Horizons Atlanta (HA) seeks an experienced Director of Development to assist the Executive Director with designing and implementing a strategic, cohesive, and systematic advancement program. The goal is to broaden Horizons Atlanta's development, outreach, and stakeholder relations activities. As the Director of Development, you will lead the planning and execution of critical tasks to increase and diversify our donor base while strategically elevating the HA brand in the education and philanthropic communities. We seek someone who passionately articulates HA's vision to transform the educational experience and improve outcomes for students experiencing educational inequities across Metro Atlanta. This position requires a candidate with effective communication and financial skills and excellent fundraising experience in the not-for-profit world.
This position manages one direct report. The Director of Development role is a full-time, exempt position. Regular business hours are M-F, 9 am - 5 pm, but availability for early morning, evening, and weekend meetings is required, with advanced notice. HA currently has a hybrid policy, which requires the staff to work in the office twice a week at the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta, GA.
Agency Mission & Reach:
As an affiliate of Horizons National, HA provides an academic enrichment program for students facing inequities in education for students by instilling in them the joy of learning, the skills for success, and the inspiration to realize their dreams. HA is a community-centered summer learning program that has been proven to close the opportunity gap. Every Child in Atlanta, regardless of background, should have the same chance at positively impacting their community. We provide this opportunity by eliminating critical barriers to success that many of our children face, thus putting them on the path to:
Read proficiently by the end of third grade,
Achieve eighth-grade math proficiency
Build swimming skills and confidence
Graduate from high school, college, and/or career-ready
POSITION OVERVIEW
In this role, you will oversee:
FUNDRAISING AND DONOR MANAGEMENT
Develop the annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director. HA must raise its operating budget annually. The 2024 budget and fundraising goal is currently $4.2M. The budget will increase significantly each year as HA continues its strategic growth plan.
Manage the execution of the annual development plan components of prospecting, grant application, proposal development, and solicitation ($50+), including private and corporate foundation grants, individual and corporate giving, and site-level fundraising efforts led by site directors, to guide them in establishing fundraising plans and best practices for each host institution program.
Manage a portfolio of foundation, government, and individual donors, including cultivating relationships with donors in the DOD's portfolio through correspondence, phone calls, and meetings.
Manage reporting required by grants.
Oversee the stewardship plan for HA donors, including detailed partnership reports for donors that communicate key objectives, programming, results, and partnership impact and host donor stewardship events.
Leadership, Marketing, Communications & PR
Directly supervise the Assoc. Dir., Development and oversee a contracted PR consultant.
Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders through thoughtful emails, letters, visits, and conversations.
Oversee planning and production of fundraising and donor stewardship events such as Horizons Honors, our annual fundraising and scholar recognition event, alongside the ADOD, Site Directors regional office. Evaluate, plan, and oversee the execution of donor stewardship and fundraising events as needed.
Oversee the development of key messaging, visuals, and stories to illustrate mission impact, including regular website management, e-newsletters, and social media programs. Seek and respond to media opportunities.
We're looking for someone who:
Has successfully secured five-figure gifts.
Possesses a deep understanding of developing and maintaining productive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders (e.g., senior corporate executives, school presidents, Horizons parents, Board of Directors, site directors, and educators).
Is an analytical thinker who can effectively communicate our mission of providing life-changing academic and enrichment programs to underserved children.
Has exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others.
Is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and empowered.
REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor's degree is required (preferably in marketing, communications, business or other relevant area).
Minimum of 7 years of professional fundraising leadership experience in complex advancement and donor engagement programs.
Proven work experience as a team leader or supervisor.
Direct donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation experience.
Foundation relationships and grant writing experience.
Persuasive public speaking, written, and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word (or Google Suites alternatives).
Familiarity with donor CRMs and electronic communication technology (Mailchimp).
Excellent planning and organizational skills, detail-oriented, and demonstrated ability to manage deadlines and multiple ongoing projects from start to finish.
Ability to manage ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Servant leadership orientation.
Commitment to Horizons Atlanta's mission.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: info@horizonsatlanta.org
Attn: Meredith Johnson, Executive Director
COMPENSATION
Salary for this position is competitive and based on prior experience. A competitive benefits stipend will also be offered.