areas:
Annual Giving: Individual and corporate gifts to support Mainspring and its programs. (40%)
Create, operationalize, and manage specific aspects of the Annual Fund and its related activities, including identifying audience segments, writing solicitation appeals, developing communication channels, and managing timelines.
Create a stewardship plan and acknowledgement letter templates for annual giving donors.
Manage a portfolio of individual and corporate donors, identifying monthly and lead donors to cultivate and advance for higher level giving opportunities.
Contribute to impact reporting as it relates to individual annual giving donors.
Major Gifts: Gift cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors (20%)
Establish relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Design and execute engagement and stewardship plans for a new Major Gifts program.
Strategize, coordinate and execute timely, accurate and compelling interactions with major donors in partnership with the Executive Director and Board members.
Develop and launch comprehensive major donor initiatives, move management strategies for growing portfolio of campaign, events and annual giving, as well as planned giving.
Engage and support the Board of Directors development and marketing committees.
Data and Financial Management (10%)
Oversee our online giving platform (Classy).
Ensure that all relevant information is being entered into the system accurately and efficiently.
Ensure effective utilization of donor management software (Salesforce) and Quickbooks to track donor cultivation efforts, record contribution activity, acknowledge gifts and reconcile with accounting records.
Provide proof of performance (including regular status updates).
Event Management and Execution (10%)
Collaborate with BOD development and events committees on events strategy, goals, and calendar.
Ensure and execute the timely and cost-efficient orchestration of events.
Manage event budget, vendors, operations, volunteers and communications.
Marketing and Communications (20%)
Collaborate on strategies to extend our brand awareness and increase our fundraising effectiveness.
Leverage deep understanding of donors, prospects and stakeholders to create and deliver compelling and meaningful communications and events (annual fundraiser, info sessions, volunteer initiatives, etc.) that authentically engage donors, prospects and volunteers in Mainspring Schools work.
Use email marketing platform (Mailchimp) to maintain audience lists and build campaigns.
Oversee and update website (on Squarespace) to communicate with various organizational audiences.
Qualifications
At least 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, event management, grant writing and marketing; or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
Experience with Salesforce NPSP and Classy giving platforms software.
Skillful in cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with donors.
Demonstrated track record of building donor relationships, working collaboratively, strategically and with integrity.
Knowledge of funding sources and community resources available to support the work of Mainspring Schools.
Knowledge of and ability to use a computer and other technical resources to effectively accomplish work.
Ability to prepare for and facilitate effective meetings.
Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and effective manner.
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in oral and written communication on an interpersonal and group level.
Ability to travel to various locations for day, evening and weekend meetings and events.
Traits and Characteristics
Good judgment and confidentiality.
Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Passion about Mainspring Schools’ mission and values.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive compensation plan, including salary of $75,000-90,000 (dependent on experience)
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Vacation, PTO and sick time
401k matching
Hybrid work model (mostly in office, but some remote work is okay)
A diverse population of families and staff
A dynamic and fun place to work
The opportunity to make a real difference with underserved kids and their families
Applications
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to executivedirector@mainspringschools.org. A cover letter is required for consideration!