NJ SEEDS: Our Story Ways to Give to NJ SEEDS Donate to NJ SEEDS Student Programs Apply to NJ SEEDS Golf & Tennis Classic

Director of Development

DEPARTMENT:          Development          

EMPLOYMENT:          Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

SUPERVISOR:            John F. Castano, Vice President, Operations and External Affairs           

New Jersey SEEDS (Scholars, Educators, Excellence, Dedication, Success) changes the lives of motivated, high achieving students from low-income families by transforming their educational opportunities. We ensure that our students have the knowledge, skills, access and support to thrive at the nation’s finest schools and colleges.

SEEDS programs include advanced academic classes, cultural enrichment opportunities and leadership training to prepare students for placement at exceptional educational institutions where they can realize their full potential.  We encourage our alumni to be leaders who give back to the community.  Founded in 1992, NJ SEEDS is a privately-funded, statewide, nonprofit organization.

New Jersey SEEDS operates three academic programs:

  • The Scholars Program prepares middle-school students for placement in independent schools in the ninth grade.
  • The Young Scholars Program prepares elementary school students for placement in independent school at the middle school level.
  • The College Preparatory Program prepares high school students for placement in selective colleges and universities

While students are in our academic programs, SEEDS Placement Office works with them and their families to facilitate admission to a private middle or high school, or a selective college/university, with sufficient financial aid to attend. In addition, SEEDS Guidance Department provides ongoing academic, social and emotional support for our students throughout their middle and high school years.  

To achieve our mission, SEEDS employs an office staff of 25 and a teaching staff of 50.

Position:

Working with the President and the Board of Trustees, the Director of Development is charged with raising approximately $4 million annually from individual donors, corporation and foundations. S/he manages all aspects of NJ SEEDS fundraising including prospect identification and cultivation, annual and restricted giving, capital campaigns, benefit events, planned giving, donor development and ongoing stewardship.

The Director of Development is a highly visible representative of NJ SEEDS and must have an exceptional ability to represent the organization to Trustees and donors, education professionals, parents, students and staff in a manner that is both professional and compelling. 

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Fundraising – Conceives, plans, implements and manages all fundraising efforts for NJSEEDS, including direct mail, proposal development and face to face solicitation. S/he presents development reports on a regular basis and as needed by the President and Board of Trustees and is responsible for booking and acknowledging all contributions in accordance with IRS standards. 
  • Stewardship – Creates and implements a comprehensive plan for stewarding donors and prospects at all giving levels, which includes recognition as well as regular visits and correspondence.
  • Corporate Relations – Works to build and expand NJSEEDS relationships with and funding from the corporate community. 
  • Grants – Manages an active foundation solicitation program including research, grant writing, acknowledgement, and reporting.
  • Board of Trustees – Manages the agenda and process of the President’s and Board’s fund raising activity.
  • Communications – Creates and oversees production of the NJSEEDS Annual Report along with all print and electronic publication, PR and marketing materials.
  • Personnel – Motivates and manages a staff of six professionals including development officers for Major Gifts, Special Events and Alumni Relations, Corporate and Foundation Funding, Communications, Parent Programs and Database Management.
  • Special Events – Manages all fundraising events, including the fundraising aspects of academic programs: annual benefit dinner, golf outing, site visits, open houses, award dinners, etc.  
  • Board of Trustees Committees –Functions as staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees, establishing the Committee’s agenda, coordinating meeting schedules, managing the committee’s administration, conducting research and developing reports as needed, and reporting on the committee’s activities to the President. Represents Development to the Finance Committee and serves on other ad hoc committees as needed.  
  • Planned Giving – Will initiate a NJSEEDS planned giving program.
  • Capital Campaign – Will plan and manage the launch of NJSEEDS next Capital Campaign, in cooperation with an outside agency.

Management:

  • Planning–Develops the annual department budget with the Directors of Finance and Administration and is responsible for the management of the approved development department budget.  Develops annual goals and the yearly development plan with the department staff and the President, and identifies future needs of the department.
  • Leadership Team – Plays an active role on NJSEEDS’ Leadership Team comprised of the President and the organization’s five department Directors. The Leadership Team is a confidential forum for cross organizational collaboration, problem solving and long-range planning. 
  • Staff relationships– Participates in weekly staff meetings and regularly coordinates efforts with other staff members and departments.

Requirements:

•   A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

•   At least five years experience in development with proven ability to raise significant funding (from individual donors as well as corporations and foundations) and to effectively manage staff

•   Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Office and social networking

•   Excellent oral and written communication skills

Other Competencies:

•   Exceptional analytic and problem solving skills

•   Strategic planning skills and the ability to prioritize complex assignments

•   Knowledge of fundraising trends and best practices

•   The ability to work effectively with a board of trustees

•   Presentation skills; the ability to compellingly articulate the NJSEEDS mission

•   Knowledge of IRS fundraising standards

•   Knowledge of New Jersey, local foundations, corporations and communities a plus

•   Capacity to organize and supervise large projects

•   A valid driver’s license

Working Conditions:

•   Requires some work on nights and weekends

•   Requires use of a personal vehicle (reimbursed)

•   Requires use of a personal cell phone (reimbursed)

•   Requires frequent travel throughout the State of New Jersey

New Jersey SEEDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the Director of Development. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All NJSEEDS personnel may be required to function outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.