Brightlane Learning transforms the lives of students impacted by homelessness and housing instability with personalized tutoring and academic support while advocating for their families as they navigate the educational system. We envision a future where youth homelessness is eliminated, educational equity is a reality, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Director of Developmentserves as the principal executor of Brightlane Learnings fundraising operations, overseeing the daily management of grants, special events, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement. This position is responsible for translating fundraising strategies into effective action, ensuring alignment with both annual objectives and long-term philanthropic goals.

In close collaboration with the Chief Philanthropy Officerwho provides strategic leadership and oversees high-level development planning, the Director of Development ensures that all fundraising activities are efficiently implemented and fully aligned with the organizations mission and vision.

Position Relationships:

Responsible to:

• Chief Philanthropy Officer

Collaborates with:

• Development Team (to coordinate fundraising campaigns and special events)
• Corporate Partners (for corporate donations and partnerships)
• Board Members (for fundraising guidance and campaign support)
• Volunteers and Team Members (for event support and donor engagement)
• Finance Team (for tracking donations and reporting)
• Marketing and Communications Team (for donor communications and campaign materials)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Collaborate with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to design, implement, and refine a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances Brightlane Learnings mission and revenue goals.
• Support the execution of diverse fundraising initiativesincluding individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special eventsby coordinating efforts across functional areas and ensuring strategic alignment.
• Partner with staff responsible for individual giving to enhance donor engagement strategies and ensure consistency in messaging, stewardship, and relationship management.
• Contribute to the identification and cultivation of new funding opportunities while supporting the stewardship of existing donors and institutional partners.
• Use data and performance metrics to inform strategy, improve fundraising effectiveness, and ensure integration across all development activities.

Grants Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive grants plan, managing day-to-day operations while collaborating with the Chief Philanthropy Officer on refining strategies for long-term funding goals.
• Collaborate with key staff to research new funding sources, including private and government-funded grants, and ensure that Brightlane Learning is competitive in securing new funding opportunities.
• Maintain an annual calendar of grant application and reporting deadlines, ensuring that all submissions are timely and accurately completed.
• Execute the narrative construction, application, and reporting process for all publicly and privately funded grants included in the grants plan.
• Oversee all aspects of communication with funders, including applications, reports, acknowledgment, and cultivation.
• Create, refine, and monitor systems, including the online donor database, for the accurate recording of grant deadlines and reporting contacts.
  

Special Events Leadership & Strategic Engagement

• Collaborate with the Development Coordinator to plan and execute all special events, overseeing outreach, logistics, event committees, and post-event evaluations to enhance future initiatives.
  

Donor Data Management & Reporting

• Monitor and refine systems, including the online donor database, to ensure the accurate tracking and reporting of donation and fundraising data.
• Facilitate the creation and distribution of fundraising dashboards, statistical analyses, and reports to the Board and senior leaders.
  

Donor Base Expansion & Diversification

• Expand and diversify the donor base to secure funding for new initiatives and increase the variety of revenue streams, including corporate partnerships, grants, and special events.
  

Leadership

• Provide oversight, support, and guidance to the Development Coordinator and Grants Contractor ensuring alignment with fundraising objectives and project timelines.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, serving as a mentor and resource to Development Team Members.
• As the Development function grows, assume leadership responsibilities as delegated by the Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Additional Education/Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field. Experience managing grants, special events, and corporate partnerships is required.
• Proven success in leading fundraising initiatives, especially in grants management, corporate giving, and special events.
• Previous experience in managing donor relationships and creating donor stewardship strategies.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage donors and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in donor management software (Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar), Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with CRM systems and data analytics.
• Grant writing and reporting expertise with experience in both private and government funding.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and best practices, with an ability to adapt to the changing landscape of philanthropy.
• Event coordination experience, with the ability to plan and execute successful fundraising events that align with organizational goals.
• Ability to analyze data and generate reports that inform strategy and decision-making, particularly in the context of donor engagement and fundraising performance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational, time-management, and leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of budgets and financial reporting related to fundraising and development activities.

Leadership:

• Proven ability to lead, manage, and mentor teams and staff in a collaborative environment to successfully achieve fundraising and donor engagement goals.

Strategic Vision:

• 
  Ability to think strategically and operationalize development plans, ensuring alignment with the organization's long-term mission and goals.

Other:

• Passion for the mission of Brightlane Learning and a commitment to supporting educational equity for youth impacted by homelessness.