Director of External Relations and Development
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Posted By: Jehan Bunch on April 09, 2009 The National Writing Project (NWP) believes that access to high-quality educational experiences is a basic right of all learners and a cornerstone of equity. There are more than 200 local writing project sites located on university and college campuses throughout the country, each co-directed by university and K-12 faculty. Three activities form the foundation of the NWP model: an invitational summer institute for kindergarten through university teachers, programs for the ongoing professional engagement of project participants, and professional development programs for schools. Through this extensive network of activities, the National Writing Project aims to improve the teaching of writing at all grade levels, kindergarten through college, and in all subjects. Funding for the NWP comes primarily through the U.S. Department of Education. The NWP’s current budget is $24.3 million. The national office awards funds to local sites, all of which leverage the national grant with matching funds from home universities and local grants, as well as from schools and districts on a fee-for-service basis. The National Writing Project is seeking a fund development professional with deep expertise to become the organization’s first Director of External Relations and Development. This senior-level position will be an integral part of the NWP management team, and will be expected to set strategic fund development directions and align external relations and development efforts with the mission, values, and culture of the organization. This position will also be expected to coordinate a strategic governmental relations effort that recognizes the need to sustain and develop new areas of federal support. The Director of External Relations and Development will direct all aspects of fund development, including the design, implementation, and management of a comprehensive development plan. The director’s responsibilities will include increasing and diversifying the sources of funding for the NWP within the federal government; forging productive and valuable relationships between the NWP and foundations and corporations; and building an infrastructure to support the development of relationships with individual donors, all to endow/secure the future of the NWP. The director will work closely with a dynamic and supportive executive director, deputy director, and board of directors. The successful candidate will have superior social, administrative, writing, and communications skills, and be able to competently represent the organization to donors, funders, and the public. The position requires proven managerial and fund development experience, knowledge of organizational development, understanding of the importance of education in today’s world, and the ability to thrive within an entrepreneurial environment with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, and diplomacy, both as an individual and as part of a complex team effort. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to and capacity for collaborative leadership, and be strong, strategic thinkers able to innovate and be proactive about the implementation of new ideas. The successful candidate will be of the highest integrity, and will possess sound judgment and interpersonal skills. A sense of humor and the ability to lead and motivate staff is essential. Responsibilities: • Design and implement comprehensive fund development operating plans. • Coordinate a strategic governmental relations effort that recognizes the need to sustain and develop new areas of federal support. • Forge partnerships with philanthropic foundations and corporate entities to advance mutual aims. • Develop sustainable strategies for involving individual donors interested in the mission of the National Writing Project. • Drive efforts to upgrade development operations and donor services by improving data collection, reporting, and accountability. • Be accountable for all functions of the external relations and development unit. • Support board-driven fund development efforts. • Serve as a member of the NWP Management Team. Qualifications / Requirements: • Commitment to and passion for the mission and values of the National Writing Project. • A bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of proven experience in leading successful, strategic fund development efforts within organizations. Graduate or professional degree preferred. • A working knowledge of governmental relations and the federal funding process. • Experience designing and implementing fund development plans that successfully meet goals, including return on investment analyses and communications components. • Demonstrated success working with foundation and corporate partners over time and building a major donor program. • Strong management and organizational skills, including experience building and leading teams, and the capacity to develop a culture of development within a larger institution. • Excellent writing, listening, and speaking competencies, including attention to detail and high standards for presentation of written material. • Interpersonal skills appropriate to representing the organization in social and professional settings. • Experience producing successful fundraising events and signature events. Closing Date: April 12, 2009 To Apply: Go to http://www.nwp.org/cs/public-twocol/create... The National Writing Project (NWP) is a professional development network that serves teachers of writing at all grade levels, primary through university, and in all subjects. The mission of the NWP is to improve student achievement by improving the teaching of writing and improving learning in the nation’s schools. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jehan Bunch
From Columbus, OH Central State University class of 2005 Member Since January 2006 |
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