The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) seeks an energetic, self-starter to join the PEP team as its first Director of Development (DoD). Reporting to the Executive Director – a seasoned fundraiser who is eager to mentor, train and support this position – the DoD has primary responsibility to set the vision and strategy to realize and secure funding from public and private philanthropic sources.
This new position requires a high-performing professional capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, high-growth, collaborative organization. The DoD must also have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and must be able to work effectively across organizational and functional boundaries.
About PEP
Founded in 1982, PEP’s goal is for all children to have the opportunity to grow up in a supportive family environment where they can thrive, reach their full potential, and become contributing members of society. To achieve our vision, PEP provides parents and caregivers with resources, support and strategies that will help them build strong, harmonious family relationships. We help adults foster the values of mutual respect, shared responsibility, competence and cooperation in young people, preparing them to make positive contributions to their families, their communities and the world at large.
Since our founding, PEP has served over 50,000 parents and caregivers in the Washington metropolitan region and beyond. PEP’s programs are renowned and award-winning: in 2019, our two online masterclasses won Telly Awards (which honors excellence in video and television across all screens); our parenting articles have won awards from the Parent Media Association for the past several years; we are regularly called by journalists from the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and other media for commentary; and syndicated columnist Carolyn Hax has repeatedly recommended our programs to her readers, citing PEP most recently in March 2021.
PEP’s business model is based on a combination of fee-for-service programs and contributed revenue from individuals, businesses, foundations and local government. PEP is currently embarking on a major gifts campaign to fund our new strategic direction, focusing on growth and increasing parenting education support for institutions serving parents and families, such as companies, schools, hospitals and nonprofit organizations.
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Based in Kensington, Maryland, PEP has a current budget of about $600,000, nine staff positions, and about 50 active parenting educators who deliver our parenting classes and support. With our new strategic positioning, major gifts campaign and opportunities for forming institutional partnerships, we expect to grow significantly in the next three to five years. The DoD will play a key role in securing and steering that growth, enabling parents of all walks of life to benefit from PEP’s programs.
Responsibilities:
The DoD’s primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Organizational Growth and Administration (10%):
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategic plan to maximize the annual development goals through individual gifts, foundation, corporate, and government grants.
- Create the annual department budget and assume responsibility for its administration; Play a key role in the development and stewardship of organizational and program budgets.
- Develop and maintain departmental metrics, which measure advancement towards goals as outlined in the annual budget and strategic plans.
- Stay abreast of nonprofit fundraising trends and best practices to help strategically position organizational and departmental efforts and activities.
- Develop a culture of philanthropy through the mentorship and training of staff and the Board of Directors.
- Carry out other general activities as may be delegated by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
Individual Donors and Campaigns (55%):
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward all prospects and donors, providing an exceptional experience that enhances giving, attracts new supporters and regularly engages donors in the organization’s work.
- Organize all fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events and campaigns.
- Maintain donor database and ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgment of all gifts and pledges.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to build on and support the organization’s major gifts campaign.
- Develop and implement communications strategies and materials that seamlessly integrate development, marketing and program messaging to increase PEP’s visibility to external audiences, reach new and diverse audiences, grow PEP’s effectiveness and influence and enhance understanding of and financial support for the organization’s work.
- Work with staff across the organization to integrate communications, branding and programs into fundraising strategies and activities, as appropriate.
Grants and Institutional Support (35%)
- Develop and monitor grants calendar to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Prepare and submit letters of inquiry, proposals and reports for funding.
- Conduct extensive research to explore various funding opportunities and calls for proposals.
- Identify, cultivate and solicit corporate gifts and grants, in partnership with Director of Business Development and Executive Director.
- Provide support and consultation for any special requirements from funders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- At least 5 years of professional experience related to fund development in nonprofits.
- Ability to rally support, spearhead initiatives and work as both a member of a dedicated team and as an independent self-starter.
- Excellent written, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills, including financial oversight and planning capability, and ability to troubleshoot, multitask and manage several projects at once.
- Enthusiasm, a passion for parent education and PEP’s mission, and a sense of humor are a plus
- Strong technical, computer, and software skills, including experience with Salesforce (or a similar database).
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
This is a full-time position with the possibility of flexible hours and a hybrid work model. Occasional evenings and weekends are required.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include time off for vacation and personal days and federal holidays, health benefits, and mileage reimbursement, along with access to unlimited opportunities to take PEP classes, webinars, and video workshops at no fee. PEP is also a family-friendly work environment that offers flexibility to working parents and caregivers.
To Apply: Please send a resume and detailed cover letter, with salary expectations, to khedge@pepparent.org with the subject line: [Your Name] – Director of Development. No phone calls please.
PEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
