Summary
Description
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Department: Development
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DC-College Access Program’s Mission
DC College Access Program (DC-CAP) is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to equip DC students for college and career success by helping them access and attain meaningful college education credentials with little to no debt.
About DC-CAP
Established in 1999, DC-CAP's mission is to equip DC students for college and career success by helping them access and attain meaningful college education credentials with little to no debt. DC-CAP accelerates college aspirations, connects students to better-matched universities, and leverages dollars to ensure students graduate ready to compete in today’s workforce. DC-CAP's goal is to eliminate the higher education achievement gap for DC students. With the help of DC-CAP's team of advisors and through collaboration with our university partners, students can unlock necessary funding and identify excellent college matches that reduce or eliminate student debt while dramatically increasing college completion.
By pairing our scholarships with additional student-focused funding like Pell Grants, DCTAG, and university scholarships, and by partnering with universities to provide significant wraparound services to support our students, we are achieving industry-leading year-to-year college retention rates better than 70% at 11 of our 14 partner universities.
Our moonshot goal is to catalyze and galvanize public and private institutions and individuals around eliminating the higher education achievement gaps that persist along lines of income, race, and other demographic and socioeconomic factors. By investing in our students and encouraging others to join us, we aim to increase college completion rates among college-ready DC public and public charter school students to 80%.
Job Summary
The Director of Foundation Relations will be responsible for developing and executing plans to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation funders to advance DC-CAP’s mission. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director will lead strategies to maximize institutional investments in support of DC-CAP’s programming through the development of major multi-year commitments with donors and prospects.
The Director of Foundation Relations will join DC-CAP at an exciting inflection point. Our demonstrated best practices and industry-leading student persistence results are leading to increased investment from foundations. With excellent fundraising opportunities already lined up for FY25, we are seeking an experienced foundation relations professional to deepen our engagement and relationships with current and potential funders, and to collaborate with our stellar programs and data teams to craft compelling proposals and increase philanthropic support. This person will have ample support from the executive office and will work closely with the CEO to cultivate top foundation prospects.
Essential Functions
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In collaboration with the team, manage existing pipeline of donors toward a $2.5M FY25 foundation fundraising goal.
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Grow the pipeline of donors by identifying, prioritizing, qualifying, and cultivating prospective funders and partners
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Collaborate with the programmatic and data teams to create unique and compelling funding opportunities, cases for support, and proposals in alignment with funder priorities and DCCAP initiatives
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Lead the writing, research and submission of proposals and reports in partnership with programmatic team members
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Craft compelling progress reports and targeted program updates to funders that capture programmatic success and support larger organizational communications to funders
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Build and maintain positive relationships with foundation funders and community stakeholders
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With support from the team, coordinate tracking of deadlines and review process to ensure on-time delivery and accuracy of reports and other materials
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Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to engage the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to identify and cultivate prospective institutional investors
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Work with Chief Development Officer to build, maintain, coordinate, and evaluate internal systems to support an organizational culture of philanthropy and accountability
What You Bring
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Bachelor’s degree required in any field of study
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5-7 years of experience in nonprofit development with responsibility for securing funds from institutional investors
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Track record of success creating compelling proposals to secure grant funding
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Experience and expertise identifying and qualifying new foundation prospects
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Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
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Excellent relationship-building skills
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Capacity to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
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Facility with donor databases and/or CRMs; experience with SalesForce or Raiser’s Edge preferred
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Passion for helping students to complete college
Salary Range
This position is full-time with a base salary within the range of $125,000 – $145,000 annually, depending on experience.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter to jobs@dccap.org. In your cover letter, please describe your professional journey, and why this feels like the right role for you today. Please include a personal story about a professional challenge that required you to demonstrate some of the traits described above. We want to encourage people with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply, and we want to provide space for you to make your case even if you don’t have every experience described in this job description. Single-page cover letters are acceptable, but please do not feel artificially limited to a single-page letter.
Benefits
Full time employees of DC-CAP are eligible for benefits, including the following:
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403(b) plan with organization match.
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Medical & Vision Insurance. DC-CAP covers 75% of the premium.
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Generous PTO policy that includes February, Spring, Winter breaks, and a week-long holiday break for July 4th holiday.
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Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
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12 Week Family Leave Policy.
Hours of Work
Hybrid environment currently available, with many team members scheduled to work in-person Tuesdays and Thursdays and work from home M, W, F.
EEO Statement
DC-CAP is committed to ensuring an environment free from discrimination and an equal employment opportunity. As such, employment decisions at DC_CAP are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and skillset. DC-CAP does not discriminate in employment opportunities and practices based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, and any other characteristics. DC-CAP will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.
DC-CAP Organizational Values
Courage: Embracing a Courageous Spirit
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With bravery and determination, we face challenges and pursue goals despite fear or uncertainty. We take calculated risks, are resilient in the face of adversity, and have the courage to stand up for what we believe in.
Curiosity: Being Intellectually and Interpersonally Curious
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We have a genuine interest in understanding and learning from new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. We are driven by a desire to ask questions, seek out knowledge, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Inclusivity: Creating a Climate for Inclusion
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We foster an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and respected, regardless of their background, identity, or differences. We actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and strive to eliminate barriers to participation and belonging.
Consideration: Leading with Respect and Care for Others
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We exemplify empathy, kindness, and consideration towards others in every interaction. We build trusting relationships by treating individuals with dignity, actively listening to their perspectives, and supporting their well-being.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
