Position:          Development Director

Institution:      Prestige Academy

1121 Thatcher Street

Wilmington, DE 19802

Prestige Academy was created to offer a tuition-free, public middle school alternative to students in Wilmington and surrounding Delaware communities. In order to address the severe academic underperformance and low college matriculation rates of boys from these communities, the school offers a highly rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum supported by a structured school culture.

Prestige Academy opened its doors to 103 fifth graders in the first year, and will grow one grade per year until reaching grade eight. Prestige Academy expects to serve over 300 boys in fifth through eighth grade by 2012. The school is a 501(c) 3 organization that raises private funds from foundations, corporations and individuals.

The Development Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the school's development, marketing, and communication efforts. The Development Director is part of the school’s leadership team and reports to the Executive Director of the School. Specific responsibilities include:

·         Create a development plan in collaboration with Board's Development Committee and staff. Implement short- and long-term fundraising strategies for operating support, facilities capital, and special projects.

·         Build the Board's Development Committee and serve as staff liaison to its members. Work with Development Committee Chair on Board giving expectations and guidelines.

·         Train Board members, school community members, and other volunteers to fundraise and friend-raise for the organization. Provide administrative support for their outreach.

·         Serve as a representative of the school to current and prospective donors. Effectively communicate Prestige Academy’s record of success and students’ future needs.

·         Using Board, the Executive Director, current donors and traditional research, identify prospective individual and institutional donors. Develop cultivation strategies to engage these prospects.

·         Institute and manage an annual campaign; Engage and solicit existing and prospective donors by mail, by phone, through events and in face-to-face meetings.

·         Manage all constituent relationships: donors, foundations, corporations, businesses, government entities, individuals, school community members and others.

·         Plan and manage special events such as site visits, tours, receptions, donor recognition, and fundraising events.

·         Prepare all fund raising materials, including solicitation and acknowledgment letters, funding proposals and stewardship reports.

·         Implement electronic information management and reporting systems. Analyze effectiveness of development efforts and make improvements accordingly.

·         Manage public relations and press in conjunction with the Executive Director. Oversee the development of all school publications, including an e-newsletter, e-blasts, the website and written publications.

·         Be an active and visible member of the school community through participation in school-wide events such as parent association meetings, faculty meetings, student performances, awards ceremonies, etc.

Position requirements include:

·         Bachelors Degree required; advanced degree preferred.

·         Minimum of 5 years experience working in educational or non-profit fund raising. Experience in a charter school environment preferred.

·         Proven track record in all areas of development, with the ability to cultivate and solicit significant gifts.

·         Strong management, leadership, and written/verbal communications skills.

·         Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.

·         A proficiency in computers and internet applications is preferred.

·         Salary is commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please send letter of application, resume, salary requirements and the names and contact information for three references to

Victoria Burkhart, President

The Burkhart Group

PO Box 543

Pottstown, PA  19464

(p) 610-970-9143 (f) 610-970-7520

burkhartgroup@burkhartgroup.com

Prestige Academy is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Prestige Academy prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.