Development Director

ABOUT THE DREAM PROJECT (https://www.dreamproject-va.org/about-us/)

Founded in 2010, the Dream Project’s mission is to empower Virginia high school graduates whose immigration status creates barriers to post-secondary education. The Dream Project works with students to help them access, pay for and succeed in college.

For the 2021-22 academic year we have awarded 100 scholarships in the amount of $2,500, renewable annually for up to five years. We conduct an acclaimed mentoring program for high school juniors and seniors to help them navigate the opaque college application process, identify the right school, and apply for additional financial support. We also partner with Beyond 12 to provide our college students with coaching and support, as our students are the first in their families to attend college in the US. A part-time caseworker supports a well-funded loan and Covid-emergency relief fund and connects students to other community resources, and we have a partnership with George Mason University to provide subsidized mental health counseling. We provide general immigration advice to scholars and their parents, provide a supportive environment for parents and families and are actively involved in issue advocacy, especially in Northern Virginia.

The Dream Project has been designated “One of the Best” Nonprofits in the greater Washington DC area by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. Our 2021-2022 budget is $700,000. We are fortunate to have enjoyed phenomenal fundraising success and have substantial reserves. 

Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Executive Director (ED), the Development Director spearheads the Dream Project’s fundraising efforts. The Development Director is also supported by the Business Manager and Program Manager and  will collaborate with a passionate, involved and experienced Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

As we develop our 2022-2025 strategic plan, we envision a crucial role for an organized and motivated Development Director to allow us to expand and grow to meet the challenges of immigrant students. The position offers the opportunity to have a substantial impact on our scholars and their community and to imagine and develop new fundraising strategies and initiatives.

Candidates need not reside in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC metropolitan area. Travel to DC or Northern Virginia will be required.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Planning/Reporting and Leadership Engagement

• Serves as an integral member of the Board’s Fundraising Committee and leads the development and implementation of annual fundraising plans and goals as established by the Dream Project’s three-year Strategic Plan 

• Reports to the ED and Board leadership on fundraising activities and progress toward goals

• Creatively engages Board of Directors and Advisory Board members to leverage their networks in support of fundraising efforts

Direct Individual Fundraising

• Develops initiatives and mechanisms to expand individual donor base at all levels  

• Identifies potential high-level donors and works with the ED and Board leadership to cultivate gifts of $10,000+

• Grows and manages the Named Scholarship program (donors who pledge $2,500 per year for four years) through cultivation and stewardship

• Imagines, creates and implements fundraising events 

• Leads stewardship activities to thank donors and keep them engaged in our mission

• Works to elevate current donors to higher donation levels 

• Works with Business Manager to create and distribute annual donor mailings 

• Utilizes donor databases as maintained by our Business Manager using the Salesforce CRM platform

Institutional Donor Research/Engagement and Communications

• Researches and cultivates potential foundation, corporate, local business, and faith community donors in order to expand these revenue streams, and reviews grant proposals as necessary 

• Works with ED to create publications and promotional materials that support fundraising activities, including the annual report and a monthly newsletter

CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the craft of fundraising and success in generating annual revenue in the nonprofit sector with three to five years experience

• Experience building relationships and cultivating individuals for their support

• Organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines

• Oral and written communication abilities, including public speaking skills 

• Ability to communicate the stories, challenges and triumphs of our student community

• Committed to working with a collaborative team and able to work closely with an activist Board of Directors

• Occasional night and weekend work required (dinners, fundraising events, etc.)

• Open and willing to pursue professional development opportunities

• Spanish language a plus but not required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The position is budgeted in the mid $60,000 range based on experience and track record with bonus potential for meeting or exceeding strategic plan goals. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) plan and generous leave policy.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Qualified applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing professional goals and interest in the Dream Project’s mission. Please submit all material by January 21, 2022 for full consideration.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.