Director of Advancement

About Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore 

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) is part of a global organization with a local focus. Our JA Area delivers experiential learning that prepares students for what's next and partners with schools, businesses, foundations, and community leaders who are investing in innovative solutions for youth success. JAES and its partners are committed to an outcomes-based learning system, anchored by an Experiential Learning Center that serves as a Shore-wide hub for preparing young people for the future. JAES serves nearly 14,000 students across eleven counties each year. For more than 100 years, Junior Achievement has been a pioneer in advancing financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, helping young people gain the confidence, capability, and connections they need to thrive. Learn more at our website: www.easternshoreja.org. 

Position Summary

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) seeks a strategic, relationship-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Advancement. This position offers an opportunity for an emerging advancement leader to play a significant role in shaping the future of a growing organization. The ideal candidate is energized by building relationships, securing resources, and working closely with organizational leadership to expand the impact of Junior Achievement across the Eastern Shore.  

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Advancement leads the day-to-day fundraising efforts of JAES and works closely with the President to strengthen donor relationships, secure philanthropic support, expand corporate partnerships, and grow annual revenue. The Director is both a strategist and a hands-on fundraiser, responsible for cultivating supporters and advancing opportunities that help sustain and grow the organization's impact.  

Success in this role requires a combination of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and direct expertise securing large sponsorships/gifts/grants. The ideal candidate is both highly driven and highly collaborative, bringing the ability to set ambitious goals, foster meaningful partnerships, and support the growth and success of staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders. 

​​​Essential Functions 

Fundraising & Community Engagement 

• Establish and achieve annual fundraising goals across corporate, foundation, individual, sponsorship, and special funding sources as part of a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives 
• Develop, manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, corporate partners, foundations, sponsors and strategic community stakeholders through active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship 
• Identify and develop new funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and revenue streams 
• Partner with the President, Board, and staff to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising outcomes 
• Serve as a visible ambassador for JAES throughout the region and represent the organization among business, philanthropic, and civic leaders 

Operational Leadership 

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to Advancement staff, interns, and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and mission-focused team culture 
• Ensure effective stewardship, grant management, and advancement processes that support donor retention and organizational compliance 
• Collaborate with Education and Operations on budgeting, forecasting, and revenue tracking in accordance with organizational standards and funding requirements 
• Utilize and oversee advancement systems and fundraising analytics to support effective fundraising and informed decision-making 
• Monitor fundraising performance, donor trends, and revenue opportunities to support long-term sustainability and growth 

Communications and Impact 

• Support the development of donor communications, sponsorship materials, annual reports, and impact reporting to demonstrate impact to supporters and stakeholders 
• Utilize storytelling, program impact data, and fundraising results to deepen donor engagement. and reinforce JA's reputation as a leader in career-connected learning, economic mobility, and youth success 
• Partner across departments to ensure advancement strategies reflect program growth, community needs, and organizational priorities 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business or nonprofit management, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience 
• 5+ years of progressively responsible fundraising, advancement, business development, or partnership experience 
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, or major gifts 
• Experience leading projects, initiatives, or teams 
• Strong relationship building and communication skills 
• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills 
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions 

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience supervising and developing staff.  
• Experience working with Boards of Directors 
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, education, workforce development, youth-serving  
• organizations, or related sectors 
• Familiarity with CRM platforms and fundraising analytics 
• Knowledge of the Eastern Shore philanthropic and business community 

Compensation & Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 annually, with the exact salary depending on relevant experience, demonstrated executive-level impact, and alignment with the scope and responsibilities of the role. JA the Eastern Shore offers 70% employer-paid health insurance coverage, employee wellness plan, flexible work schedule with approved WFH option, phone stipend, and a 401K retirement plan.  

Our Commitment 

At JA of the Eastern Shore, we believe that our success is directly tied to our ability to foster an environment where all individuals have access to opportunities and can thrive. We are deeply committed to creating a workplace where inclusion and belonging are not just principles but lived experiences. This commitment drives us to attract, develop, retain, and promote a workforce that mirrors the communities we serve, bringing together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents.   

We embrace the unique contributions that every JA of the Eastern Shore employee brings to our mission and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to join our team. By welcoming various voices, we continue to expand our understanding of the world, and we actively seek to elevate the representation of different individual experiences and the perspectives they shape.   

We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard - where people can be their authentic selves and know that they belong. This is how we build a workplace where every individual can succeed, and where we work together to create lasting impact for the young people and communities we serve. 

Additional Information 

JA of the Eastern Shore does not provide sponsorship for employment visas for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.