Director, Development & Marketing, Double Discovery Center

Position Summary

The Roger Lehecka Double Discovery Center (DDC) of Columbia University increases access to higher education for over 1,000 low-income and first-generation college-bound New York City youth in grades 7 through 12 annually through educational and enrichment activities as well as mentorship and tutoring opportunities with Columbia University students, staff and other volunteers.

The Center is a department located within Columbia College and funded from a source of funds including government grants, corporate and foundation funding, institutional funds, and individual donors. DDC is home to two of the nation's TRIO programs, Talent Search and Upward Bound, with multi-year grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. The Center has a long and rich history in providing invaluable services and programs to the University’s neighboring communities.

The Director, Development & Marketing reports to the Executive Director and will create and support a sustainable development and marketing strategy that enhances the visibility and philanthropic support of The Roger Lehecka Double Discovery Center. As a new position, the Director, Development & Marketing is responsible for the development, planning, and successful execution of a comprehensive fundraising program and marketing campaign to position the Center for future success and growth. 

THIS IS A DONOR-FUNDED POSITION. CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON ONGOING SUFFICIENT FUNDING.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of an overall development strategy with a focus on diverse funding sources ranging from major gifts to smaller donations, including individual donor support, foundation support, corporate giving, and in-kind donations. 
  • Identify and develop relationships with a diverse and broad range of potential corporate, foundation, and individual partners.
  • Apply for local and national grants; this includes grant research and proposal writing and the management of reporting.
  • Develop all fundraising communications and narrative.
     
• Develop a portfolio of prospects/Build an effective individual donor base.
  • Direct and face-to-face asks for large- and small-scale financial gifts; meeting with prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis.
  • Contribute to new and existing ways of connecting individuals with nuanced programming opportunities that appeal to their giving and personal interests.
     
• Develop and implement annual fund initiatives such as direct mail, newsletters and informational brochures, e-solicitations, special appeals; annual fund donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
   
• Develop and implement a marketing campaign to support visibility of the DDC and its fundraising initiatives.
   
• Monitor fundraising results and report progress to the Executive Director and the Board of Friends; participate in the Board Meetings and Committees, as requested.
   
• Staff Executive Director on high-level prospect meetings, including the development of briefings, strategy documents, proposals, prep and follow-up materials and contact reports. 

• Other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.  
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising required.
• Proficient knowledge of and experience in fundraising techniques, including donor strategies and development plan creation required.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Outstanding strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong initiative, creativity, organizational ability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with a variety of constituencies, including donors, board members, volunteers and staff.
• This position requires work beyond regular hours, including evenings and weekends, as events and programs require.

• **Applications submitted without a resume and cover letter will not be reviewed.**

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in grant writing, communications, events and marketing preferred.
• Knowledge of the academic needs of low-income, first generation and underrepresented students recommended.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.