Head of Philanthropy

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education (the Alliance) is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education—including several Nobel laureates—the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society.

As a field builder, the Alliance partners with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, philanthropists and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools across the country.

The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our diverse team is made up of educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals who are dedicated to our mission. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Alliance offers a comprehensive total rewards package inclusive of competitive compensation that is commensurate with experience, generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including Parental Leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Employees may also contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), as well as a 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%.

The Alliance operates on a hybrid work schedule in which local employees are expected to work from the office (Bala Cynwyd, PA) every Tuesday and Thursday during standard work hours. Local employees generally have the flexibility to work remotely or from the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All employees, both local and remote, receive equipment, supplies, and additional resources to help them do their best work.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Head of Philanthropy will set, guide, and execute the strategy for all fundraising efforts. The Head of Philanthropy will be responsible for ensuring the Alliance meets its fundraising goals by leveraging relationships with donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.

The Head of Philanthropy will report to the Executive Director and lead the Development Department, which is responsible for securing financial support for the Alliance, its mission, and its activities. As a field builder, the Alliance's long-term goal is to build a robust network of providers, educators, state and local leaders, academics, and more, to propel the movement for Decision Education. The Development Department will play a critical role in making this vision a reality. The Head of Philanthropy will ensure that the Alliance for Decision Education is recognized as the central reference, disseminator, and conduit of funding within this diverse constituency.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

This position involves 30-50% travel, with most of that being local or regional travel.

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

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Strategic Management
  • Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Alliance’s growing fundraising efforts, including but not limited to annual giving, events, special initiative campaigns, major gifts, grants, and corporate giving.
  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Chair of the Board as thought partners and in managing the engagement and support from the Board of Directors and other key donors and prospects.
  • Lead and mentor the Philanthropic Partnerships Senior Manager and the Deputy Director of Development, who currently oversees the Development Operations Manager and Grants Manager, providing necessary resources, training, and support to achieve fundraising goals.
  • Collaborate with the Deputy Director of Development to assess personnel requirements and contribute to the recruitment process.
  • In collaboration with the Operations Department, manage oversight for compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and laws.
• Prospect and Relationship Management
  • Manage a portfolio of six- and seven-figure prospects; nurture and strengthen relationships with existing donors and identify and engage new partners to grow the donor pipeline, utilizing a moves management approach.
  • Identify and seize fundraising opportunities with a creative and strategic approach.
  • Organize, execute, and leverage events as a tool for engaging prospects and donors and building the Alliance’s base of support.
  • Establish metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and report progress to the Executive Director and Board.
• The responsibilities may evolve or expand over time to align with the organization’s changing needs and initiatives.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and Skills
  • 10+ years of extensive experience in fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving campaigns.
  • High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to transparency and accountability in fundraising practices.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with a track record of driving results through effective partnership development and collaboration.
  • Strategic and innovative thinker with strong execution skills, including the ability to develop clear project plans and goals.
  • Ability to develop innovative approaches to fundraising and donor engagement.
  • Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
  • A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
  • Capacity to adjust to evolving development conditions, maintain focus, and navigate the complexities of our dynamic landscape.
  • Skilled in building strong relationships and possessing the adaptability and finesse to effectively lead through influence.
  • Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
  • Experience with or interest in education, behavioral science, and/or cognitive science is a plus.
• Attributes and Characteristics
  • Highly collaborative style.
  • 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.
  • Embodies the Alliance’s core values and standards:
    • Humanism: valuing others as human beings
    • Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “what is true?” and “what to do?”
    • Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills
    • Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic; professionalism; high-quality work
    • Initiative: owner’s and founder’s mentality; leadership skills
    • Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals

The position is based in the United States.

The Alliance for Decision Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Employment at the Alliance for Decision Education is on an at-will basis. This means that the employee or the company can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Keywords

fundraisingrelationship-buildingstrategic managementdonor engagementcompliancepartnership developmentmajor giftsplanned givingcorporate relationsfoundation relationsannual giving