Director of Development

Director of Development

Join Our "Relationships-First" Team: We invite you to be a part of a team whose mission-aligned culture offers sustainable, rewarding career paths in teaching, operations, and leadership, built on collaboration and mutual support. Experience the difference at a workplace that celebrates and cultivates each team member's passions, skills and multi-disciplinary interests as we build a brighter future together, one student at a time.

Why Educators Choose S2:

• A "Relationships-First" culture where you're valued, supported, and included
• Collaborative planning time and mutual support
• Opportunities to lead initiatives that strengthen student growth at every stage of their PreK–12 education
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including offering a competitive compensation package, including a strong benefits program and a 401(k) with a 6% organizational match
• A bilingual, community-rooted model serving Washington Heights and Inwood including a pantry partnership, Bachata Nights, multicultural festivals, and a reading initiative.

Our Central Office at School in the Square exists to support and strengthen our schools: our Early Childhood Center, our Elementary School, our Middle School, and our growing High School (9th through 11th for SY 26-27). The Central Office is responsible for delivering high quality academic, operational, talent, human resources, financial, and community engagement services and resources that enable school leaders and teachers to focus on student learning and success. We are looking for dedicated, mission-aligned Central Office staff who will work closely with school-based staff to provide guidance, resources, and problem solving support that will advance instructional quality, organizational effectiveness, and student outcomes.

School in the Square is seeking a Director of Development to spearhead S2 development efforts. Reporting directly to and in partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will systematize current grassroots efforts, plan, and manage efforts to realize organizational fundraising goals, with a focus on securing increased revenue from fundraising events with new and existing donors and to build engagement with S2. This position has significant responsibilities related to regular donor communications, utilizing donor research and cultivation, direct gift solicitation, grant writing, volunteer mentor programming and public engagement strategies, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees. The Director of Development also works to advance S2 's visibility and profile through written communications both online and in print.

Who You Are:

• Competencies and Attributes:
• Strategic thinker who has a proven track record of resolving complex problems anchored in a high level of integrity and judgment.
• Highly organized, conscientious and execution oriented, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable and successful in navigating ambiguity and complexity.
• Collaborative mindset where they use strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to actively partner with peers and stakeholders to share ideas and listen to diverse perspectives to align on and make decisions.
• Deep alignment with organizational values and mission.
• Experience and Background:
• Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising and development.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the local non-profit and educational landscape with comfort working in, and at times with, the school community.
• A graduate of a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant content area preferred.
• A self-starter who is creative and entrepreneurial with the ability to work both individually and as a member of consensus-seeking teams.
• Data driven with demonstrated experience gathering, analyzing and extracting insights and reporting.
• Skilled in project management and comfortable with administrative responsibilities.
• Experienced in grant writing (preferred), communications & social media a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

• In partnership with Executive Director, drives strategic initiatives, and supports the development of long-term growth plans for corporate, foundation and individual outreach
• Analyzes and recommends emerging industry trends
• Engages targeted constituencies through development and management of programs and activities that deepen donor engagement and revenue growth; including and not limited to private individual and organizational events, volunteer mentor programming, and other events
• Creates and manages donor communications strategy and materials including house party presentations
• Serves as primary manager for current and potential donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations
• Writes grants and interim reports
• Assists Executive Director, with stewardship, support and growth of the Board and development subcommittee

What You Can Expect From Us:

At S2, we take as much care of our staff as we do of our students. S2 is committed to supporting our staff by helping them build sustainable, rewarding careers that center on each individual's passions and multi-disciplinary interests. All of our faculty and staff are valued professionals and we are proud to provide team-building and collaboration, comfortable and friendly working conditions and more, to ensure our team members have the tools they need to succeed.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, School in the Square provides competitive salaries. Expected salary range for this role is $125,000 - $165,000, depending on experience, level of education, required certifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. Additionally, we provide opportunities for supplemental compensation, an excellent benefits package with a 401K program with a 6% organizational match, 93% coverage of healthcare coverage, longevity bonus, generous paid time off, and a supportive work environment.

School in the Square understands specific groups are subject to marginalization. We believe these powerful groups should be centered in our community and are highly encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.