Managing Director of Development Young Women’s Leadership Network (YWLN) supports two life-changing programs that empower students to break the cycle of poverty through education: The Young Women’s Leadership Schools, a network of high-performing allgirls public secondary schools, and CollegeBound Initiative, a school-based college access program for young women and men. YWLN programs promote a college-going culture in schools and make the dream of college a reality for students growing up in low-income communities. To learn more, visit ywln.org. YWLN is seeking a Managing Director (MD) of Development to supervise all aspects of our fundraising strategy and operations which are projected to raise $10.7 million in FY18. Reporting to the Executive Director, and serving as an integral member of the leadership team, the MD will also contribute to our organizational strategic planning process, which includes the launch of our new name and our new website in 2018. The MD leads YWLN’s development staff of nine in all areas of fundraising, including special events, online giving, major gifts, foundation, corporate and government funding. The successful candidate will be an exceptional strategic and creative thinker, an excellent writer, and a phenomenal manager. S/he will oversee stewarding relationships with individual, foundation and corporate funders; grant writing and reporting, and prospecting new donors. Additionally, he/she will have a demonstrated ability to develop strategic fundraising campaigns, especially developing and leveraging successful major event strategies; attract new sources of funding; implement best practices in donor operations, including related to donor management software; maintain a high level of productivity across multiple fundraising channels; and cultivate relationships with donors, board members and fellow staff members. The successful candidate will have at least seven years of professional fundraising experience in a senior leadership role, with demonstrated drive and a track record of success in a high growth organization. Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, along with a passion for expanding educational opportunities as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty are essential. Primary Roles and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Development Strategy, Vision and Leadership Effectively lead and manage development team members. Develop and implement strategies to realize year over year growth in annual fundraising, including achieving a 25% operating reserve up from our current 13%. Support Director of Major Gifts to develop and implement cultivation strategies to significantly increase funding from existing, lapsed and new individual donors. Support our Institutional Giving team to identify and secure significant new institutional and corporate supporters, while sustaining and growing current donors. Develop strategies to optimize and enhance our major fundraising events. Develop and implement strategies to drive the effectiveness of our board, including recruitment efforts. Work collaboratively with peers on YWLN’s leadership team and serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director.
Development Operations Strengthen and oversee development and marketing systems and operations (e.g. donor communications, acknowledgement systems, database). Report regularly on status of fundraising efforts to Executive Director, funders and Board of Directors. Lead and facilitate work of the Board of Directors’ development committee. Collaborate with our MD of Finance & Administration on relevant matters, including her efforts to lead and facilitate work of the Board of Directors’ finance committee.
Key Qualifications Passion for YWLN’s mission. Bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Minimum 7 years’ experience in a senior management role. Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with high-net worth individuals. Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive development strategy. Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output. Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers. Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of high-performing Board of Directors. Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented and the ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs. Excellent and persuasive communicator as demonstrated by exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior leaders, board members and staff. Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive.
Compensation: Competitive/commensurate with experience. FLSA Status: Exempt. YWLN is an equal opportunity employer. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401K matching. Application instructions: Please submit cover letter and resume to
[email protected]. No phone calls please.
