ARTS &
TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY
Public Charter School
Washington, D.C.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Position Specification
Executive Summary
About ten years ago, in a tough, northeast Washington neighborhood characterized by public housing and family incomes well below federal poverty levels, some parents in the neighborhood had a different vision for their children. Thus the Arts & Technology Academy Public Charter School (ATA) began in 1998 with a public charter in the District of Columbia
ATA is a pre-K through 6th grade neighborhood school that has designed a curriculum to engage its roughly 600 students, create a safe and creative learning environment, and move them toward academic achievement. The curriculum features a mix of arts, technology, and fundamental academics. The performing and visual arts are viewed as a foundation for academic learning and offer children many ways to express themselves and excel. Additional attention to technology in the classroom introduces kids to the tools of learning and life in the 21st century. ATA also offers an after-school program and breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children throughout the day.
ATA is a well-performing school, which nonetheless faces the stiff challenges of inner-city education. It has met its Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) goals in 2 out of 5 years. The Head of School, Errick L. Greene, the Board of Trustees, and the faculty and staff are fully committed to delivering a learning environment that demonstrates academic achievement every year. Also under consideration are plans to expand the school on the present campus through grade 8.
The Situation
The Board of Trustees has identified as a priority the need to hire a director of development to create and direct a full fundraising program to support the Arts & Technology Academy. This is a new position and offers a development professional the opportunity to start a fundraising operation from scratch.
Special attention in the start-up phase will be to identify new sources of funding and develop funding ideas. The initial focus will be on government grants, foundation proposals, corporate sponsorships, and special events. The director will also put in place major gifts and annual fund programs for individual philanthropy.
There are many ideas for funding proposals aimed ultimately at helping students meet and exceed their AYP goals. Among the top priorities, for example, is the need for teacher support such as teaching aides, technology support, and continuing education. The art, drama, and music programs as well as the technology program also provide opportunities for underwriting and sponsorship support.
While the ATA building, located at 5300 Blaine Street, NE, is in good condition now, present activities strain the available space. In time, building maintenance and rehabilitation will become a priority, and if plans proceed to add a middle school on the campus, capital funds will be needed for new construction.
Attractions
There are a lot of projects and programs waiting to be funded—a creative fundraiser will have a lot to work with. This is a great opportunity for a self-starter to make something out of nothing.
The school administrators, board, faculty, and staff are exceptionally dedicated people. It is a pleasure to work here.
ATA is an innovative environment. People are open to new ideas.
This is a deserving population, and students are excited to be here. This is an opportunity to work with children who really need someone to take an interest in them.
By helping to develop funding ideas, the director will also
help direct the school’s future.
Critical Issues
The problems of inner-city education are massive. We have seen progress in attaining yearly goals, but we have a long way to go.
The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is active but small; it is trying to involve more parents in its work.
The school needs to focus its efforts on a few priorities and be careful not to get over-extended.
The Position
Reports to: Coleen Meehan, School Administrator with dotted line to Errick L. Greene, Head of School.
Works closely with: Board of Trustees, in
particular Kendall Joyner, president, and Jonathan
Hill, chair of the finance committee; faculty, content specialists, and staff.
Major Responsibilities:
Develop and implement a coordinated development program that
includes:
_
Local and federal government grants
_
Corporate sponsorships for special programs or performances
_
Special event fundraising
_
Major gifts for capital expenses, exhibitions, and special projects
_
Annual giving for operating support
_
An annual development plan with fundraising goals and strategies
_
Public relations, communications, and marketing components
Work with ATA faculty and staff to develop ideas for funding proposals. Help develop programs that will be attractive for funding and advance the mission and academic goals of the school. Compile a list of grant-making organizations and their interests to help develop funding proposals.
Plan and implement special fundraising events.
Be mindful of marketing, communications, and public relations opportunities and ways to publicize the things that are going on at ATA to the broader community.
Work with and train the Head of School and the Board in all aspects of the development program. Coach the Board and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation.
Develop and manage a fundraising budget and produce financial reports as required.
Keep the School Administrator and Head of School apprised of progress in the development program such as the need for additional staff or volunteers.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of five years successful experience in all aspects of nonprofit fundraising and marketing.
Successful track record in meeting annual fundraising goals.
Experience working with donors in the metropolitan Washington area.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills including proposal writing and a working knowledge of appropriate grants management, and word processing, spreadsheet, and data management software.
Excellent management, communications, interpersonal, and organizational skills, as well as attention to detail.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Experience raising funds for schools.
A successful track record in grant writing—both government and corporate/foundation proposals.
A passion for the arts and appreciate how the arts support academic success.
Some knowledge of the public charter school movement.
The Ideal Candidate Will Be:
Mature and self-directed so as to create a fundraising program where none currently exists.
Energetic
Creative
Committed to school success in the inner-city.
Nominators and those interested in exploring this situation should please communicate with:
Bob Sellery or Katie Wilson, Robert Sellery Associates, Ltd.
1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036.
Email: wilson@sellery.com,
sellery@sellery.com
Telephone: 202.331.0090
FAX: 202.772.3101
All inquiries will be kept in strict confidence.
R
OBERT SELLERY ASSOCIATES, LTD.
