In 1984, Carole Soucaze, a passionate speech therapist, founded High Hopes with the help of three dedicated families. Together, they recognized a gap in local preschools where the unique needs of children with disabilities weren't being met. Their vision was to create an inclusive, play-based, family-centered therapeutic school where children of all abilities could thrive academically and therapeutically, side by side with their peers.
This vision became reality at High Hopes, and today, we continue to embrace that same inclusive, nurturing environment, empowering children to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Values
At High Hopes, we lead with integrity, being truthful and ethical in every decision we make for our children, families, and each other. We show heart as we take a child-first approach exhibiting love and compassion while nurturing growth. Work/life balance allows us to bring our best selves to work every day, demonstrating professionalism and excellence in all we do for every child.
Opportunity
For more than 40 years, High Hopes Preschool and Therapy Clinic have been recognized as one of Middle Tennessee's more impactful nonprofits, serving children of all abilities and needs. As High Hopes looks to an even more impactful future, we seek an experienced and passionate leader to join our team, further build on our success, and generate even greater momentum with the increased capacity to serve even more children and their families.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director and acting as part of the High Hopes leadership team, the Senior Director of Development drives all strategic development initiatives across the organization. This role involves directly leading major gifts and donor engagement efforts, fostering community and corporate relations, capital funding, and strategic communications. This role will specifically identify, cultivate, and foster high-net-worth donors. In partnership with the director of development, this role supports the cultivation of additional donors, grant management opportunities, events and sponsorships, and marketing strategies. The Senior Director of Development will work closely with the Director of Development, Executive Director, Marketing Coordinator, and Board of Directors to ensure High Hopes' financial growth and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy:
Lead the comprehensive planning, implementation, and management of all fundraising and development activities.
Develop and execute annual plans to increase revenue above organizational goals and national standards.
Oversee the development team, including the Director of Development, Marketing Coordinator, and Office Manager, providing strategic leadership, mentorship, and guidance.
Donor Management:
Manage a portfolio of top-tier, high-capacity donors, developing and executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward major and potential donors.
Develop a strategy for each donor relationship, including donor's giving capacity, appropriate financial asks, and invitations to partner.
Partner with the Director of Development, Executive Director, and Board of Directors to engage and solicit major donors.
Establish and manage a donor pipeline, utilizing MOVES management to effectively move donors through the pipeline.
Identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward a base of well-informed and highly engaged donors, with specific strategies for each donor to include in-person, phone, email, and other avenues of contact.
Fundraising & Campaigns:
Implement operational fundraising strategies.
In collaboration with the Board of Directors, lead capital campaign initiative.
Create a legacy giving program.
Lead efforts to secure corporate and foundation sponsorships.
Support and enhance fundraising initiatives, exploring endowment opportunities, legacy giving, and other revenue streams.
Reporting & Analysis:
Track, analyze, and report on fundraising progress using established metrics, identify opportunities, and transparently share challenges with the Board of Directors.
Develop and refine fundraising strategies to address identified needs and challenges.
Community Engagement:
Serve as the organization's face at events and within the community, building and maintaining strong relationships.
Explore and leverage opportunities to increase visibility and engagement with High Hopes.
Demonstrated Competencies
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
Strong analytical and strategic planning abilities.
Proven capacity to work both independently and collaboratively.
Excellent public speaking, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
Ability to perform under pressure and meet multiple deadlines.
Skilled in problem-solving and managing complex situations.
Proficient in donor and grant management software.
Ability to work with individuals across various capacities, both within and outside the organization.
Qualifications
7+ years of progressively responsible development experience in a nonprofit setting.
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in business, marketing, communications, or nonprofit management. Master's degree and CFRE certification preferred.
Demonstrated ability to ask for and close gifts of $25k+.
Salary & Benefits
Compensation for the Sr. Director of Development includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience and an excellent package of employee benefits which include medical, dental, vision, professional development, leave and holidays.
To Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume and a statement of interest to Ryan Rasmussen, Partner & Recruiter at rrasmussen@thinkingahead.com or Dan Kuhar, Partner & Recruiter at dkuhar@thinkingahead.com.
High Hopes is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. Personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic ancestry, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic. This applies to every aspect of employment including hiring, training, advancement and termination.