We’re Hiring - Development Director
THE CHALLENGE PROGRAM (CP) is a nonprofit “earn while you learn” construction training program serving youth ages 18 to 24 with serious barriers to employment in Wilmington, Delaware since 1999. Our mission is to provide vocational training for select Delaware youth to empower them with the confidence, skills and purpose needed to become highly employable and self-sufficient. We offer full-time, paid work experience, basic education and GED preparation, certifications, case management services, and job search and placement assistance. We are also an award-winning construction company. Funded largely by contracts with the federal and local government, local foundations and corporate partners, Challenge Program also generates earned income through construction and woodworking projects.
CP FURNITURE (CPF) is a social enterprise of The Challenge Program. CPF offers distinctive, handcrafted furniture to residential and commercial clients, and employs CP graduates. CPF is poised to expand, propelled by the construction of a new furniture shop, which will allow CPF to fulfill its dual mission: to financially support The Challenge Program and to provide jobs and advanced training to program graduates.
We are a top performing organization with a dedicated staff, talented trainees and a great team environment. http://challengeprogram.org/ https://cpfurniture.org/about
Position Overview
The Development Director reports to the Executive Director and will also work closely with the Program Director. Primary responsibilities are overseeing all Fundraising/Development activities, including grants, individual donations, and events.
Position Location
This position is a hybrid position. While a good portion of the work may be completed remotely, it is important that the Development Director is available for in-person staff meetings, meetings with partners/funders, and special events as needed. The position is located primarily in our Wilmington, Delaware office, with some regional travel as needed (Philadelphia) to support our programs and events.
Compensation and Benefits
This is envisioned as a full-time, exempt position with full benefits and a salary commensurate with experience. Applicants with extensive experience who are interested in a reduced schedule (4 days, for example) are also encouraged to apply. Employees receive full health benefits and 20 paid days off/ year. Salary Range: $55K - $65K.
Specific Job Responsibilities
• Draft and execute an annual fundraising plan, approved by the Executive Director.
• Manage a calendar of grants and reports in support of an annual Contributed Revenues budget of $1M+ (primarily comprised of government, corporate, and foundation grants).
• Identify new funding sources to diversify the grant portfolio.
• Write and review grants and reports, coordinating with Executive Director and Program Director for outcomes and narratives. Grants are primarily in support of The Challenge Program but may include grants which support CP Furniture.
• Along with the Executive Director, cultivate funding relationships with organizations in Delaware and Pennsylvania, as well as national funders
• Oversee the annual fundraising event (target: fall 2023), with a goal of raising $100K in general operating revenues. Tasks include planning, engaging and guiding the Board, cultivating sponsorships, coordinating vendors and volunteers, and executing the event.
• Oversee an annual fund appeal (typically year-end). Ensure gifts are correctly recorded in the database and acknowledged in a timely fashion; reconcile with accounting quarterly.
• Develop and launch a major donor gifts program (timing: 2023 end of year appeal).
• Assist in preparing the annual Contributed Revenues budget and provide regular updates to the Executive Director.
• Represent Challenge Program in community events (including AFP and other) as needed.
• Participate in Challenge Program meetings and assist with other events (including the CP Furniture grand opening in Spring 2023) and special projects, as needed.
Job Qualifications
• 5-7 years of experience working at a nonprofit organization, with 2-4 years in Fundraising/Development, is required. Development Director experience is preferred.
• Significant experience writing complex grants and reports (preferably experience with government grants), with a successful track record of securing funding.
• Experience securing major gifts ($5-10,000+) from individual donors is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Master’s degree and/or CFRE certification are a plus.
• Excellent technical and persuasive writing and oral communication skills are required.
• The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and experience with workforce development trends, programs, funding, and best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM and fundraising databases, such as Apricot.
• The ability to think independently and creatively, plan and meet deadlines while multi-tasking, and exercise sound judgment and diplomacy is required.
• This individual should be organized and detail-oriented, energetic, team-oriented, and results-oriented.
• Be empathetic with the population served, their needs, and how Challenge Program addresses those needs.
Additional Requirements
• Must not have a criminal background which would cause question of ability to give constructive guidance to young adults
• Must be able to pass a drug and background screening
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
How to Apply
All candidates must submit a cover letter and resume, as well as a writing sample, with the subject line “Development Director” to DevDir@challengeprogram.org.
Challenge Program values diversity and is committed to building a representative team inclusive to race, age, gender identity and expression, religion, color, sexual orientation, ethnicity, people with disabilities, veterans, and all qualified applicants.