[YEP-DC] Achievement Prep Academy Vacancy: Director of Development and External Relations

Director of Development and External Relations

About Achievement Prep:

Achievement Preparatory Academy ("Achievement Prep") is an award-winning, high-performing, college preparatory public charter middle school located in Washington, DC, SE, serving students in grades 4 through 8.  Achievement Prep's mission is to prepare students in grades four through eight to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders in high school, college and beyond. To learn more about Achievement Prep, please visit www.aprepacademy.org.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development and External Relations position is newly created and will direct fundraising efforts, specifically major and individual-donor, corporate, foundation and event fundraising, as well as marketing and communications for Achievement Prep. The position provides an excellent opportunity to build and shape the growth and vision of this dynamic, growing school, and the incumbent will be part of the school's leadership team. Bringing a strong alignment with the mission and values of Achievement Prep, the Director of Development and External Relations will thrive in an entrepreneurial and outcome-driven environment, be flexible to changing needs and contribute strategically to the overall mission.

Reporting to the Head of School and working with the Board of Trustees, the Director of Development and External Relations will provide leadership, direction and coordination for a comprehensive fundraising and communications program that secures financial resources for Achievement Prep from all donor groups. The Director will be expected to design, implement and manage an integrated development plan focused on supporting the growth and needs of the school. Coordinating with Achievement Prep's leadership, s/he will strategically plan and manage the development operation to meet short- and long-term fundraising goals as adopted by the Board of Trustees; maintain relationships with donors and the Board of Trustees and work hands-on to cultivate and solicit donations. The Director of Development and External Relations will also be responsible for heightening the visibility, strengthening the reputation of and furthering Achievement Prep's mission through a coordinated marketing and communications effort. Specific responsibilities include, but are

not limited to:

Development

The Director of Development and External Relations will be responsible for all development activities of the school and those responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Establish short- and long-term development goals, strategies and tasks, including annual giving, capital campaigns, special projects, and other school-related solicitations.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies and appropriate follow-up action, including solicitation materials, correspondence and reports as necessary to promote donor participation, recognition and cultivation.
• Develop strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations and the media to leverage Achievement Prep's visibility and impact on education in the District of Columbia.
• Develop, direct and coordinate foundation fundraising efforts.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and expand the number of individual annual, major and planned giving prospects and donors.
• Provide appropriate and timely stewardship of gifts and finds way to continually engage donors to help maintain their ongoing support of Achievement Prep.
• Identify and pursue new sources of corporate income.
• Develop and implement parent and class-based fundraising programs within the school.
• Manage and build the annual and on-line giving programs.
• Coordinate and plan at least two substantive cultivation special events each year to raise funds and awareness of Achievement Prep, and deepen relationships and engage Achievement Prep's donor base.
• Create office systems to support all development projects and operations, including: supervising all donor and gift record-keeping; and overseeing the management of databases and all records, files, and gift processing to ensure appropriate and timely coding and acknowledgement of donors and reporting for all stakeholders.
• Work with the Head of School and the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees to create an annual fundraising goal and to develop strategies to initiate and meet aggressive fundraising goals.
• Develop fundraising training for Trustees and other leadership volunteers.
• Assume responsibility for all development reports to the Board and other agencies, and attend all necessary Board meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors,and ensure compliance with code of ethical principles and standards for fundraising.
• Act on behalf of the Head of School as requested.

Marketing and Communications

The Director of Development and External Relations will also be responsible for creating and driving an

integrated marketing and communications strategy that supports the overall development goals. Responsibilities will include:

• Develop and oversee a marketing and communications plan, including a social media plan, that targets external audiences, including donors and prospective funders, and articulates Achievement Prep's mission, vision, accomplishments and programs.
• Designs and produce or manage production of all collateral materials and major publications, including the APA Achiever newsletter, the Annual Report, the School's website, letters to constituents from the Head of School, donor materials, and working with designers and printers to promote the school's fund and friend raising goals and activities.
• Coordinate communications and branding strategy with fundraising and programmatic efforts.
• Identify opportunities to heighten awareness of Achievement Prep by generating press coverage for release of key reports and program initiatives.
• Participate with school leadership in communications planning around message, branding and public relations.
• Serve as a spokesperson and external representative for Achievement Prep.

Skills & Qualifications

• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to Achievement Prep's mission and values.
• This candidate will have a thorough understanding of what constitutes a comprehensive and quality development program, and will have spent the balance of his/her professional career in roles of increasing and related professional responsibility.
• At least three (3) years of fundraising experience, including a proven track record of maintaining fiscal integrity and budget compliance.
• Working knowledge of all areas within fund development, including Major Gifts, Foundation Relations, Corporate Relations, Annual Giving, and Research. 
• Evidence of a successful track record in meeting or exceeding stated goals.
• Capability to personally build, develop and retain strong relationships with major donors, community leaders, parents, members of the Board of Directors, and the Achievement Prep team.
• Ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals and to initiate process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and build relationships across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong public speaking skills with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences. 
• Goal driven, accountable, and reliable; strong attention to detail and follow through.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills.
• Knowledge of public education reform landscape strongly desired, with a specific focus on the DC education landscape preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, depending on experience and qualifications.

Please submit resume and cover letters to Head of School, Shantelle Wright at careers@aprepacademy.org. For more information about Achievement Prep, please visit www.aprepacademy.org.

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