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Director of Development & Communications (Part-Time)

Springfield, MA

 

Our Mission

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Through high expectations, a structured academic environment, and positive character development, Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence ensures that every student in kindergarten through grade 5 is equipped to think critically, communicate clearly, and are empowered with a strong ethical foundation to be set on the path for success in college, career, and life. The school incorporates Dr. King’s commitment to the highest standards in scholarship, civic participation, and the ideal of the beloved community.

Who We Are

Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence (MLKCSE) is a free, public charter school offering a high-quality academic program and positive character building to 360 students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 in Springfield, MA. To learn more about MLKCSE please visit our website at: www.mlkcs.org

The Director of Development and Communications is a part-time (approx. 20 hours per week) role responsible for advancing the school’s mission through marketing initiatives, strategic fundraising, and external communications. This individual will lead the design and execution of development initiatives, oversee donor and community engagement, and manage all aspects of internal and external communications. This position works to increase and diversify funding while elevating the organization’s brand recognition and visibility at the community level. The Director will work closely with the Executive Director and school leadership to build lasting relationships and secure resources to support our students and programs.

The scope of the responsibilities includes the following: 


Development & Fundraising (60%)

  • Develop and implement a multi-year development plan and fundraising strategy aligned with the school’s goals and priorities
  • Manage all aspects of the annual fund, major gifts, grant writing, and donor stewardship
  • Develop a portfolio of major gift donors/prospects and manage the fundraising strategy for these donors with primary responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
  • Build and strengthen relationships with corporations to develop corporate sponsorship and other development opportunities 
  • Create customized solicitation strategies that match the objectives of the organization and interests of donor prospects 
  • Plan and execute fundraising events and capital campaigns, including an annual benefit or gala
  • Work closely with the Executive Director on new funding opportunities
  • Make public appearances and attend networking events to share information about MLKCSE
  • Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems

Communications & External Relations (40%)

  • Has strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Build and sustain strong organization brand internally and externally; maintain integrity of brand and identity
  • Oversee the school’s brand, messaging, and storytelling across platforms
  • Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy for digital, print, and media channels
  • Oversee and provide vision for all institutional communications, including annual report, collateral, videos, website, newsletters, and social media; ensure consistent and engaging content
  • Develop social media marketing strategy and analyze key data points; shift strategy as necessary for efficacy
  • Manage and support internal communications to foster a cohesive school community.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit development, communications, or related field
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor stewardship
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong project management skills and attention to detail
  • Deep commitment to equity, education, and the mission of MLKCSE
  • Technological proficiency
  • Familiarity with the Massachusetts education landscape is a plus

Salary Range: $45,000-$55,000 annually

Equal Opportunity Employer

MLKCSE is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

 

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