Description
National Skills Coalition (NSC) seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join our leadership team of a growing national bi-partisan policy organization.
National Skills Coalition is a broad-based network of leaders (business, labor, educators, advocates, et.al.) who want America to grow its economy by investing in its people, so that every worker and every industry has the skills to compete and prosper. A greater diversity of Americans will have access to a better life, and a greater diversity of U.S. businesses will see growth, if job-driven, skills-based training is a more central part of our nation’s workforce, education, economic and anti-poverty policies. With the support of a growing annual budget of $4.5M and a staff of 25, we engage in coalition-building, analysis, technical assistance, communications and advocacy to advance state and federal policies informed by the partnerships and expertise of our members. NSC’s national advocacy network draws from over 35 states, including several national initiatives as well as more than 20 active state coalitions.
The Chief Development Officer is a newly created executive position, reflecting our organization’s continued success and aspirations for future expansion. The CDO will report to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will serve as a member of our Executive Team along with our Chief of Staff and Chief Finance and Administrative Officer. The CDO will provide input into NSC’s strategic direction from a resource development perspective, working directly with the CEO and the Board to ensure NSC’s fiscal stability and financial growth. The CDO will oversee all organization fundraising, which principally focuses on private foundation grants but which also includes donor solicitation (major, member and grassroots) and other strategies. To support these efforts, the CDO will build and manage a development team that includes writing capacity and associate support as well as the contributions of other NSC professional staff.
This position is based in Washington, DC.
We are looking for a Chief Development Officer with:
- A deep understanding of the national and regional foundation landscape, particularly as it pertains to the support of policy research, technical assistance and/or advocacy;
- Experience with a range of donor cultivation strategies, from on-line fundraising to event sponsorship to solicitation of major donors;
- An entrepreneurial approach to fundraising that parallels our organization’s creativity in pursuing political and social change;
- A sense of humor; and
- A passion for NSC’s mission to achieve economic opportunity for students and workers in this country who have been neglected by traditional education policies.
Responsibilities include:
- Grant Fundraising: Work with Executive Team to develop foundation fundraising strategy. Support CEO’s engagement of current and prospective funders. Manage and promote foundation stewardship across the organization. Conduct savvy prospect research outside of NSC’s current funding pool and conduct outreach as appropriate. Manage proposal development and reporting. Develop and write grant proposals and reports in coordination with writing and program staff. Prepare proposal budgets and grant expenditure reports in coordination with finance staff. With administrative support, utilize organization’s project management systems to ensure effective grants management, including assignment of staff roles at all phases of prospecting, solicitation and reporting.
- Donor Solicitation: Coordinate with Board and staff to implement NSC’s annual appeal to its members. Work with communications staff to develop on-line giving strategies to reach new grassroots supporters. Secure foundation and corporate sponsorship for special events. Assess prospects for major donor solicitations.
- Communications: Work with development and program staff to compile reports about NSC’s policy impacts at both the state and federal levels, and translate those impacts into accessible materials for a range of funder and stakeholders audiences. Work with communications staff to develop other external materials (written, video, etc.) to promote NSC and its mission to the broader public.
- Management: Work with the Executive Team to develop organizational budgets, grant budgets and financial forecasts. Guide program staff in their stewardship of and reporting to funders about their work. Recruit and supervise new development team of staff and contractors.
Qualifications include:
- At least 10 years of development experience in the non-profit arena, with a track record of success both in raising and managing resources;
- Outstanding written and verbal communications skills;
- Strong interpersonal skills that can engage colleagues as well as prospective funders;
- Experience with non-profit financial planning, budgeting and forecasting; and
- A relentless attention to detail, with exceptional project and time-management practices.
Compensation: Competitive salary. Excellent benefits package, including employer-paid health and dental, retirement plan, life and disability insurance and generous vacation policy.
To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: settleson@gmail.com, subject line: NSC – CDO. No phone calls please.
National Skills Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.