Development Director

Who We Are

New Paradigm For Education (NPFE) is a non-profit Charter Management Organization (CMO) composed of educational practitioners, community advocates, and business leaders who have dedicated years of service to children. NPFE serves 2,100 students in Detroit, Michigan. We specialize in maximizing student learning potential through proven education practices and managing all phases of school design, planning, and program implementation. 

Why New Paradigm for Education 

NPFE is on a mission to ensure that all students in Detroit achieve at the highest levels, supporting educational transformation through increased student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and community support. NPFE’s Mission is to provide a quality education through shared responsibility in a safe supportive environment for all students to meet the needs of a global society. We are committed to excellence and strive to offer a new educational paradigm evident by increased student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and community support.

What You’ll Do 

The Development Director will play a crucial role in advancing NPFE’s mission by leading and implementing fundraising strategies that build long-term sustainability and foster meaningful relationships with donors, stakeholders, and community partners. This individual will manage all aspects of NPFE's fundraising operations, including securing grants, cultivating individual and corporate donors, and managing special events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in nonprofit management, business, or related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of successfully securing grants, major gifts, and sponsorships.

• Experience working in a school setting (preferred).

• Experience in grant writing, donor cultivation, and event planning.

• Strong knowledge of the Detroit philanthropic landscape and fundraising trends.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create compelling proposals and presentations.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills.

• Passion for education reform and commitment to NPFE’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development Strategy & Execution: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive multi-year development strategy to meet organizational revenue goals, including individual giving, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and government funding.

• Grant Writing & Reporting: Research, write, and submit grant proposals to government agencies, foundations, and other potential funding sources. Manage grant reports, deadlines, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.

• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship: Develop and nurture relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and DEPSA alumni.. Regularly engage with donors to maintain their support, recognition, and engagement with NPFE’s mission.

• Fundraising Events: Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events. Manage event logistics, budgets, and post-event follow-ups.

• Marketing & Communications: Collaborate with the C-Team to develop fundraising materials, donor communications, and outreach campaigns to raise awareness of NPFE’s work and impact in the community.

• Board Engagement: Work closely with the NPFE board, various school boards, and C-Team to engage board members in fundraising efforts and ensure they are fully informed and involved in the development strategy.

• Endowment Development: Lead the strategic planning and launch of NPFE’s first endowment fund. Collaborate with leadership and key stakeholders to define endowment goals, create donor engagement strategies, and ensure long-term financial sustainability through planned giving and legacy gifts.

• Data & Reporting: Maintain donor records, track contributions, and generate reports to assess fundraising performance. Ensure timely and accurate reporting to stakeholders, including the board of directors and external partners.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure alignment of development strategies with organizational priorities.

Other ancillary duties as needed or assigned by your supervisor.