National Development and Communications Manager

Minds Matter National, Inc. (Minds Matter National) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success. The organization's innovative program model improves the lives of its high school student mentees by (a) assigning two highly devoted volunteer mentors to each mentee and guiding these teams through a proven syllabus (b) providing ACT/SAT test preparation and writing instruction, (c) exposing students to college life through attendance at highly competitive summer academic and leadership programs, and ultimately (d) supporting mentee applications to leading 4-year colleges, financial aid, and scholarships. For the last 21 years, every Minds Matter program graduate has been admitted to a four year college or university.

Founded in New York City in 1991, Minds Matter National has since established a national presence through the launch of chapters in Boston, Denver, Chicago, Portland, Cleveland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and most recently the Twin Cities (Minneapolis). Collectively Minds Matter serves nearly 500 students and engages over 1,300 volunteers in meaningful service. We are planning for future growth and are currently seeking the organization's first Development and Communications Manager to join our dynamic team.

Position Overview

The Development and Communications Manager (Manager) works to ensure the successful creation and implementation of a fundraising plan for Minds Matter National. S/he maintains an efficient, professional fundraising and donor cultivation program to generate ongoing individual, foundation, and corporate support. The Manager also develops materials, both printed and online to ensure powerful and consistent messaging of the Minds Matter program (internally and externally). S/he plays a critical role in coordinating fundraising activities including donor solicitations, special events, social media and direct mail appeals. The Manager will provide some support to local chapters, but his/her primary focus will be to fundraise for Minds Matter National. S/he will report directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

Development

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, National Governance and Advisory Boards as well as volunteer committees to effectively develop and implement the organization's annual fundraising plan.
• Support National efforts to secure financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations; substantially grow our donor base in the coming years by launching innovative campaigns and developing new strategies to engage high net worth individuals.
• Research and actively reach out to potential donors while building, expanding, and cultivating existing partnerships.
• Create and manage a systematic grant-writing process.
• Coordinate fund drives through social media, web and/or direct mail campaigns.
• Plan, organize, and attend fundraising events, including the implementation of special events as a way to educate and cultivate prospects, especially with regard to identifying honorees and securing sponsorships.
• Design gift acknowledgement strategy, develop and execute a new donor stewardship program.
• Meet potential donors as needed; provide them with performance-related statistics; and communicate program data persuasively.
• Develop and maintain a monthly tracking report of contacts and prospects; prepare briefing materials as needed.
• Support local chapters as requested, i.e. provide guidance on fundraising activities and attend chapter fundraising events.
• Actively participate with major and planned giving colleagues in the Association of Fundraising Professionals and other groups; stay abreast of best practices and collaborative funding opportunities.
• Provide training to chapters on the use of donor management database

Communications

• Develop and support organization-wide communication needs (for marketing and fundraising purposes), clarifying and conveying the Minds Matter mission and impact internally and externally.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices across chapters through the production of an internal e-newsletter.
• Manage the distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials including electronic newsletters and social media.
• Ensure the timely development and distribution of annual report, working closely with chapters and vendors to meet organizational deadlines.
• Manage the evaluation of Minds Matter's website such that it becomes a rich, interactive destination for multiple audiences/stakeholders; manage content and tone to ensure consistency of messaging.
• Handle all press communication and coordination, write and disseminate press releases and feature articles, including prompt, factual responses to current events.
• Establish template for standard communication pieces.
• Complete other tasks as requested by Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of 5 years work experience required, with at least three years of development experience and a proven track record of fundraising success. Foundation and/or other nonprofit experience very helpful.
• Takes initiative, creative and flexible, able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and growing nonprofit organization.
• Exceptional communication skills; articulate, with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively.
• Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders (internally and externally)
• Able to provide convincing arguments when presenting new ideas and creating a win-win situation, responding appropriately to the interests to Minds Matter and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and motivate individuals to achieve program goals.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage event and project logistics.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with some travel, late weeknights, and occasional Saturdays (offset by a weekday off and flexible daytime schedule)
• Ability to prioritize multiple and varied responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills including database management, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. Familiarity with Blackbaud (Kintera) a plus.
• Passionate belief in Minds Matter's mission, vision, and high standard of excellence.

MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY

To apply, please emil resume and cover letter including salary requirements to Chymeka Olfonse atinfo@mindsmatter.org. Please also indicate where you learned of this opportunity. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.