Director of Development - AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation

AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation seeks a Development Director to implement a comprehensive development strategy for a network of public charter preschools and national curriculum expansion.

About AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation

AppleTree’s mission is to close the achievement gap before students enter kindergarten. We operate a network of 13 free public charter preschools in Washington, DC, serving nearly 500 three- and four-year-olds. Our nationally recognized instructional model, Every Child Ready, is used both in our schools and in partnerships across the country.

Position Overview

AppleTree is at an exciting growth point and seeks a Development Director to implement a comprehensive development strategy. This new role will build AppleTree’s fundraising infrastructure, manage relationships with institutional funders and major donors, and support the national expansion of Every Child Ready. The Senior Manager will work closely with AppleTree’s Co-CEOs and other senior leaders and will coordinate development efforts across the organization. This position does not have direct reports.

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, mission-driven, and thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. This is an opportunity to shape a new function and make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy

• Execute an annual fundraising plan to generate $3M from foundations and major donors.
• Manage fundraising reports, pipelines, and updates for internal leadership and the Board.
• Represent AppleTree at events and with partners.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Identify, cultivate, and steward major donors and philanthropic partners.
• Create compelling donor materials and personalized stewardship plans.
• Conduct prospect research to grow AppleTree’s funder base.

Grants Management

• Coordinate the full lifecycle of grant applications and reports.
• Serve as primary contact for government grants and manage deadlines and reporting.
• Collaborate with Finance on budgets, invoicing, and audit documentation.

Development Operations and Data Management

• Maintain donor data and oversee gift processing and acknowledgment.
• Ensure compliance with charitable certifications and reporting.
• Produce dashboard reports and use data to guide fundraising strategy.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

While the following are considered priority areas, we invite prospective candidates to highlight their transferable skills from past employment experiences in their application materials.

• Passion for AppleTree’s mission and programs.
• A Bachelor's degree and/or a combination of related educational and work experiences.
• 5 years in fundraising, public relations, sales, or similar roles.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects.
• Technology-savvy and comfortable managing data systems.

Considered a plus

• Demonstrated fundraising success with major gifts or institutional funders.
• Familiarity with early childhood or K–12 education funding landscapes.
• Campaign planning experience or CFRE certification.

Work Environment

This is a remote role with preference for candidates in the DC area. Occasional in-person meetings and donor events are required, with advance notice.

Application Process

AppleTree Institute has retained Good Insight to manage this search. Submit a resume and detailed cover letter at www.good-insight.org/careers. Questions or referrals? Contact: AppleTree@good-insight.org. Applications best considered by late July.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AppleTree Institute is an equal opportunity employer.