Director of Development

Mainspring Schools is a highly rated nonprofit preschool and early childhood care center located in South Austin. It serves children from ages six weeks through five years old. The school specifically focuses on closing the early childhood "school readiness gap" by ensuring economically disadvantaged families have access to premium early education.

The center uses a comprehensive, research-based model to uplift both children and their families:

• Features low teacher-to-child ratios, child-directed instruction, and the integration of music, dance, and art.
• Provides freshly prepared, nutrient-dense breakfasts, lunches, and snacks on-site, alongside multiple playgrounds.
• Offers parents and caregivers access to specialized support groups, a fully stocked supply pantry, and an on-site Family Services Director for dedicated case management.

Mainspring is considered a premier model for early childhood development nationwide:

• It is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a rigorous status held by only 8% of child care centers across the United States.
• Mainspring Schools holds the highest-possible 4 Star Rating in the Texas Rising Star quality-based rating system.

The Director of Development and Communications of Mainspring Schools will combine strategic fundraising with brand storytelling.

• Job Title: Director of Development & Communications
• Reports To: Executive Director
• Employment Type: Full-time
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Compensation: Starting at $100,000- $120,000 (Commensurate with experience)

The Director of Development and Communications of Mainspring Schools is a dynamic, hands-on professional who is responsible for fundraising, marketing, and public relations. This role secures the financial resources needed to run our programs while building a strong, brand identity. The ideal candidate is a strategic "doer" who can seamlessly pivot from high-level donor cultivation to direct content creation, ensuring all efforts honor the privacy, dignity, and resilience of our students and families.

They will play a key leadership role in advancing Mainspring Schools' mission through strategic fundraising, donor cultivation and compelling storytelling. This person will be responsible for raising a portion of the total revenue budget annually from diverse sources and contributing to a strong culture of gratitude, connection, excellence and integrity.

• Create and execute the annual fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual appeals, and corporate sponsor ships.
• Research, write, submit, and track all foundation and corporate grant proposals and impact reports, along with contract grant writer as needed.
• Directly manage a portfolio of donors, alongside ED; plan and execute intimate donor cultivation events.
• Responsible for managing and updating the organization's CRM system, including data entry, gift processing and donor acknowledgement letters.
• Track performance metrics for fundraising ROI and digital communication engagement.
• Act as the primary writer and designer for the annual report, newsletters, digital campaigns and marketing collateral.
• Maintain and update the school website, execute email marketing campaigns, and manage social media platforms.
• Implement messaging guidelines that protect the privacy of children and families.
• Partner with the Executive Director to implement and strengthen the annual fundraising strategy to achieve a revenue budget of approximately $4+ million.
• Act as a trusted and strategic partner, positioned to provide continuity and leadership in support of the department’s long term success.
• Cultivate,…