Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter public schools that are closing opportunity gaps and preparing students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 57 schools serving more than 21,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at rates far higher than their peers. We believe that every child deserves an outstanding education, and we are committed to working beyond the walls of our schools to achieve that goal through our professional development workshops, books, and district partnerships.

The Managing Director will be joining Uncommon at a transformative moment, with three capital underway in our regions and an ambitious $100 million five-year fundraising goal, with $70 million secured and three years remaining. As our schools work urgently to accelerate learning for our students in the wake of COVID, the $15 million in annual revenue generated by the development team is critical to ensuring that our network has the financial strength and flexibility to seize new opportunities and continue to respond to challenges.

This role is responsible for leading all Development work for the Uncommon Schools network. The Managing Director will develop and lead the strategy and execution of our fundraising efforts to ensure that our network of 57 schools has the private philanthropy they need to thrive. They will be responsible for all activities associated with identifying, securing, nurturing, and engaging existing and new individual and institutional donors.

As team lead for the Development team, the Managing Director will report to the Chief External Officer and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to manage a portfolio of key institutional and individual donors. In addition, this person will lead eight team members based at the Home Office and in our regions to support institutional and regional philanthropy. Together, the team will raise the philanthropy needed to fuel our growth across the network and support key initiatives that advance our organizational priorities.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive strategy to complete the final $30M in our $100M fundraising effort by the close of 2024.

• Develop and implement a strategy for growing institutional giving, including foundation, corporate, and competitive government grants.

• Lead our growing individual giving work, including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of five-, six-, and seven-figure individual donors.

• Serve as primary Development relationship for the Uncommon Board and support Development relationships with our six regional Boards, including quarterly presentations at Board meetings, quarterly Development Committee meetings, and individual relationships to support Board members giving at the top of their capacity.

• Lead the execution of simultaneous capital campaigns in multiple regions to ensure that the regions have the resources they need to grow and serve more students.

• Working closely with the CEO, manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and relationships to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts.

• Lead a team of eight individuals in New York City and our regions.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent strategic skills and ability to understand the intersection of multiple functions

• Excellent relationship management; excellent interpersonal skills with both internal and external partners at all levels

• Excellent communication skills: verbal and written

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills

• Strong systems orientation, attention to detail, and data-driven approach

• Ability to be diplomatic and confidential

• Ability to thrive in a complex environment with equanimity and adaptability

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required

• 10+ years’ work experience with increasing responsibility in non-profit development and/or education

• Experience working with Boards and high net worth donors

• Experience developing and leading a team with varying levels of experience and expertise

• Experience leading development work across a variety of disciplines, including institutional and individual giving

Travel

• Periodic local travel for school/funder visits; occasional (~4-6x/yr.) travel to our other regions

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.