Director of Development

Organization Overview

Tindley Accelerated Schools is a not-for-profit committed to the idea that every child deserves the opportunity for a high-quality education. Tindley Accelerated Schools exists to provide that opportunity. Through excellent charter schools, administrative leadership, teacher training, student services, and more, Tindley Accelerated Schools is transforming education in Indianapolis’s urban neighborhoods, one student at a time.

Summary of Position

The Director of Development leads the Development Department and works closely with the Network President, CFO and Board of Directors to oversee and manage all aspects of Tindley’s development program. The Director of Development must be able to think strategically and practically to implement a comprehensive and results-oriented development plan that includes traditional and innovative strategies. Key components of this plan should include goals, strategies, and timetables for the Tindley, major and capital gifts, the endowment campaign, alumni giving, planned giving, and matching gifts, and should include a complementary focus on prospecting and tactics to build key relationships with alumni, families, and community, corporate, and foundation leaders. The Director of Development will work closely with the Network President and Board on all major public communications and media relations.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and implements a short and long-term advancement plan to meet established development goals and objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, strategic initiatives for securing major gifts, donations, corporate and foundation grants, endowment gifts, implementing a robust alumni giving program, defining stewardship and prospecting tactics, enhancing special fundraising/cultivation events, and developing new approaches to supporting traditional advancement initiatives.
• Works collaboratively and creatively with the Network President and CFO to appropriately position development opportunities and integrate messages in publications, grant submissions, reports, and collateral materials for cultivating and stewarding donors.
• Clearly articulates and promotes a strong case of need for philanthropy and builds opportunities to create and sustain a culture that understands the relationship between philanthropy and a unique, and quality.
• Oversees management of gift processing and donor acknowledgement, the donor database, and financial reporting. Manages accompanying information systems.
• Manages prospect research and cultivation initiatives with a special emphasis on pursuing strategies to secure or increase giving from donors. This includes providing a structure and process for key advancement and leadership staff, and Board of Directors, for a regular review of strategies attached to solicitations of potential donors (e.g. contact reports).
• Develops strategies for existing donors to effectively move them through a meaningful cycle of giving.
• Meets regularly with the Network President and CFO regarding program goals and initiatives and routinely reports to the Board of Directors and appropriate committees.
• Attends Tindley events and activities and fosters significant pride and excitement for fundraising efforts.

Educational Background, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates servant leadership, embodies the Tindley mission, and exemplifies a collaborative, decisive, motivating and engaging communication style.
• Proven track record of fundraising success, particularly by securing major gifts, successfully managing campaigns, and engaging a community of motivated supporters.
• Minimum of 3-5+ years of increasing responsibility in non-profit fundraising, preferably within an independent school.
• Excellent managerial skills including at least 2 years of previous experience successfully managing development staff.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Working knowledge of development best practices, trends in (independent school) education and development, fundraising tools and technology, including donor databases, e-mail and online campaigns, and donor research.
• Extreme tact and discretion, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or other related field.
• Deep appreciation and understanding of the School’s mission and the ability to articulate its values and vision internally and externally.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Indianapolis, IN 46205 (Required)

Work Location: In person