DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

THE OPPORTUNITY

Recently, NCTE formally commissioned the development of a philanthropic strategy to augment the organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission. After a research study and early efforts, the next chapter is to hire the inaugural Director of Development to spearhead consistent efforts to enrich NCTE’s capacity through private philanthropy, including individual, institutional, and corporate donors. In this groundbreaking role, the individual will be expected to create, shape, and execute on the establishment of a culture of philanthropy. This position requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, continual learning about the field of English language arts, comfort with nuance, and superior collaboration skills. Qualified candidates will be equally versed in writing complex grant proposals as well as cultivating major gift prospects. Traits to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment with impeccable integrity and commitment to achieving success through large and small tasks are necessary for success.

This position follows the NCTE standard of being fully remote. Staff reside in eleven states. Travel to the Convention and cultivation and solicitation events will be required. The travel required is anticipated to be four to six trips per year, with some flexibility as the position evolves. The Director of Development will serve as a valuable member of our five-person leadership team and will report directly to the Executive Director. Today, the Director of Development will serve as the only member of the development team, with the expectation to grow the department as greater funding is secured.

CANDIDATE PROFILE & RESPONSIBILITIES

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

• Creates three-year fundraising plan that first includes priority list of funding to be sought in tandem with NCTE’s needs (beginning with constant programming) and donor market.
• Establishes KPI’s for the development department to measure goals and progress.
• Plans and executes ongoing communications in the form of quarterly updates from the Executive Director, annual report, and other strategic communications. This is done in tandem with NCTE’s Director of Communications.
• Organizes donor information to ensure tracking, rapid gift acknowledgement, precise scheduling, and similar duties to ensure development efforts are effective.
• Regularly conducts prospect research and recommends prospects to NCTE Executive Director.
• Maintains consistent contact with NCTE donors.
• Manages outsourced grant writers as necessary.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

• Builds from current prospect screening data to:
  • Build an ongoing annual fund program that enables donations to be made to NCTE through consistent visibility and in tandem with the organization’s annual events.
  • Build a major gift program, primarily tailored to invested members and their families, that spans planned giving and major gifts. Cultivate prospects in tandem with NCTE’s Executive Director.
• Manages a portfolio of 50+ prospects and identifies portfolio for the Executive Director.
• Builds program to engage authors and creatives in supporting NCTE.

INSTITUTIONAL AND CORPORATE GIVING

• Builds upon the current prospect pool for institutional and corporate prospects, ensuring regular outreach cadence.
• Creates written proposals attractive to donors, effectively tapping NCTE data and qualitative information.
• Seeks scholarships for K-12 teachers one year ahead of each NCTE Annual Convention, tapping education donors (DAFs, foundations, corporations) in regional markets (e.g., Philadelphia, 2026).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven and measurable track record of leading and growing development programs spanning individual to institutional donors
• Preference given to 7+ years of fundraising experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to convey impact in support of NCTE’s mission and audience
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to identify and report trends, opportunities, and successes
• Ability to travel to NCTE events (2-4x/yr) and for strategic opportunities when cultivation meetings will benefit the program
• Ability to execute independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented
• Ability to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality
• Bachelor’s degree, with preference for a degree in English or education

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

NCTE is prepared to offer a salary commensurate with experience. NCTE is a remote organization and offers a wide range of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, short- and long-term disability, retirement savings match, and a generous PTO and holiday schedule.

NCTE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We strongly encourage diversity in our environment. 

To apply, visit https://ashleyrountree.recruitpro.com/jobs/305670-41699.html