Strategic Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center (USCDC) is a joyful, diverse learning community for children ages 0-5 and for their families. Through child-driven learning, we honor and empower young scholars to develop into socially capable, creative, and inspired citizens. We envision a community where the ideas of children matter, a society where education is a right, and a world where each child’s image is valued.

The majority of Urban Sprouts students are from marginalized groups and socioeconomic circumstances and are enrolled in our school at no-cost. Urban Sprouts also offers wraparound support services to children and families. These include health screenings, special rights and mental/behavioral health support services, food and nutrition, financial literacy, and more.

Additionally, Urban Sprouts houses a Community of Practice that leads systems change and professional development work to bolster the capacity and inspiration of early learning professionals across the region and the country to deliver high quality early education, especially to communities that need it most.

The great work we do has led to a tremendous appetite for growth. As a result, we are in the midst of an exciting capital campaign.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for advancing the financial support of USCDC. As the Development Director, you will be responsible for leading all development activities to raise funding for the organization’s operations and programs. The position develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand support of the organization – including identifying and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders; actively pursuing and managing corporate and individual leads; and fostering strong donor stewardship.

This position oversees fundraising strategies, policies and procedures, managing the database, creating and monitoring relevant metrics, fundraising events/campaigns, and working closely with the Leadership Team. They also oversee grant writing and provide grant management. The Executive Director and leadership team along with the board will work with this position to create ambitious, but realistic goals.

This position reports directly to the Executive Director while working closely with and supporting the Chief of Strategy and Institutional Advancement. This position also manages the Development Manager and oversees contracted positions (e.g., grant writers) and volunteers as-needed.

This is an in-person salaried position in University City, MO. The typical schedule is 9 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday, but some evenings and weekends will occasionally be necessary. For instance, events, like our annual gala, are likely to require odd or additional hours. Travel is also occasionally required.

The work culture involves a fun, fast-paced environment and a lean but growing team. We try not to take ourselves too seriously, but we do take our goals seriously. This work can be tough, so we encourage a sense of humor and joy.

Areas of Responsibility

• Develop with key stakeholders the Annual Fund Plan, including strategies and tactics to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization, and ensure plan implementation;
• Lead and coordinate donor cultivation and stewardship efforts at the major, middle, and lower dollar levels;
• Create and monitor key metrics;
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and other staff to ensure a culture of philanthropy at all levels;
• Coordinate with volunteers and professional contractor for special events, fundraising campaigns, and projects, including implementation of giving clubs;
• Database Management—enter all gifts and generate acknowledgement letters in an expedient manner. Maintain an accurate database.
• Oversee grants, including relationship management and reporting.

Professional Qualifications

• 4-10+ years of applicable work experience in fund development;
• 2+ years of experience leading teams, managing projects, and/or supervising interns/volunteers;
• 3+ years of grant administration experience preferred;
• Superior communication skills (written and verbal) with exceptional attention to detail;
• Works well both collaboratively and independently; flexible, and able to manage multiple projects at the same time;
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information;
• Highly Proficient in Google Docs, Sheets, One Cause, Network for Good, and Asana or similar CRM and project management tools and an ability to learn quickly and utilize these and emerging technologies (e.g., AI) to efficiently support you in your role;
• General understanding of how to use social media and mass email distribution programs;
• Experience and respectful demeanor in working with people from diverse cultural, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Additionally, the ideal candidate would possess the following:

• A thorough understanding and passion for the programs, mission, and vision of Urban Sprouts Child Development Center.
• Knowledgeable about the St. Louis philanthropic community and relevant funding areas (e.g. early childhood education, food programs, social and emotional health, wrap around community resources).
• Creative and innovative approaches to fundraising that are right-sized for the organization as it grows.
• CFRE certification (nice to have, not required)

Benefits & Perks

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (we pay 75% at first, then 90% after one year of employment)
• 403B Retirement Plan Available
• Free Breakfast & Lunch, Snacks and Beverages
• Paid Time Off (1 week to begin, 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 5 years)
• 2 Paid Mental Health Days per year
• Paid Holidays, Paid Spring Break and Paid Christmas Break
• 50% off childcare tuition for your own child
• Employee appreciation event/travel yearly

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