Development Director

Summary

Join aiEDU, a growing non-profit, as the Director of Development to lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy. You will set fundraising targets, diversify revenue streams, and build a robust funder pipeline. This role involves crafting tailored messaging for funders, leading grant writing, managing partnerships, overseeing fundraising events, and leveraging thought leadership. The position is full-time, exempt, and offers a flexible schedule with remote work options (preference for SF/Bay Area). Compensation is $155,000-$175,000 with a comprehensive benefits package. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of fundraising experience and a proven track record of success.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or donor relations, preferably within the nonprofit or education sector
• Proven ability to communicate a clear and compelling story; exceptional writing skills
• Proven track record of successfully meeting fundraising goals and developing diverse revenue streams
• Strong understanding of current trends in philanthropy, nonprofit funding, and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• Expertise in grant writing, including research, proposal development, and submission
• Experience in managing corporate and foundation partnerships
• Ability to build and manage an effective funder pipeline, ensuring high-quality, strategic engagement with donors
• Proficiency in using CRM systems (we currently use Airtable) for donor tracking and reporting
• Familiarity with metrics and data analysis to assess fundraising performance and inform strategy
• Ability to develop personalized stewardship plans for individual funders, building long-term relationships
• Comfort with public speaking and representing the organization at events, panels, and other speaking engagements
• Passion for AI education and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the nonprofit sector

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new revenue streams beyond grants (e.g., corporate partnerships, earned revenue models, major gifts)
• Keep up with trends in philanthropy, education, and nonprofit funding to inform strategy
• Plan overall development strategy based in pipeline and projections to meet fundraising goal and manage progress to goal updates
• Work with executive leadership team to set annual fundraising goals and ensure alignment with overall organizational strategy
• Build and manage overall universe of funders and ensure aiEDU is consistently engaging with high quality touch points aligned to each funders’ priorities
• Conduct research into funders and identify ways to tailor messaging and pitches for their respective focus areas
• Draft communications to potential and current funders (e.g. email outreach, monthly/quarter funder updates, funder briefing calls, and other touch points)
• Develop personalized stewardship plans for funders to deepen engagement over time
• Organize funder convenings, roundtables, or special engagement opportunities
• Position aiEDU as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the philanthropy space, through participation in briefings, speaking opportunities, and other external convenings
• Track all funder interactions and gifts using a CRM (Airtable)
• Ensure proper documentation of pledges, grant agreements, and reporting deadlines
• Develop dashboards and metrics to evaluate fundraising performance over time

Preferred Qualifications

SF/Bay Area based candidates

Benefits

• Full health, dental, and vision for you and any dependents
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible work hours and location
• Flexible paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• A generous annual stipend for home office expenses and professional development
• A 401k match of 4% vested immediately