Deputy Director of Development

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education is a nonprofit organization that is driving a revolutionary shift in the way that we think about education. Our mission is to improve lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. We are driven by this mission, supported by science, and backed by a growing list of global luminaries and leaders.

The decisions we make shape our lives and those of the people around us. There is no more important set of skills that we can teach today’s youth than how to approach decision-making.

The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our team is made up of diverse, dedicated, and driven educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals who have come from different backgrounds for a common purpose. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

Employees at the Alliance receive a comprehensive total rewards package inclusive of employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that employees may contribute to. The Alliance also has a 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), equipment and supplies to work remotely, and additional resources to help employees do their best work.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Deputy Director of Development will execute all operational elements of the Development Department for the Alliance. Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, this role will focus primarily on the internal work and processes that drive philanthropic revenue for the Alliance and support the long-term growth of the Development program.

This role will work collaboratively with team members across the organization and manage a growing Development team. As a major support to the Director of Philanthropy, this role will lead a moves management program to proactively grow the size, diversity, and quality of the prospect pool; participate in prospect strategy development; and manage a team leading the grants program and development operations.

We expect this individual to adhere to the Alliance’s hybrid work schedule, working both remotely and from our office in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

*The position is based in the United States.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prospect Management (estimated 40%)

  • Manage and lead the prospect management program, including strategy development, research, scoring, reports, and pipeline development.
  • Lead biweekly prospect management meetings for the department.
  • Work collaboratively with the Senior Manager, Philanthropic Partnerships to support prospect development.
  • Manage team members facilitating the functions of gift recording, acknowledgements, and stewardship reporting.
  • Prepare prospect/donor solicitation proposals and reports in consultation with the Grants Manager and Alliance department(s) that receive gift proceeds.
  • Prioritize, develop, and oversee the production of all donor communications, including donor reports, cases for support, proposals, and related Development collateral; work with the Development Managers and Alliance team members to produce these communications pieces with a creative approach, within budget, and on time.
  • Develop and manage a pipeline of foundation prospects.

• Operations and Infrastructure (estimated 30%)

  • Lead biweekly departmental meetings to review progress on departmental goals as outlined in the strategic plan and quarterly departmental retreats; update development plan as appropriate based on learnings.
  • Maintain and enhance best practice policies and procedures; ensure team member compliance.
  • Ensure data management supports the needs of all aspects of the Development program, including donor/prospect work, finance, and other reports.
  • Review fundraising reports and metrics to drive accountability and provide monthly dashboard and analysis to the Director of Philanthropy.
  • Maintain and enhance presence to maximize the Alliance’s profile on websites evaluating philanthropic impact, policies, and processes (e.g., GuideStar, Charity Navigator).
  • Manage oversight for compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and laws.
  • Work with the Director of Philanthropy and the Executive Director on future programs such as a General Endowment and a Gift Planning Program.

• Leadership (estimated 25%)

  • Directly manage Development team members, which will include a Development Manager and a Grants Manager.
  • Work with the Director of Philanthropy to determine Development staffing needs, participate in recruitment, and manage appropriate staff.
  • Support and promote a culture of professional development, growth, and learning for Development staff and all Alliance team members.

• Philanthropic Strategy and Culture (estimated 5%)

  • Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Philanthropy on building and executing the Alliance Development plan.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy, with a focus on growing a pipeline of donors, giving levels, and mission alignment.

• These duties may change or expand over time consistent with our organization’s needs and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Skills

• 7+ years of Development experience with demonstrated outcomes in revenue growth, process improvement, and pipeline development.

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role (i.e., department leadership, program or project management, etc.).

• Experience managing Development staff to drive fundraising and organizational goals.

• Experience implementing data-informed process improvement strategies and managing Development operations to achieve goals.

• Experience working alongside senior leaders in an organization serving in roles to support organization leadership, the Board, and/or volunteer committees.

• Skilled in writing with a donor/prospect audience in mind (i.e., annual appeal letters, donor stewardship reports, grant proposals, etc.).

• Skilled in institution-wide collaboration to advance departmental goals.

Attitudes and Characteristics

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and resolve issues that impact institutional needs and priorities.
• Open, transparent, and professional communication skills, both internally and externally, with potential donors, supporters, and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, professionalism, and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Energetic and results-oriented with the ability to pivot effectively between projects while remaining focused on priorities and goals.
• Positive presence in the office; team builder.
• Ability and willingness to adapt and be flexible.
• Experience with or interest in education, behavioral science, and/or cognitive science is a plus.