Director of Development
Foundation for Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW), a unique public charter school committed to providing the city of Baltimore with the next generation of exceptional, diverse female leaders, seeks a dynamic Director of Development to create and propel a powerful fundraising program that inspires broad engagement and sustained philanthropic investment.

Through a rigorous and supportive program of academics, arts, athletics, and social-emotional learning, the school seeks to instill BLSYW P.R.I.D.E. —professionalism, respect, integrity, diligence, and enthusiasm—and prepare girls to thrive as learners and leaders in school and beyond. The school’s goal is to create a perpetual pipeline of 540 homegrown, exceptional, diverse, female change-makers to provide our city with the civic and business leadership it needs for a future of achievement.

To ensure the sustainability of this mission, the school seeks an entrepreneurial and passionate professional to lead the Development Office. Working closely with and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development will nurture positive relationships with all stakeholders, including BLSYW faculty and students, Foundation staff, a highly engaged Board of Directors, and current and prospective donors.

The Director of Development will be a results-oriented professional who
will build on the strengths of the existing fundraising program to create a highly professional, donor-centered development office with clear lines of communication, efficient processes and consistent follow-through. Above all, the Director of Development will have a deep and demonstrated passion for the mission and vision of BLSYW and an understanding of fundraising
best-practices.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Development will:

• Establish, lead and manage the implementation of fund development strategies and goals, both long-term and annual, that position BLSYW for financial stability and long-term success.
• Ensure alignment of donor vision and investment with BLSYW’s core needs and strategic goals.
• Develop compelling messaging to communicate these goals and drive these strategies with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serving as a member of the BLSYW leadership team, ensure integration and alignment between the Foundation and the school on strategic priorities and operational practices.
• Develop and lead a professional development team and manage resources and systems needed to carry out the annual fundraising plan. Create a highly collaborative work environment and provide direction and supportive coaching to prioritize work tasks to achieve strategic and fundraising goals.
• Develop processes that support the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects from the individual, foundation and corporate sectors.
• Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive plan to seek and secure grants from local and national foundations to support
  BLSYW initiatives.
• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and ensure consistent, clear communication of fundraising strategy and messaging to maximize volunteer engagement and participation in fundraising.
• Leverage best practices to develop and implement appropriate fundraising policies and procedures.
• Ensure that a robust tracking system is put in place for all gifts and pledges by source and purpose and provide regular reporting on the status of fundraising initiatives.

• Provide training to Foundation staff and volunteers in fundraising. Educate, motivate and provide feedback to individuals related to best practices in the fundraising process.
• Build on the success of the annual EmPower Breakfast and other strategic events to maximize fundraising impact through targeted engagement and follow-up with donors and prospects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other fundraising leaders in Baltimore, continuously benchmarking best practices and representing the interests of BLSYW.