Resource Center

OVERVIEW

America SCORES Boston, a Boston-based non-profit providing academic, athletic and service-learning programming for over 1,000 inner-city youth each year, is seeking an experienced Development Director to lead its fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will provide oversight and leadership to the grant writing and events staff while directly leading the organization’s individual giving, major donor and corporate sustainable giving strategy.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

America SCORES Boston partners with at-risk schools in the Boston Public School District to provide out-of-school time programming that combines academics (primarily through poetry & creative expression), athletics (primarily through soccer) and service-learning. Through this unique program, America SCORES Boston inspires inner-city youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. America SCORES Boston is the flagship program of America SCORES New England, Inc., an affiliate of America SCORES. Since the launch of our Elementary School Program in 1999, America SCORES Boston has expanded to include the SCORES Middle School Program and, most recently, the Alumni Leadership Academy, our high school program.

Position Description

The Development Director is a senior staff role responsible for all aspects of fundraising reporting to the Executive Director. The successful candidate will lead a talented fundraising team seeking to expand the philanthropic and foundation support for the SCORES mission and programs, with high priority given to our individual giving, major donor and corporate sustainable giving strategy. The successful candidate will refine and implement our strategy for cultivating and stewarding current and prospective donors, expand private foundation and corporate support, guide and support special events and provide overall leadership in development activities.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director will:

• Support all fundraising appeals, visits and donor cultivation
• Create, lead and evaluate successful development strategies
• Execute annual development plans and meet targets
• Supervise and work as a team member with other development staff on all fundraising activities
• Provide leadership and oversight for the development team, including grants strategy and management, event planning, annual appeal and database management.
• Identify, cultivate and steward new Board, Advisory Board and Board/Event Committee Members
• Cultivate, steward, and secure gifts from current and prospective major donors
• Drive new multi-year and planned giving programs
• Expand foundation support and identify grant opportunities; assist with foundation proposals
• Identify and secure support for corporate gift and sponsorship opportunities
• Plan and manage reserve fund (planned) and capital campaigns (potential)
• Serve as staff liaison for the Development Committee of the Board of Directors

Qualifications

• BA required
• Proven track record in leading individual giving efforts and securing major gifts
• At least 10 years’ professional experience (preferred) and demonstrated success in a non-profit development function
• Strong working knowledge of donor database systems
• Proven ability in managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources
• Tangible experience of having expanded and cultivated existing donor relationships over time
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proven ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexible and adaptable style
• Positive leadership to impact both strategic and practical fundraising initiatives
• Ability to work both independently and with others, engaging as a team player at varying levels within and outside the organization
• High energy and passion for the SCORES mission
• Demonstrated ability in constructing, articulating and implementing annual strategic development plans

Application Deadline: January 30 or until filled.
Desired Start Date: February or March 2013.
Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary with full benefits package (100% employer paid health, dental, vision, STD, LTD).

Application Instructions: Please email cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: jmaconga@americascores.org

This is a chance to combine career interests with a working internship, and to receive valuable training while serving thousands of at-risk youth across the nation.  We are currently seeking an inspired candidate to join our national office team as an Intern in the area of Development, Marketing, Events and Communications.

Internship Overview

Reporting to the Development Associate of America SCORES, the Development, Marketing, Events and Communications Intern will be an integral part of a dynamic team.  He or she will be responsible for assisting in development efforts and communications initiatives, and will play a key part in planning and coordinating both the student experience and show elements of the 7th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!, the organization’s marquee fundraising and program event in mid-April 2013, featuring students from around the country reciting their original poetry on stage in New York City.  Additionally, the intern will support the needs of the event week, and will become a central point of contact for the event.  The successful candidate should have 1-3 years experience in marketing, events, communications or fundraising and/or have either of these areas as a primary area of study.  Experience and/or interest in youth and/or education-related organizations is preferred.  The ideal internship candidate is self-motivated and possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Opportunities for growth and employment may exist upon successful completion of the internship.

Responsibilities

I. Events:

• Plan and coordinate the “poet-athlete” experience for the annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH97supUTQc&feature=plcp).
• Be an active member of the event production team, including coordinating rehearsals, scripts, rundowns, stage management and show production.
• Serve as a liaison for program staff from around the nationwide network related to event details and the week’s activities, and participate in calls to brief all on the event experience.
• Update and assist in the design of communication and promotional materials, including event program, schedules and e-mail correspondences.
• Coordinate logistics of student and chaperone travel to NYC, and coordinate logistics of student activities within NYC during the days prior to the National Poetry SLAM! (rehearsals, touring, social activities).
• Assist the national development team with event sponsorship proposals and creative ways to enhance the event and to add value to event partners.
• Assist in planning VIP reception and silent auction elements.
• Assist with venue relations.
• Lead efforts to evaluate the event and compile analysis and key learnings for future programs.
• Draft and send press releases; build and expand relationship with media as applicable, and update lists.
• Assist with sponsor fulfillment and promotion.
• Assist with sponsorship outreach, fulfillment and promotion.
• Help plan and promote other smaller-scale fundraising events, including partnerships with local establishments or support directors with outreach to personal networks.

II. Marketing and Communications:

• Help produce 30-page full-color annual national magazine, Kicker!, including compiling over 100 poems from youth nationwide and organizing into themes, using inDesign to design creative layouts, and facilitating print and proofing process.
• Assist with annual report publication using inDesign to make text, photo and lay out edits.
• Compile content to write and design quarterly external newsletter using ConstantContact.
• Update americascores.org website copy, images, and widgets using WordPress, as needed.
• Manage national social media channels including finding new content, promoting local content, and writing copy that engages and expands our friends and fans.
• Produce short video summaries that promotes local and national initiatives and events, as needed.

III. Fund Development:

• Manage and upkeep of donor database management using Google Documents and Donor Perfect.
• Research foundation grant opportunities and identify relevance and eligibility requirements.
• Assist in the writing and preparation of foundation grant proposals.
• Design and production of online and print materials for appeal campaigns.
• Assist with donor communications including thank you notes and any requested multimedia.
• Assist national development staff in leveraging national and affiliate relationships.
• Conduct data entry and produce acknowledgement letters as needed.

Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to work for a youth services nonprofit organization with a specific focus on low-income communities; dedication to urban youth and belief in the mission and potential of America SCORES.
• Relevant experience, in work and/or academic environments, with marketing, communications, fundraising and/or event initiatives and an active interest in development, marketing and/or event coordinator.
• Ability to produce high-quality work independently and as part of a team, with flexibility and a positive outlook.  Desire to be proactive, take ownership of projects and see them through from start to finish.
• Creative, thoughtful and collaborative approach to project management and problem solving.
• Passion for learning, figuring things out and helping others do the same.
• Experience or a strong desire to work for a nonprofit organization, particularly in marketing, communications and/or fundraising, and/or have either of these areas as a primary area of study.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to conduct self with poise under pressure.
• Team player with a passion for youth development.
• Experience or interest in media relations/writing releases and communications materials.

• Excellent organizational and computer skills; intern will be working with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Documents, WordPress, Constant Contact and other web-based applications.
• Computer/graphic design skills preferred, including experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, etc.).
• Ability to multi-task, independently prioritize tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-oriented and dynamic organization

Term and Details

This internship is available starting in January 2013 (and could lead to an ongoing experience for the right candidate).  America SCORES offers a flexible schedule and weekly stipend.  Only candidates who can work at least 15 hours per week will be considered.  America SCORES is centrally located two blocks from Penn Station in NYC.

To Apply

A complete application should include a letter of interest (within an e-mail is acceptable) and a resume in MS Word or PDF format.  Please outline your availability (specify hours and days).  References may be requested.  Please forward applications, nominations, inquiries and expressions of interest to Charly Schwartz at cschwartz@americascores.org.  For more information, check out www.americascores.org.

EOE