Development Director (contractor)

Organization Overview: The Friends of the Waltham Family School (FWFS), established in 2014, raises financial support and increases awareness of the Waltham Family School (WFS) by engaging with community partners and advocating for educational equity. Since 2003, WFS has changed the lives of over 500 under-served English Learner families with limited educational opportunities. WFS provides children a preschool setting that prepares them for kindergarten while their parents learn to read, write and speak English. The WFS program gives the parents the skills to successfully partner with the schools in their children’s education. 

Position Summary: The Development Director, in collaboration with the FWFS Board and WFS Program Coordinator, oversees and is responsible for all of the organization’s fundraising activities and manages relationships with program donors and supporters. Primary duties include fundraising, development administration, data systems management, communication, event management, and board support. The Development Director is supported by the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. The Development Director reports directly to the FWFS Board of Directors.

Responsibilities:

• Liaises with FWFS Board to develop annual fundraising targets.
• In partnership with the FWFS Board develops and maintains a strategic fundraising plan.
• Creates an annual development calendar in coordination with the FWFS Board to provide future financial resources for the growth and expansion of WFS.
• Develops and manages annual appeal and other fundraising campaigns and events with support from the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, including development of print and digital marketing products and management of WFS social media communication.
• Develops strong relationships within the community to foster a positive image such that organizations and individuals will make the WFS their choice for funding
• Manages a comprehensive development data system, including the use of DonorPerfect and Constant Contact, to maintain a complete and accurate database record of donors and funding received. Establishes tracking tools and monitors monthly. 
• Acts as the primary point of contact for funding, donations and fundraising event inquiries
• Networks at selected community and leadership events.
• Delivers presentations on programs to various community, corporate and other groups as needed.
• Participates in FWFS Board committee meetings 
• Supports the recruitment of Board and Advisory Council members.
• Directly supervises Marketing and Communications Coordinator and interns.
• Provides oversight of the Advisory Council.
• May be called on to support WFS Program Coordinator with grant writing and grants management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent personal, verbal and written communication skills. 
• Solid organizational, time management and project management skills required.
• Able to communicate effectively with individuals of varied cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds.. 
• Develops positive relationships with board, donors, staff, alumni, volunteers and community partners.
• Works collaboratively with WPS administrators and FWFS Inc. to build and sustain the program.
• Able to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Able to work independently when needed.
• Good public speaking skills required.
• Comfort using data to inform decision-making.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with DonorPerfect or similar software programs.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in nonprofit development/fundraising.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Shared dedication to Waltham Family School and its mission, vision, and values. 
• Outgoing, calm, sincere and professional demeanor in all situations.  

To apply, please use Idealist or submit a resume and cover letter by email to Tracy McMahon (tracylmcmahon@gmail.com).