Organizational Overview: IDEA Public Schools (“IDEA”) prepares students from low-income homes for success in the four-year college or university of their choice. We do this through a high-quality, focused approach to teaching and learning that is derived from the rigorous International Baccalaureate model, a unique and powerful school culture, small school size, and partnership with parents. A key component of our success is our extended school day and year, ensuring a common depth and breadth of academic and extra-curricular offerings. With more time on task, higher expectations for student achievement, and a campus culture that rewards achievement, IDEA students have closed the achievement gap. Based on the success of our first schools, we are launching an aggressive growth plan that will add 20 new schools over the next 10 years.




Position Overview: IDEA is currently seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Chief Development Officer who will have primary responsibility for overseeing the strategic development and implementation of IDEA’s fundraising initiatives. In order to support the aggressive growth of the organization, the Chief Development Officer will explore and cultivate all funding opportunities, including corporate, foundation, and individual funding to ensure the continued success and growth of IDEA’s schools. Through communication strategies, community outreach, and events, the Chief Development Officer will raise awareness and visibility of IDEA within the regional and national philanthropic community and will build strong relationships to support, sustain and grow IDEA’s work. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is an exciting opportunity for a development professional to make a significant contribution to the charter school movement.




Responsibilities:


• Collaborate with IDEA Public School Board and other Chief Officers to create, develop, and review strategic plans, measures of success, and fundraising goals


• Increase individual and corporate giving by developing and executing a major donor strategy, planning an annual regional fundraising event, designing and managing cultivation and volunteer programs for young professionals and other community members


• Review and approve high-quality written communication for funders at all stages of the development process


• Build new or enhance existing relationships with funders in order to expand the base of supporters in the regional funding community; collaborate with IDEA development committees and partner organizations


• Prepare agendas and materials for and participate in board meetings, funder meetings, special events and presentations; coordinate follow-up and ongoing cultivation


• Develop and manage the implementation of annual development calendar


• Supervise utilization of all development systems to ensure precision, including the hard files, database, gift table and funding plans


• Develop and execute a coordinated publications and advocacy program to provide the most effective communication with various constituencies


• Provide regular updates to the Board and other Chief Officers to demonstrate progress of development programs as appropriate




Qualifications:


• Several years of experience in nonprofit management, development and/or marketing, with increasing responsibility and proven success raising money, building relationships, and increasing organizational visibility


• Experience contributing to the strategic direction of an organization or company


• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including exceptional writing skills, strong oral presentation and relationship management skills


• The ability to effectively gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board and staff members, donors, and foundation and civic leaders


• Direct experience with charter schools or education a plus


• Demonstrated experience in developing effective and efficient planning, budgeting, and fundraising systems, with an aptitude for systems design and implementation


• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred




To Apply: Please email a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, to Tom Torkelson, Founder and Head of Schools, at idea@cgcareers.org, subject line “Chief Development Officer.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.




IDEA Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.




About Commongood Careers: IDEA Public Schools has partnered with Commongood Careers to conduct the search for a Chief Development Officer. Commongood Careers (www.cgcareers.org/) is a nonprofit search service that connects talented individuals to organizations that are dedicated to creating positive social change. Founded and staffed by nonprofit professionals, Commongood Careers offers personalized, engaged services to jobseekers and organizations throughout the hiring process, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge about nonprofit careers.