Director of Development

Mission: REACH Prep provides access to transformative educational experiences that empower underserved, high-achieving students to graduate from top colleges and emerge as the next generation of leaders. 

Organization: For over 30 years, REACH Prep has helped motivated and talented Black and Latine students from underserved communities in Fairfield and Westchester counties and the Bronx gain admission and thrive in rigorous independent schools. Upon admission to REACH Prep at the end of fourth grade, students benefit from a 12-year educational continuum that includes comprehensive academic preparation and enrichment, leadership training, and supplementary individual and family guidance, preparing them to succeed at and graduate from competitive colleges. REACH Prep’s model of access to high-quality education, combined with sustained, extensive, and long-term support, achieves college success rates that defy national trends and statistics. 

REACH Prep is easily accessible for those traveling from New York City or New Haven. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Stamford near Harbor Point and within a short walking distance of Stamford’s Metro-North Station.

Position: The Director of Development will report directly to the CEO and oversee all development efforts, including individual giving, fundraising events, and donor stewardship. This position is ideal for a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented development professional passionate about educational equity. The Director of Development will work closely with the Associate Director of Development and Events on all aspects of event planning, communication, and marketing and with the Director of Finance on tracking revenue goals.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key thought partner to the CEO in shaping the organization’s fundraising strategy and growth trajectory
• Lead and execute a comprehensive development plan to raise over $2 million annually from individuals, foundations, corporations, grants, and special events
• Work closely with the CEO to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual and major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and grants
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Associate Board, and senior staff to identify funding opportunities and support their engagement in fundraising
• Work with Associate Board co-chairs to host meetings, steward, and engage volunteers
• Drive expansion of a major gifts program and deepen the pipeline of major gifts donors and prospects
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations
• Execute annual and special fundraising events with the Associate Director of Development and Events
  Director of Development
• Work with the Associate Director of Development and Events on creating targeted communications, annual appeals, and outreach
• Represent REACH Prep at external events
• Develop and manage the development budget and track revenue performance
• Prepare and present development updates, including donor and revenue analysis reports

Qualifications:

• College degree required, advanced degree and/or relevant certifications a plus
• Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience, with a successful track record of raising $2M+ annually
• Demonstrated experience in major gifts cultivation and solicitation, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants
• Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to craft compelling cases for support
• Experience executing fundraising events that raise a minimum of $300K
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated interest in building and sustaining donor relationships and managing volunteers
• Deep commitment to educational equity and access
• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape in New York and Connecticut is a plus
• Proficiency in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to thrive and work collaboratively with a small team
• Valid driver’s license