Head of Development

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Please Note: This position is being managed by an external search firm, PBR Executive Search. To be considered, you must apply directly through their job posting here. Applications submitted through our website will be redirected to apply through PBR.

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The Head of Development will be joining the Home Office development team at a transformative moment for Uncommon – our schools are working urgently to accelerate learning in the post-COVID era and as our college-bound population quickly grows. The $20 million in annual revenue generated by the development team will be essential to ensuring that our network has the financial strength and flexibility to seize new opportunities and continue to respond to challenges. In addition, an active capital campaign in Boston is ongoing and plans for at least two additional projects are beginning to take shape. 

This role is responsible for leading all Development work for the Uncommon Schools network. The Head of Development will develop and manage the strategy and execution of our fundraising efforts to ensure that our network of 52 schools and our Home Office has the private philanthropy they need to thrive. They will be responsible for all activities associated with identifying, securing, nurturing, and engaging new and existing individual and institutional donors.

As team lead for the Development team, the Head of Development will report to the Chief External Officer and work closely with the Co-Chief Executive Officer to manage a portfolio of key institutional and individual donors. In addition, this person will lead a team of eight individuals based at the Home Office and in our regions to support institutional and regional philanthropy. Together, the team will raise the philanthropy needed to fuel our growth across the network and support key initiatives that advance our organizational priorities.

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the organization’s long-term growth objectives (20%)

• Raise $20M in annual revenue and drive capital campaigns as required.
• Develop and implement a strategy and pipeline for growing individual and institutional giving, including foundation, corporate, and competitive government grants.
• Oversee the strategy behind and manage the execution of simultaneous capital campaigns in multiple regions to ensure that regions have the resources they need to provide high-quality facilities to their current and future students.

Build and grow relationships with current and prospective donors, Uncommon and regional Board of Trustees, and internal partners (35%)

• Lead our growing individual giving work, including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of five-, six-, and seven-figure individual donors.
• Serve as primary Development relationship for the Uncommon Board and support Development relationships with our five regional Boards, including quarterly presentations at Board meetings, quarterly Development Committee meetings, and individual relationships to support Board members giving at the top of their capacity.
• Working closely with the co-CEO, manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and relationships to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts.
• Partner and collaborate with Uncommon’s external affairs, finance, strategic initiatives, real estate and grants compliance teams.

Lead a high-performing development team and institute sustainable systems and processes (45%)

• Oversee a team of eight individuals in Uncommon’s Home Office (New York City) and our regions. This person will manage five direct reports.
• Ensure consistent high-quality execution of development work (e.g., written proposals, presentations, and grant reports; co-CEO/senior leader preparation and talking points)   
• Continue to develop donor database and relationship management system within Salesforce, including regular reporting to the executive leadership team.
• Optimize channels and content for communications with current and prospective donors.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years’ work experience with increasing responsibility in non-profit development and/or education
• Experience working with Boards and high-net-worth donors
• Experience developing and leading a team with varying levels of experience and expertise
• Experience leading development work across a variety of disciplines, including institutional and individual giving
• Experience with optimizing Salesforce as a donor database tool to cultivate relationships and outreach, as well as run reports on donor pipeline
• Excellent strategic skills and ability to understand the intersection of multiple functions
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management; excellent interpersonal skills with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent communication skills: verbal and written
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Strong systems orientation, attention to detail, and data-driven mindset
• Ability to be diplomatic and confidential
• Ability to thrive in a complex environment with equanimity and adaptability

Please Note: This position is being managed by an external search firm, PBR Executive Search. To be considered, you must apply directly through their job posting here. Applications submitted through our website will be redirected to apply through PBR.

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Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation 

Compensation for this role is between  $203,200-$254,000. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.