Senior Director of Propel Foundation

Job Summary:

Reporting to the CEO/Superintendent, the Senior Director of the Propel Foundation will support the mission and goals of the Foundation and Propel Schools by developing a broad-based fundraising base, strengthening the organization's narrative and communications strategy, and providing senior leadership to strengthen organizational operations.

• Compensation: Propel provides a competitive salary for its Senior Level positions. Transferrable experience is recognized and attributed to our offers.
• Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance for new hires moving to the area from 60 miles away or further.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families (Choice between Highmark or UPMC)
• Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%. This increases after 5 years.
• Paid Leave: In addition to 16-19 paid holidays annually and 2 paid Wellness Days per year, all our executives receive 5 sick days and 10 Personal Days, along with an accrual of 8 hours of vacation time per pay period.
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of course and receipt of grades for coursework that meets our eligibility requirements.
• Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities including Gym Memberships, health programs, etc. Additionally, staff have the ability to earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.
• Professional Development: At Propel, we believe in supporting staff growth and provide substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support for all staff. Our Executives participate in and lead Professional Development for all staff throughout the school year.
• Leadership & Career Development: Leadership opportunities are extensive at Propel, both in and outside of the classroom. There are opportunities for additional school-based leadership roles.

1. Partner with the CEO/Superintendent to lead an effective strategic vision for fundraising initiatives, grant opportunities, and scholarship programs.
2. Partner with the CEO/Superintendent to build and grow a cohesive professional staff that effectively and passionately advocates for Propel Schools and its students and families.
3. Supervise the Manager of Grants and Donor Relations as well as the Manager of Special Events and Communications. Drives the vision and goals of each position, aligning with Propel Schools overall goals and initiatives.
4. Generate consistent funding streams necessary to become a leader in the region for major initiatives.
5. Deploy expert fundraising strategies capitalizing on a broad array of sources, including corporate sponsorships, grants, major donors, and the broader Propel community.
6. Meet fundraising goals and ensure revenue and spending are in alignment.
7. Develop, grow and cultivate both a major donors program and a broad-based grassroots membership program to identify and secure financial support from all givers.
8. Lead initiatives to identify and support viable grant opportunities related to Scholarships and other related Educational related funding for Propel Schools.
9. Lead the oversight of fundraising events management to ensure successful and effective gains in support of Propel Schools programing.
10. Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations associated with Fundraising, grants opportunities, and scholarship programs.
11. Work with the CEO/Superintendent to deepen engagement and ownership of the Board of Directors and its committees.
12. Train, engage and lead staff on fundraising strategies and tactics.
13. Work effectively and collaboratively with Propel School leadership to build engagement within Propel Schools.
14. Other duties as assigned by the CEO/Superintendent.

1. Bachelor's degree in relevant field required, advanced degree preferred or equivalent of professional experience.
2. A minimum of 7+ years of successful experience leading fundraising initiatives, business, development, business, management, or similar related experience; non-profit, school, or other educational entity experience preferred.
3. Results driven achiever with demonstrated success implementing strategic activities and tasks with clear goals, objectives and measurement tools.
4. Experience developing and managing budgets.
5. Experience and Proficiency with relationship management tracking software(DonorPro or similar software), Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
6. Passion and a commitment for advocating for students, public education and/or those from economically stressed communities.
7. Experience with creating and implementing systems to raise money from foundations, corporations, and/or individuals
8. Must have superior interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity.
9. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
10. Ability to monitor and evaluate objectively the progress and success of program activities.
11. Willingness to work with a small and growing hard working staff.
12. Experience with development and management of a Board of Directors
13. An inspirational and motivational teambuilder with the ability to get results from across departments/teams
14. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to analyze and integrate information independently.
15. Ability to work a flexible schedule, with some evening, weekend or early morning hours needed
16. Ability to travel throughout the county for site visits, events and key stakeholder meetings

• Own It. Our Leaders are experts who hold high expectations for themselves and their staff. We work hard, set goals, and take responsibility for our scholars learning.
• Walk Through the Door. Our Leaders are professional with their scholars, families, and colleagues. We show up on time with a positive mindset and never give up on what's possible for our staff and scholars.
• Look in the Mirror. Our Leaders value feedback and work to continuously improve for our scholars. Our staff is accountable, dedicated and honest.
• Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated. Our Leaders are culturally competent. In all interactions they are courteous, engaged and empathetic.
• Do Your Part. Our Leaders are relationship builders. We make connections with our scholars, our families, our colleagues and our community and realize that education is a team effort.