Director of Development

The Young Entrepreneur Institute Director of Development is responsible for all fundraising and development activities to support the mission of Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI). including engagement, cultivation, and solicitation of potential donors. This position reports to the Executive Director, Young Entrepreneur Institute.

About YEI
Founded in 2006, Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI) at University School has a mission to empower K-12 youth to understand and experience entrepreneurship. We believe all children benefit greatly from developing an entrepreneurial mindset, regardless of whether they choose to start their own venture. We are collaborators, who work with educational partners nationwide to find the programming and resources that fit their needs. From classes to competitions, apprenticeships to guest speakers, as well as professional development and educator training, YEI helps educators gain access to valuable entrepreneurship education resources. YEI also supports the broader youth entrepreneurship education ecosystem by connecting with schools, programs, curriculum partners, and higher ed institutions throughout the world. Thanks to the generous support of University School, community foundations, corporate sponsors, and government grants, most programs and services are available to educators free of charge. Through YEI’s collaborative efforts, tens of thousands of K-12 students around the world have developed entrepreneurial business pitches, operated microbusinesses, connected with all types of entrepreneurs, and developed the entrepreneurial mindset to prepare them for life.

About this position
The focus of the Director of Development’s fundraising efforts will be to secure gifts from corporations, community organizations, and individuals. This position works closely with the YEI Executive Director and the YEI team to ensure alignment across programs, and nurtures connections with other regional organizations in the entrepreneurship education ecosystem. This position is dedicated to the mission of YEI – that every child should understand and experience entrepreneurship.

• This fundraising initiative is outside the scope of University SchoolPosition Responsibilities
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy to meet YEI’s organizational goals
• Identifying, engaging, cultivating, and soliciting prospective donors to YEI
• Engaging donors with the goal of cultivating deep, sustainable relationships and partnerships
• Planning and executing fundraising activities and events
• Ensuring alignment of key stakeholders, both internal and external in support of initiatives, events, campaigns, and special projects
• Developing relationships and collaborating with partners in the youth, collegiate and adult entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of the development program
• Collaborating with YEI leadership on existing partnerships with primary funders (Mott & BDMF)
• Engaging YEI team members in support of development goals
• Contributing to grants calendar and reporting/fulfillment needs
• Overseeing funding opportunities and trends, with foresight, to help position YEI ahead of major funding changes or trends
• Leading special projects
• Other duties as assigned by YEI Executive Director or Head of School

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a development role with demonstrated fundraising success
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong ability and experience with building relationships and working with various stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial and resourceful, with the initiative to develop and implement plans to strengthen, sustain and help YEI grow
• Dynamic, collaborative leader
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to manage projects simultaneously and to set priorities in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment
• Passion for the work of YEI and excitement about the potential of this position
• Collaborative approach and mindset
• Curious and eager to learn
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

Other/Benefits

• Entrepreneurial, collaborative work environment
  Competitive salary plus full benefits package including a generous 403(b) retirement program

University School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at the School are based on merit, qualifications, and skills.

Qualified and interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume and references to recruitingHV@us.edu or apply online.