We are happy to announce the Director of Development position at our client, Bridge the Gap.

Bridge the Gap (BTG), founded in 1995, provides a comprehensive TK- 12th grade educational  program, supporting low income, ethnically and culturally diverse students develop college aspirations and prepare for college success. 

THE MISSION

The mission of Bridge the Gap is to provide comprehensive educational, social and emotional resources to underserved students in Marin City and Southern Marin. Our goal is to ensure that all students graduate high school, and achieve their greatest potential through college completion or other pathways to economic sustainability and independence.

Our vision is for all students to achieve their greatest potential with equitable access, opportunities, and choice. 

Research continues to demonstrate that the most powerful way for under-resourced and first-generation students to achieve a lifetime of increased opportunity and earnings is through higher education. It can be a game changer.

BTG was recently honored with the Nonprofit of the Year 2023 award for Assembly District 12.

THE OPPORTUNITY 

BTG is seeking an energetic and innovative Director of Development to manage and develop its comprehensive fundraising program. The Director will have a proven track record of successful fundraising experience and the ability to manage a development team.  BTG is looking for a mission and results-driven Director to serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser as well as create and execute on strategy.

BTG has a strong portfolio of donors and prospects and is looking for someone who can help establish a major gifts program. The Director of Development will have a proven track record of raising gifts of $25,000 to $100,000.

The Director of Development will envision and implement a targeted, fundraising plan to include the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors to meet planned revenue benchmarks through a variety of giving opportunities, including events. The Director of Development will oversee the full-time Events and Communications Manager position. The Development Director will serve as a key spokesperson and advocate of BTG. The Director of Development will report directly to the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategy

• Lead and supervise the development staff to meet revenue budget goals by implementing a variety of fund development activities to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Plan and participate in personal solicitations of a portfolio of leadership annual and campaign donors with BTG Executive Director, Development staff, Board of Directors and Advisory Council. 

Development Team Oversight 

• Execute and manage an annual development and communications plan that includes annual campaign, major gifts, donor cultivation, spring gala, stewardship activities and prospect identification.
• Develop a Major Gifts program to steward donors and solicit gifts over $25,000.
• Review annual development plans periodically to assess outcomes and develop effective strategies.
• Supervise the integrity of donor records, gift processing and acknowledgments.

Board Engagement

• Work closely with the Board and Community Council to engage both the Board and Council in fundraising activities.
• Develop, monitor and report on revenue. Oversee monthly financial reconciliation and report to the Board.

Events

• Work closely with Event Manager to coordinate existing and new fundraising events for up to 300 people.

Community Engagement

• In partnership with the Communications and Events Manager, develop, implement and manage the BTG communications plan consistent with the Strategic Plan
• Support team to write and prepare a variety of outreach to community that includes newsletters and outreach emails. 
• Be knowledgeable and tech savvy about social media and crowdfunding platforms
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• Fundraising Experience: Five years or more of demonstrated success in fundraising, especially with major gifts from individuals and/or institutions. Minimum of 3+ years of experience closing gifts at the $25,000 level and above.
• Communications Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to write, effectively and speak persuasively and an ability to listen to and learn from others. Ability to grasp and effectively communicate complex programmatic priorities to all stakeholders.
• Highly Strategic and Analytical Skills: Excellent leadership, strategy, management and organizational skills. Well-organized with strong follow-through and time management skills. Strongly self-motivated, and able to effectively problem-solve complex issues.
• Board Engagement Experience: Experience in effectively engaging and leading staff and leadership volunteers (Board and Community Council) in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Computer Skills: High-level computer literacy and proficiency with donor databases, and the G-suite of software applications. 
• Supervision Skills: Demonstrated supervision of professional-level staff that motivated and built professional staff competencies and the team.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Current California Driver’s license, valid auto insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES 

While all competencies are important, the following competencies are critical to delivering successful results in this position: 

Inclusion
Value for all people and their unique talents while promoting org-wide importance of diversity and the significance of being an inclusive organization. 

Relationships 
Build supportive and collaborative relationships that enhance BTGCP’s impact on the community we serve. 

Communication
Listen and express yourself effectively to foster a mutual understanding of the needs of staff, partners, and stakeholders. 

Developing Others 
Guide and support others through professional development and feedback to strengthen staff’s knowledge, skills, and competencies that help build strong organizational performance. 

Social – Emotional Maturity
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. 

Change Management 
Lead self and others through change by providing direction and guidance to adapt to new opportunities, challenges, and organizational shifts. 

Self-Development 
Seek and utilize new learning opportunities and resources to build and strengthen staff performance. 

WORK REQUIREMENTS

You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the position/job/role with or without reasonable accommodations. The Director of Development will attend evening events as needed. The Director of Development is physically onsite at the BTG offices in Marin City.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation is based on experience. This position is a full-time exempt position. The salary range is $100,000-110,000 depending upon experience. Benefits include medical, dental, a flexible spending account, a 401(3b) with contributions, PTO, major holidays as well as commuter and cell phone reimbursement. 

WHY BRIDGE THE GAP

Are you looking to make a profound impact in a community-based organization? BTG strives to create educational equity in Marin City and other communities in Marin County. We are proud of our track record of 8 consecutive years of 100% of our high school graduates being college-bound. This is due to successful programs that are driven by data and continual improvements. Other benefits include working with an outstanding team and wonderful community partners. The most important thing for you to know about is the opportunity that BTG provides to support youth for their future goals. Learn more here.

PILLARS

Cultivate Learning

• We provide academic, social, emotional and life skills instruction from transitional kindergarten through college.
• We empower all students to pursue the educational and career pathways of their choice.
• We create abundant and varied opportunities to support students in the pursuit of their passions and goals.

Promote Equity

• We identify inequities and collaborate strategically with key partners to achieve educational justice through systemic change.  
• We create access to rigorous academic and enrichment programs. 
• We commit to providing culturally relevant programs led by staff who look like their students. 

Build Community

• We provide a welcoming, inclusive environment and a sense of belonging to all students and families.
• We partner with schools and non-profit organizations to ensure all students receive what they need to reach their full academic, social and emotional potential.
• We foster connection with community members in Marin to support our programs and advocate for our organization.

TO APPLY

BTG is an equal-opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to Stacy Nelson & Associates-Leadership Search Partners at stacyn@stacy-nelson-and-associates.com.