Fundraising Development Manager - Tx

Fundraising Development Manager

College Possible - Texas

About College Possible

As one of the largest and most successful college access and success organizations in the country, since 2000 College Possible has empowered more than 85,700 students on their path to earning a college degree. Its pioneering model matches eligible students with a near-peer coach and an evidence-based curriculum designed to help them overcome the most common barriers to getting into college and completing their degree - all at no cost to students or their families. Compared with their peers from similar backgrounds, College Possible students are 30% more likely to enroll in college the year after high school graduation, and three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree.

College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as College Possible coaches in communities throughout the country. Many represent the identities of the students they serve, and each brings a commitment to social justice and closing the college equity divide.

Our near-peer coaching model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has an annual operating budget of ~$33.5 million, more than 190 full-time employees and more than 245 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 25,700 students nationwide.

Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Saint Paul, MN; and Seattle, WA; as well as Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education.

Equal Opportunity Employer

College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings. Alternative application formats are available upon request by contacting hr@collegepossible.org.

Your Role as a Fundraising Development Manager

This position plays a vital role in advancing our mission by supporting the Development Director in implementing a well-rounded strategic fundraising plan. Responsibilities include managing corporate prospecting and solicitations, supporting foundation proposals, leading individual giving programs, organizing impactful fundraising events, and overseeing experiential learning initiatives in collaboration with corporate sponsors.

In addition, this role is integral to all external communications efforts. By creating and executing dynamic social media strategies, crafting engaging newsletters, and amplifying the voices of our community through blog posts, this position enhances the visibility and impact of our work while driving donor engagement and community support.

Fundraising - Corporate and Foundation

• Identify and research potential corporate partners for funding, corporate volunteer engagement, experiential student learning, and in-kind donation opportunities.
• Assist with foundation proposals: prospecting, writing, and reporting.
• Manage the donor stewardship process, including supporting gift processing, database administration, and acknowledgments.

Fundraising - Individual Giving and Events

• Lead all direct mail and online individual fundraising campaigns from concept to execution, including but not limited to spring appeal and end-of-year campaigns.
• Lead events, including alumni gatherings, informational sessions, and fundraising events, by managing event details, securing venues, tracking RSVPs, coordinating materials, and communicating with attendees.
• Create cultivation and communications strategies to grow individual donor portfolios.

External Communications

• Develop and implement social media strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and brand standards.
• Lead the design and distribution of monthly E-newsletters to keep donors, alumni, partners, and supporters informed and engaged.
• Write and manage blog posts that amplify the voices of students, AmeriCorps coaches, alumni, and corporate partners, showcasing the impact of College Possible Texas.
• Track and analyze engagement metrics across social media, newsletters, and blogs to improve performance and reach.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree required.

Related Work Experience:

• Minimum of three to five years of fundraising experience, including a proven track record of securing donations from individuals and corporations.
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker and problem-solver who can work independently, take initiative, and develop new programs.
• Proven integrity, ethical decision-making, and sound business judgment.
• Skilled in content creation and writing for social media, newsletters, and blogs.
• Prior experience planning and executing fundraising and other events.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and Google pr
• Experience in CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Experience in email marketing platforms (Marketing Cloud preferred).
• Experience in social media management platforms (Sprout Social preferred).
• Some basic graphic design (Canva), video, photography experience a plus.
• A writing exercise will be part of the interview process

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization passionate about advancing equity in education and supporting student success.
• Adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and commitment to excellence
• Commitment to engage in diversity, inclusion and/or equity work.
• Access to reliable transportation is required.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and handle potentially stressful situations calmly and appropriately.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Ability to work remotely and travel locally and regionally as required.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day.

What We Offer

In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:

• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team

Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers. Include a resume and cover letter. For candidates who are considered for the position, a writing exercise will be required.