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Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.

Chief of Development & Communications Officer

Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc., Sacramento, California, us, 94203


DescriptionAbout Umoja Community Education Foundation (UCEF):

Operating with over 75 campus programs in California and Washington and serving over 6,000 students, UCEF is a community of educators and learners committed to college success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African American and other students. UCEF seeks to educate the whole student–body, mind, and spirit. Informed by an ethic of love and its vital power, UCEF deliberately engages students as full participants in the construction of knowledge and critical thought and to help students experience themselves as valuable and worthy of an education.About the Chief of Development & Communications Officer:

The Chief of Development & Communications Officer will work with the executive leadership and play a pivotal role in shaping the fundraising, marketing and communications strategies of the organization. The successful candidate is a mission-focused, strategic, collaborative, results-driven, and creative leader and manager with a proven track record of growing a diverse and sustainable revenue portfolio, building and amplifying a positive brand position, and leading a team of talented individuals. Reporting directly to the chief executive officer (CEO), the CDCO’s primary responsibility is to effectively develop, lead, and manage the fund development and communications strategies and functions of Umoja. In addition to successfully leading all fundraising activities, the CDCO will oversee marketing, communications, events, and brand strategy for the overall organization, positioning Umoja as an International known and recognized Foundation focused on Black student success.Key ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Leadership & Development:Lead team to develop and execute against multi-year strategic goals and annual workplansIn partnership with the CEO and board leadership, lead and manage Umoja’s strategic board engagement and stewardshipFoster efficient and effective cross-functional teamwork and results-oriented deliverablesMentor and coach direct reports and support teams, delegating work streams effectively, fostering professional growth, and motivating and holding team members to a high standard of excellenceModel ingenuity in leading the evaluation and development of cost-effective and efficient systems, processes, and contract relationships to maximize staff success and impactDevelop and manage budget for all fundraising and marketing activities across the organizationServe as a contributing member of the organization’s Executive TeamFundraisingDevelop, lead, and manage effective strategies for obtaining donations and grants that advance the organization’s goals and priorities and contribute to financial sustainability. Model a growth- and results-driven mindset by proactively measuring and reporting on progress against clear goals, assessing efficacy and productivity, and spurring learning and improvementActively cultivate, solicit, and steward a personal portfolio of high-capacity, transformational donors with major gift track record and/or potential from corporate, foundation, and individual sourcesIdentify and build relationships with high-impact community leaders, businesses, media, thought leaders, and prospective donorsLead, manage, and model best practices and systems to support stewardship throughout the donor life cycle and with a growing donor pipeline. Provide general oversight of the organization’s fund development activities, manage the day-to-day operations of the development function, and monitor adequacy of activities through coordination with staff, appropriate committees, and the organization’s board of directors.Lead their team to accurately forecast and close gifts and grants to ensure adequate revenue for the organization. Support CEO and finance function to monitor cash flow with timely revenue forecasts.Identify and oversee resources to write grant applications, case statements, major gift and sponsorship proposals, technical reports, communication materials, and other documents as necessary to support ongoing fundraising activitiesCreate, implement, and monitor revenue Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to support internal and external dashboards, learning, improvement and reporting needsProvide partnership, training, and support to staff across the organization to help them successfully participate in fundraising efforts for the organization. Continue to build, strengthen, and leverage the strong internal culture of philanthropy.Brand, Marketing And Communications, And EventsProvide strategic direction and management support to the creation and execution of an effective organizational marketing and communications plan to advance fund development priorities and other organizational goals and objectivesUse metrics and insights to regularly assess efficacy of the marketing and communications plan against fund development conversion impacts and other key metrics and to support learning and improvementProactively create and amplify a positive public image, brand, and reputation for the organizationLead active creation, maintenance, relevance, and compliance of organization’s brand and marketing research, assets, collateral, events and messagingDirectly oversee the writing and editing of all fundraising and marketing communications, speeches, press releases, letters, and articlesLead and manage the prioritization of and delivery against communications needs across the organizationSupport and possibly serve as stand-in for CEO or other leaders for public appearances and responses to media inquiriesRequirementsQualifications:Progressively responsible fundraising experience, including a minimum of five years in a senior director role and seven years of successful track record attracting and closing major gifts of $100,000+Proven track record of identifying, cultivating, securing, and stewarding major donor relationshipsProven track record of partnering with high-level boards of directors, volunteers, and organizational partnersAbility to think and act strategically; understand the role of individuals, corporations, and foundations in contemporary philanthropyExperience with proven results in designing, building, and managing to a development plan and function that is experiencing growthDemonstrated competency in marketing, communications, and brand managementExceptional skills in writing and content creation; Demonstrated ability to present complex information in a clear, compelling and concise mannerProven ability to lead strategic planning, manage team execution against measurable goals and objectives, and develop and manage budgetsAbility to organize and prioritize work of a team and cross-functional organizational colleagues and meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment with competing demandsDemonstrated ability to engage in excellent written and oral communicationAbility to recruit, motivate, organize and retain a high-performing and diverse team; ability to foster talent development, growth, learning, and improvement.Exceptional project management skillsThrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, results-driven, and fast-paced environmentDemonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office productsExperience and proficiency with database tools (e.g. Raisers Edge, DonorPerfect, or similar software); development and communications analytics for performance measurement, learning, and improvement; and web content management systemsCommitment to equity, social justice, and community-centered approaches to education.Experience working in diverse communities or multicultural settings is highly desirable.Flexibility to travel occasionally and work evenings or weekends as needed.BenefitsHealth Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)Training & DevelopmentFree Food & SnacksSalary Range: $100,000-$130,000