Development Director at Beta Academy

About Us:
Beta Academy is a nationally recognized charter school known for its outstanding scholastic performance and innovative teaching methods. With several Distinct Designations and an A-rated District by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Beta Academy ranks in the top 98% for test scores in ELA/Reading. At Beta, we believe in fostering both high academic achievement and strong character, aligning with our name's Greek root meaning "honor." Our goal is to impact over 1 million children through revolutionary educational programs at Beta U, which will serve as the advancement and fundraising platform for Beta Academy.

Position Overview:
The Development Director will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet Beta Academy’s ambitious goals. With an annual operating budget of $16M and a $3M annual fundraising target, the Director will work closely with the CEO, leadership team, and Board of Directors to support annual and long-term fundraising initiatives. Additionally, the Development Director will spearhead a $16M capital campaign to fund our flagship campus and support Beta U’s mission to impact 1 million children.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Strategy:
  Develop and execute a multi-channel fundraising plan to meet the $3 million annual goal, closing the $2,000 per scholar funding gap. This includes major gifts, capital campaigns, annual fund drives, corporate sponsorships, endowment planning, and planned giving.
• Major Gifts & Capital Campaigns:
  Identify, cultivate, and secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundations that align with Beta Academy’s objectives. Lead the $16M capital campaign for the flagship campus.
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
  Build and manage relationships with current and potential donors, ensuring they are informed of Beta Academy’s impact. Develop strong alumni and parent engagement programs. Maintain regular communication with donors, cultivating a robust pipeline of supporters.
• Grant Writing & Management:
  Draft, submit, and manage grant proposals to individuals, foundations, corporations, and other entities. Track grant submissions, maintain accountability and compliance with funding sources, and ensure timely development of grant reports.
• Event Planning:
  Plan and execute key fundraising events such as galas, auctions, and donor appreciation events. Ensure effective donor stewardship and integration of fundraising objectives into major school events, such as the Giving Breakfast.
• Project Management & Support:
  Provide strong day-to-day support to the CEO, leadership team, and Board to achieve Beta Academy’s fundraising goals. Prepare for donor meetings, manage donor engagement data, oversee acknowledgments, and ensure follow-up actions.
• Marketing & Communications:
  Collaborate with the marketing team to develop compelling communication materials (e.g., flyers, invitations, emails, social media posts, and newsletters) that effectively communicate Beta Academy’s mission and impact to donors and the broader community.
• Board Engagement:
  Work with the Board of Directors to leverage their networks for fundraising efforts. Provide training and support to board members in fundraising activities, ensuring 100% participation in annual giving.
• Budgeting & Financial Reporting:
  Collaborate with the finance team to create fundraising budgets, track progress-to-goal, and prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. Ensure transparency and compliance with all fundraising activities.
• BetaU Development:
  Lead fundraising efforts for Beta U, a strategic initiative to expand Beta Academy’s impact by sharing educational excellence with the broader community.
• Alumni Engagement: Develop and implement strategies to engage Beta Academy alumni, fostering long-term relationships and encouraging their involvement in school events, mentorship programs, and philanthropic support. Establish and maintain an active alumni network to support the school's mission and growth initiatives.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  Ensure that all fundraising efforts are aligned with Beta Academy’s values, mission, vision, and strategic plans. Additional duties as assigned by the CEO.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Successfully raise $3 million annually to cover the $2,000 per scholar funding gap.
• Secure at least $500,000 annually from major donors and corporate sponsors.
• Submit 10 grant applications annually with a target success rate of 30%, securing at least $200,000 in grant funding.
• Achieve a 70% donor retention rate with 50% of donors upgrading their giving levels.
• Plan and execute 3 major fundraising events annually, generating $400,000.
• Increase donor base by 20% annually, focusing on parent and alumni engagement.
• Ensure personalized donor acknowledgments within 48 hours and ongoing stewardship.
• Achieve 100% Board participation in annual giving and fundraising events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related fields, with a proven track record of successful fundraising and donor relations.
• Proven ability to manage large, multifaceted projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong grant writing and management experience.
• Experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, and donor stewardship.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and fundraising software or CRM systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage community partners, donors, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong relationship builder with experience engaging diverse community partners.
• Self-starter with knowledge of the Houston community and a passion for Beta Academy’s mission.
• Availability for some evening and weekend events.

Compensation:
Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Tremendous opportunity for growth within a short time horizon as Beta Academy expands its operations and fundraising needs.