Director of Development

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION 

For over a decade, STEM From Dance (SFD) has been committed to empowering girls of color with the skills, experiences, and confidence to pursue careers in STEM — all through the power of dance. Our mission is rooted in addressing the systemic underrepresentation of women of color in STEM fields. Through our innovative programs and steadfast community support, girls cultivate their creativity, fortify their confidence, and leverage technology to pioneer bold innovations.

Our vision is ambitious: to impact the lives of one million girls, guiding them towards thriving careers in STEM. Already on the path to national and global recognition, SFD is at the forefront of integrating dance with STEM education, driving the charge toward greater representation of women of color in STEM. We envision a future where the STEM landscape is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, where women of color not only participate but lead and innovate.

Built on a foundation of a bold mission, a strategic growth plan, and unwavering core values, STEM From Dance is poised to change the face of STEM. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Director of Development is a key leadership position responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive development strategy to support the growth and sustainability of STEM From Dance. This role involves managing all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, institutional giving, individual giving, events, and donor stewardship. The Director of Development will work closely with the Chief Development Officer to build and maintain relationships with donors and partners. 

WHAT YOU’ll DO

Key responsibilities will include:

• Fundraising Strategy and Execution (40%) 
• You will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with the strategic goals of STEM From Dance.
• You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• You will oversee the grant writing process, including proposal development, budget creation, and submission of grant applications.
• Donor Relations and Stewardship (30%) 
• You will build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• You will develop and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs to ensure long-term engagement and support.
• You will organize and lead donor events, site visits, and meetings to showcase the impact of STEM From Dance's programs.
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• Team Leadership and Collaboration (20%) 
• You will lead, mentor, and manage the Development team to achieve fundraising goals.
• You will work closely with program staff to gather data, stories, and impact metrics for use in fundraising efforts.
• You will collaborate with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer to ensure accurate tracking of donations, grant revenue, and expenses.
• You will collaborate with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer to develop systems to ensure accurate reporting. 
• Representation and Advocacy (5%)
• You will represent STEM From Dance at meetings, conferences, and events to cultivate relationships with institutional donors and raise awareness of our programs and impact.
• Board and Executive Collaboration (5%)
• You will partner with the Chief Development Officer to identify and engage potential board members and major donors.
• You will provide regular updates on fundraising progress and strategies to the Chief Development Officer.

Requirements

WHO YOU ARE 

To fulfill these responsibilities, you have the following:

• You are deeply aligned with STEM From Dance's mission and values, demonstrating a genuine passion for empowering girls of color in STEM.
• You have excellent writing and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability in storytelling.
• You have a proven track record of successfully securing significant contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. 
• You have experience in nonprofit development, including major gifts and donor stewardship.
• You have a growth mindset, delivering measurable outcomes through creativity and data-driven decision-making.
• You embody STEM From Dance’s work philosophy.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Benefits

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: This position offers a competitive salary range for this role: $80,000 - $115,000

BENEFITS: STEM From Dance offers a competitive total compensation package inclusive of benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid time off, flexible schedules, and extensive learning opportunities. More details can be provided upon request.

TRAVEL: 20% travel is expected, including to New York City and other key events. 

LOCATION: This position can be remote, with a preference for candidates located on the East Coast, particularly in the New York City area. Monthly in-person meetings at our New York City office are expected.