Berkeley Public Schools Fund
Berkeley, CA 

Director of Development
Job Description 

Overview 

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund (the Schools Fund) is a non-profit organization with deep community  roots, established in 1983. Through core grantmaking and volunteer programs, the Schools Fund  collaborates with educators and community partners to promote equity in Berkeley’s public schools so  that every student thrives. 

The Schools Fund supports the Berkeley Unified School District, a district with a diverse population of  10,000 students and 19 schools. 

The Schools Fund staff and board work together to promote equitable access to a high quality public  school experience.  

As part of a dynamic and innovative team, and reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of  Development will manage and implement the fundraising strategy for the Berkeley Public Schools  Fund. The Director of Development will be responsible for ensuring that the School’s Fund meets its  fundraising goals to support an annual budget of approximately $2 million. The Director of  Development will oversee the Development Manager. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:  

  • Work closely with the Executive Director to develop a plan to implement a donor engagement  strategy across all sectors including individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
  • Build meaningful relationships that result in both financial and in-kind support.
  • Develop successful identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies to direct  and monitor the progress of donor relationships.  
  • Ensure diversity and sustainability of donor base. 
  • Oversee development processes from donor identification to stewardship. 

Major Gift Donor Management:  

  • In collaboration with Executive Director and members of the Board of Directors, identify,  cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of current and future major donors. 

Board Management and Engagement:  

  • Manage the Board Fund Development Committee to support fundraising and external  relations.  
  • Maintain engagement both financially and otherwise to ensure Board retention and  satisfaction. 

Marketing & Communications:  

  • Serve as a representative of the Berkeley Public Schools Fund at community events.
  • Ability to strategize and execute compelling communication tools that drive people to support  and champion the Berkeley Public Schools Fund, including social media communication and  marketing events.  

Fundraising Events: 

  • Utilize events to raise awareness of the Schools Fund. 
  • In collaboration with Executive Director and other team members, strategize, plan, and execute  fundraising events. 

Foundation Strategy:  

  • Strategizes with the Executive Director and Development team to manage relationships and  communication with current and prospective foundation funders.  
  • Strategizes with the Executive Director, Deputy Director and members of the board to identify and cultivate new foundation partnerships.  

Competencies 

  • Communication: Deliver written communications with clarity and impact, effective  listener; clearly and thoughtfully communicates with others. Inspirational speaker.
  • Reliability: Accountable; maintain focus; punctual; meet deadlines. 
  • Problem Solving: Persist in efforts to solve issues; take personal responsibility for  outcomes; respond quickly. Strategic thinking and planning skills. 
  • Teamwork: Accountable to the team; participate effectively in teams and work effectively across the organization. 
  • Tolerance for Ambiguity and Change: Maintain composure; handle complex problems  with minimal supervision; demonstrate flexibility and versatility. 
  • Attention to Detail: Strive to eliminate errors; seek opportunities to improve  performance. 
  • Decision Making: Collect, organize, and analyze information before making decisions.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work with a diverse community; open to different  perspectives. 
  • Integrity and Ethics: Actively model the highest ethical standards; maintain  confidentiality and appropriate boundaries. 
  • Computer Proficiency: Computer-based skills; use technology to enhance job  performance. Strong proficiency with common office software and internet applications,  including Salesforce. 
  • Fun: Enjoy your work and support a joyful work environment. 

Education & Experience 

  • Bachelor’s Degree or other relevant professional/life experience
  • Demonstrated success and increasing responsibility in non-profit fundraising, including a  strong track record of securing and managing large gifts. 
  • Strong computer literacy, including Word, Excel, and donor management databases. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Compensation commensurate with experience $80,000 – $105,000. Generous benefits  including health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, parental leave, 401K, and more.  

Equal Employment Opportunity 

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for  employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex,  sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability or  protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or  local law. 

To apply, email your cover letter and resume as a single .pdf file articulating your interest in this role to info@ceresgroupadvisors.com  with the subject line: Berkeley Public Schools Fund.