Uncommon Schools (Uncommon) Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public schools that are increasing the academic achievement of historically under-resourced communities and preparing students for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 54 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. We have achieved outstanding academic results based on internal assessments, statewide exams, and graduation milestones.

Position Overview:

Lead critical fundraising capabilities for Uncommon Schools, including leading individual giving and the development and execution of campaigns to expand Uncommon’s growth, working closely with the organization’s senior leadership to secure philanthropy from individuals committed to our work! Lead a portfolio of ~$6M+ annually, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts to ensure that Uncommon has the resources it needs to grow and thrive.

The Director will be a strategic, adaptable leader with strong relationship management and project management skills. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

1. Crafting a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan to lead capital campaigns for Uncommon’s expansion in Newark and Camden, NJ;
2. Fundraising and donor relationship management including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;
3. Leading prospect management for Senior Director and members of Executive Team;
4. Leading Uncommon’s event and stewardship strategies;
5. Building and staffing a campaign committee and supporting the campaign’s volunteer leadership;
6. Developing campaign marketing materials;
7. Building internal and external reporting and campaign infrastructure;
8. Performing other related duties as the need arises and assigned.

Preferred:

• Experience cultivating, closing, and stewarding gifts at every level.
• Experience with a capital campaign.
• Strong critical thinking and planning skills.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong project management and implementation skills.
• Experience leading Boards or other volunteer leadership.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Collaborative and eager to work as part of a team.

Minimum:

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in non-profit fundraising
• A bachelor’s degree.

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.