Head of Development

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

The Head of Development will be joining the Home Office development team at a transformative moment for Uncommon – our schools are working urgently to accelerate learning in the post-COVID era and as our college-bound population quickly grows. The $20 million in annual revenue generated by the development team will be essential to ensuring that our network has the financial strength and flexibility to seize new opportunities and continue to respond to challenges. In addition, an active capital campaign in Boston is ongoing and plans for at least two additional projects are beginning to take shape. 

This role is responsible for leading all Development work for the Uncommon Schools network. The Head of Development will develop and manage the strategy and execution of our fundraising efforts to ensure that our network of 52 schools and our Home Office has the private philanthropy they need to thrive. They will be responsible for all activities associated with identifying, securing, nurturing, and engaging new and existing individual and institutional donors.

As team lead for the Development team, the Head of Development will report to the Chief External Officer and work closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officer to manage a portfolio of key institutional and individual donors. In addition, this person will lead a team of eight individuals based at the Home Office and in our regions to support institutional and regional philanthropy. Together, the team will raise the philanthropy needed to fuel our growth across the network and support key initiatives that advance our organizational priorities.

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the organization’s long-term growth objectives (20%)

• Raise $20M in annual revenue and drive capital campaigns as required.
• Develop and implement a strategy and pipeline for growing individual and institutional giving, including foundation, corporate, and competitive government grants.
• Oversee the strategy behind and manage the execution of simultaneous capital campaigns in multiple regions to ensure that regions have the resources they need to provide high-quality facilities to their current and future students.

Build and grow relationships with current and prospective donors, Uncommon and regional Board of Trustees, and internal partners (35%)

• Lead our growing individual giving work, including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of five-, six-, and seven-figure individual donors.
• Serve as primary Development relationship for the Uncommon Board and support Development relationships with our five regional Boards, including quarterly presentations at Board meetings, quarterly Development Committee meetings, and individual relationships to support Board members giving at the top of their capacity.
• Working closely with the co-CEO, manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and relationships to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts.
• Partner and collaborate with Uncommon’s external affairs, finance, strategic initiatives, real estate and grants compliance teams.

Lead a high-performing development team and institute sustainable systems and processes (45%)

• Oversee a team of eight individuals in Uncommon’s Home Office (New York City) and our regions. This person will manage five direct reports.
• Ensure consistent high-quality execution of development work (e.g., written proposals, presentations, and grant reports; co-CEO/senior leader preparation and talking points)   
• Continue to develop donor database and relationship management system within Salesforce, including regular reporting to the executive leadership team.
• Optimize channels and content for communications with current and prospective donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years’ work experience with increasing responsibility in non-profit development and/or education
• Experience working with Boards an