Senior Director of Development

ROLE: Senior Director of Development

LOCATION: Remote or Hybrid if within 30 miles of Providence, Rhode Island

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Full-time

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: ~20% travel required (primarily to conferences and donor meetings)

START DATE: ASAP

REPORTS TO: President

DIRECT REPORTS: 1 full-time Development Director; 2 part-time Development staff

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) and its partner organizations, Education Reform Now (ERN) and Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), are seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Senior Director of Development to lead the organization's fundraising strategy and revenue growth. This role is responsible for building and sustaining diverse philanthropic and political revenue streams across DFER's 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Federal PAC entities, while managing and developing a three-person development team.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in development and donor relations within a complex, politically engaged nonprofit environment. They will work closely with the President and senior leadership to set and execute an ambitious fundraising agenda in service of DFER's mission to increase the number of Democratic leaders who enthusiastically champion innovative, evidence-based, high-quality options for all students, particularly students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and other historically underserved students.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We prioritize historically disadvantaged students and families.

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures through direct political advocacy. ERNA keeps constant pressure on policymakers to champion high-quality educational options.

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes innovative reforms in K-12 public education, particularly for historically disadvantaged students.

1. Support for Forward-Thinking Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis and awareness-raising that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions.

2. Informing the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system that serves and is held accountable to all students and families.

3. Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach, from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers, enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plan targeting revenue growth from diverse sources, including 501(c)(3) foundations and individual donors, 501(c)(4) contributors, Federal PAC contributions, and political bundling.
• Collaborate with the President and senior leadership to ensure fundraising strategies align with DFER's organizational priorities and multi-year growth targets.
• Build and steward a robust portfolio of major donors, foundations, political stakeholders, and institutional partners to secure…