Research And Development Director Jobs in Alabama

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

ABOUT THE POSITION

A+ Education Partnership (A+) is Alabama's statewide advocate for student-centered education reform. The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all A+ fund development to ensure the sustainability of the organization and its impact. This role will help drive organizational strategy to develop community relationships and increase support for A+ initiatives and funding opportunities. The Director works closely with the A+ Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders on developing and executing events, donor cultivation, grant writing, and fund development activities across a broad range of sources.

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in A+'s Montgomery office and reports to the Chief of Staff.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Solicitation and Engagement

Lead the development and execution of the organization's fund development strategy, ensuring sustainability for the organization

Develop a deep understanding of the A+ mission and overall communications strategy

Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of major and individual donors

Maintain strong knowledge of gift methods and strategies to support and inform individual donors

Lead the development of the annual report in partnership with the communications team

Manage the fundraising database.

Ensure timely data entry and gift processing

Work closely with the A+ CFO to ensure all gifts are received and processed correctly to ensure timely reporting

Work closely with the President and Chief of Staff on engaging the A+ Board of Directors

Corporate and Foundation Fundraising

Grow the reach and funding position of A+ by increasing partnerships with corporations and foundations

Write and submit all grant applications and manage grant reporting

Support the A+ President and Board of Directors in donor and partner relationship management, development, and prospect identification

Create an annual plan to oversee grant research and prospecting, proposal writing, solicitation of corporate partners, and execution of reporting requirements

Execute strategy to build national investment in A+ and Alabama policy priorities

Events Management and Support

Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of fundraising and donor events around Alabama

Support A+ advocacy events

Support the A+ President and staff in identifying speaking and community engagement opportunities

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

3 years of experience in professional fundraising

A positive attitude and desire to change the future of education in Alabama

Excellent writer with the ability to craft a compelling story

Strong strategic thinker with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

Effective networking abilities

Knowledge of donor tracking software

Demonstrated success in supporting staff and board members in development processes

Creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make strategic decisions

Basic knowledge of Google Suite, Slack, Asana, and Canva (preferred, but not required)

Ability to travel around the state as needed

SALARY & BENEFITS

$60,000 - $80,000 salary depending on experience and qualifications*

Blue Cross Blue Shield health, dental, & vision insurance is provided at no cost for individual employees (family coverage is available at a cost)

Two weeks paid vacation in the first year (prorated from start date to calendar year-end); three weeks paid vacation beginning year two

Funded participation in company retirement plan after one year

$100,000 company-funded life insurance and long-term disability insurance

Opportunity for a flexible work schedule

*Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, location, business needs, or market demands. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint, depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

Qualified Individuals, Please Apply!

Don't check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! A+ Education Partnership is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application.

A+ Education Partnership is an equal-opportunity employer and will not discriminate (or tolerate discrimination) on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

How to Apply

Please complete this application and attach a resume. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Thornton at shannon@aplusala.org.

ABOUT A+ EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

A+ Education Partnership is building an Alabama where every child has access to a world-class education, regardless of circumstance. Driven by our relentless belief in every child, we partner with educators, communities, and policymakers to advocate for and expand access to a high-quality education so that every student can thrive. Through our core values, A+ works to center students, act with urgency, listen and learn, expect excellence, and prioritize equity.

A+ provides student-centered, research-based information and the tools and training policymakers and educators need to improve educational opportunities for all Alabama students. In addition to statewide advocacy work and the A+ Student Voices Team, A+ Education Partnership manages two programs, A+ Best Practices Center and A+ College Ready that work in schools directly with educators to provide support and cutting-edge professional learning. Visit our website to learn more: https://aplusala.org/

Flexible work from home options available.