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Location

Tukwila, WA | United States

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Job description

Hiring Organization Information

Organization Name: 

Summer Search

Website: 

https://bit.ly/ss-seattle-dod

City: 

Tukwila

State: 

WA

Country: 

USA

Position Information

Employment Type: 

Full time

Experience Level: 

Managerial

Salary Range: 

$107,000 - $116,000

Job Category: 

Development | Fundraising

Organizational Overview: 

At Summer Search, we believe in “No Ceilings” and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with 3,500+ young people in five regions -- Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle – supporting them during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support.  Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

Role Responsibilities: 

Summer Search Seattle is seeking a Senior Director of Development to join our leadership team. In close partnership with Seattle’s Executive Director, this position will build upon our solid base of individual and institutional funders, innovate and implement new fundraising strategies, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the development function. Specifically, the Senior Director of Development will:

 

Design and implement forward-thinking fundraising strategies that drive growth and sustainability.

Oversee a strong development function in order to 1) raise $1.77M in FY24 and position the organization for year-over-year growth, 2) steward and increase support from existing individual and institutional supporters, and 3) identify and pursue new supporters with the capacity to make 5-6+ figure gifts.

In close partnership with the Executive Director, design and lead strategies for individual major giving and institutional giving, ensuring high levels of donor engagement, stewardship, and retention.

Personally manage a 1M+ portfolio comprised of approximately 100 major giving donors and prospects including the Seattle Board of Directors.

Oversee the smooth operations of the development department, inclusive of consistent processes for donor data and moves management tracking, pipeline management, donor communications, and reporting.

Oversee the planning and production of an annual signature dinner and smaller events, including leading follow-up with attendees to cultivate for continued and deeper support of Summer Search.

Act as a key liaison to the Board of Directors, promoting a culture of philanthropy and offering proactive support and guidance for their development activities.

Participate in a cohort of national and regional development peers to share and learn best practices across the Summer Search network.

Serve as a senior leader, people manager, and champion for Summer Search's mission and values.

As a member of the Seattle leadership team, contribute to guiding overall organizational strategic direction, decision-making, prioritization, and goals.

Supervise, coach, and mentor an Institutional Partnership & Communications Manager who is primarily responsible for proposal/grant development, foundation relations, and donor communications. Make additional hires as needed.

Actively work to infuse anti-racism into day-to-day work, including participating in staff and board learning about racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ensure asset-based positioning of Summer Search participants, families, and communities in all donor-facing communication and interactions.

Candidate Qualifications: 

• An enthusiastic advocate for Summer Search's mission and values. You believe that students have innate potential, and that through relationships and experiences, they can fully realize their potential. You thrive in an organization that values authenticity, gratitude, relationships, well-being, and a commitment to social emotional learning and personal growth.
• A strategic and hands-on development professional. You bring at least 8 years of work experience in major gift and community-centric fundraising, with a track record of prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual and institutional supporters. You approach fundraising through a data-driven lens and are skilled in translating strategy into tangible activities and goals.
• A thoughtful communicator and relationship builder who inspires others to action. You bring a warm, energetic, and authentic personality when interacting with colleagues, board members, donors, and other external stakeholders. You convey ideas clearly and concisely in writing and in-person interactions.
• An adaptive and responsive people leader who leverages individuals’ strengths. You have experience in managing and coaching direct reports and lay leaders for high performance and accountability. You embody practices to effectively hold space, facilitate professional growth, amplify strengths, and hold others accountable.
• An action-oriented, well-organized, and tech-savvy project manager. You take initiative and possess a “get it done” attitude, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and direct others to stay on track. You create processes and systems to track donor data and organize information. Experience with event planning and Raiser’s Edge (or comparable fundraising database) and Microsoft Office is required.
• A catalyst for equity, diversity, and inclusion. You possess critical consciousness and cultural humility, with an understanding of the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices. You are self-reflective about your own growth and positional power, and act toward liberatory and inclusive practices.

How to Apply

Application Contact: 

Dana Hagenbuch

Application Deadline: 

Until filled

Application Instructions: 

Please apply with a resume and personalized cover letter that answers the question “Why are you interested in the Senior Director of Development opportunity at Summer Search?” Please address your cover letter to Lakesha Knatt, Executive Director.

How to Apply URL: 

https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17095734189010048134PeQ

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Job tags

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Salary

$107k - $116k