Director, Head of Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Fundraising

Do you have a passion for children and education? Would you like to positively impact families in need of help? We want to speak with you!

Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.

Step Up For Students offers an excellent benefits package:

SUFS Total Rewards

Medical - HSA/FSA - Dental - Vision
Company Paid Disability - Life Insurance
401K Match - Tuition Reimbursement
Generous Time off Policy - Professional Development


JOB SUMMARY
The Head of Fundraising is responsible for establishing and executing the fundraising strategy for a new individual tax credit scholarship at Step Up For Students. This senior leader will oversee the development and fundraising department for the Education Choice for Children Act, cultivate donor relationships, develop innovative campaigns, and ensure the organization achieves its revenue targets. Responsibilities also include establishing and developing a dedicated team to support the strategic vision of the department and organization.
The Head of Fund Raising plays a pivotal role in driving the mission, growth, and sustainability of the organization. By providing vision, cultivating meaningful relationships, and ensuring ethical fundraising practices, this leader drives the resources needed to fulfill the organization’s mission and creates lasting impact in the community and beyond.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
◦ Create the development and fundraising strategy for the Education Choice for Children Act with a goal of securing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credit donations.
◦ Set ambitious, achievable targets for revenue growth aligned with organizational goals and values.
◦ Monitor trends in philanthropy, donor behavior, and regulatory environments to adjust strategies as needed.
◦ Build and develop a dedicated team to support development and fundraising strategy.
◦ Recruit, train, motivate, and manage a high-performing fundraising team, including staff, volunteers, and consultants.
◦ Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress.
◦ Foster a positive, collaborative culture that values innovation and accountability.
◦ Provide professional development opportunities and mentorship for team members.
◦ Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.
◦ Lead major gift fundraising, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals.
◦ Develop personalized communication plans, events, and recognition programs for key supporters.
◦ Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment and deliver creative fundraising campaigns across multiple platforms including digital, print, and in-person events.
◦ Manage the fundraising budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximum return on investment.
◦ Ensure transparency and accountability in all fundraising processes and financial reporting.
◦ Serve as a key ambassador for the organization, representing it with integrity and passion at external events and meetings.
◦ Develop strong partnerships with stakeholders including volunteers, board members, program staff, and external partners to support fundraising goals.
◦ Risk management and ethical compliance.
◦ Ensure all fundraising activities comply with applicable laws, ethical standards, and organizational policies.
◦ Champion best practices in donor privacy and ethical fundraising.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED:
◦ Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field.
◦ Minimum 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, with at least three years in a leadership or management role.
◦ Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, capital campaigns, and donor stewardship. Experience in developing and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
◦ Demonstrated success and a proven track record in professional/life experience in specific job functions, projects, or industries, and military service can substitute for the formal education requirements.
KEY COMPETENCIES
◦ Demonstrates critical Transformation and Leadership skills and abilities: True Collaboration; Focusing on Outcomes: Owning and effectively solving problems for today and the future; Empathetic Leadership; Adaptability and Resilience; Emotional Intelligence/CEM skills and Continuous Development/Continuous Improvement Mindsets.
◦ Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and persuade diverse audiences.
◦ Strategic thinker with a track record of innovative problem-solving and adaptability.