Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at the nation’s top colleges and universities. The Director of Development is responsible for managing a team in the planning, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Austin Achieve’s philanthropic networks. The Director of Development fosters a culture of innovation within the organization and works to achieve operations, expansion, and community engagement fundraising goals. The Director of Development represents Austin Achieve as a leader in the education community and promotes Austin Achieve’s work by supporting the leadership team in their interactions with individual donors, foundations, community partners, and the greater community.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure philanthropic donations from diverse sources including individuals, corporations, and foundations that are aligned with Austin Achieve’s mission and vision.
• Assist the Board of Directors and leadership team in the personal cultivation and stewardship of relationships with current and prospective donors and community leaders.
• Work with Austin Achieve’s shared services and campus leadership teams to understand programmatic needs and ensure compliance with donation agreements.

Essential Duties:

Individual & Corporate Fundraising

• Work with the leadership team and Board of Directors to achieve annual operations and capital fundraising goals.
• Plan and execute fundraising events including annual gala and poker tournament.
• Manage ad hoc Board fundraising task forces/committees as needed.
• Manage school tours, including scheduling, conducting research, and preparing tour briefings.
• Manage the development and delivery of regular communications to external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and others.
• Manage donor recognition and stewardship.
• Ensure timely follow-up communications with donor prospects, visitors, and other key stakeholders.

Grants Program

• Manage a contracted grant writer and oversee a grants program that includes researching, writing, and developing relationships with prospective foundations and government funders.
• Work collaboratively with staff to identify programs for grant funding.
• Ensure that all grant reports are completed in a timely manner.
• Ensure that foundation information is properly recorded and tracked.

Database Management

• Manage donor database to ensure up-to-date and accurate information.
• Analyze donor data and generate reports to inform operations and multi-year fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain and improve processes for tracking donor and volunteer activities.
• Prepare donation reports, Board materials, monthly fundraising dashboard reports, and additional miscellaneous detailed and accurate reports as needed.
• Work closely with the finance team to reconcile donations and improve systems and processes to ensure efficient development practices.

Community Engagement

• Develop and advance in-kind community relationships for after-school programs, in-school support, and other areas of need.
• Oversee a comprehensive volunteer program for corporate, university, and greater community engagement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in all team meetings, staff meetings, and Austin Achieve events.
• Serve as Development Liaison to Austin Achieve campus and staff.

Required Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of five (5) years of comprehensive experience in the fundraising profession or commensurate experience.
• Demonstrated track record in essential development skills: major gifts, face-to-face asks, campaign management, foundation research, and grant writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and oral), analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Salesforce donor management software.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.