Development Director - Start School Later

Start School Later (SSL) is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing the public health impact of early school start times, which prevent most adolescents from getting the sleep they need for optimal physical and mental health, safety, and school performance. Through the dedication of our volunteers, we’ve brought attention to this issue on a national scale, spearheading landmark legislation, fostering endorsements from key health and education organizations, and creating essential sleep-health resources. We envision a world that values the importance of sleep and allows students of all ages to start school at healthy, safe times. We seek an individual with proven fundraising experience, a passion for our vision, and enthusiasm to help us grow and fulfill this mission. For more information, please visit our website: Start School Later.

POSITION OVERVIEW

SSL seeks a highly organized, innovative, and relationship-focused Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts. This newly created role offers the flexibility to work remotely and set your own schedule of approximately 20 hours per week. The Development Director will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic development plan to drive SSL’s fiscal growth in alignment with mission objectives.

SSL operates through the dedication of committed founders and volunteers, with no salaried positions apart from this critical role. Our structure reflects the deep commitment to our mission and allows SSL to direct our resources fully toward programmatic impact. We seek a candidate who shares this commitment and can work collaboratively in an entrepreneurial and volunteer-led environment.

The candidate will be responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, organizing fundraising events and campaigns, identifying funding opportunities, and writing grant proposals. We’re looking for someone who is a self-starter, strategic, innovative, and proactive in identifying opportunities to grow and expand the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES

• Collaborate with SSL’s national team and Board members to create a comprehensive fundraising plan, including initiating special events, steering major gifts and institutional support, and identifying new grant opportunities.
• Implement and execute a fundraising strategy to meet revenue goals.
• Manage a portfolio of corporate sponsors and private donors.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising goals and priority strategies.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Communications Director to develop and integrate donor communications into public-facing materials such as newsletters, the annual report, and social media outreach.

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

• 10+ years of fundraising experience with increasing levels of responsibility; leadership experience preferred.
• Proven track record of developing, implementing, and achieving fundraising goals.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent nonprofit fundraising experience in a relevant field (e.g., Public Administration, Business, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, Education).
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of trends and best practices in philanthropy, fundraising, and prospect research.
• Dedication to transparency to build trust and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment with multiple projects.
• Strong written communication skills, including writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Proficiency in database and spreadsheet management, including donor/customer relationship software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram).

CHARACTERISTICS AND APPROACH

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strategic approach to advancing social change.
• An open and collaborative communication style, viewing questions as an opportunity to clarify and share insights. Strong communicators who embrace questions to foster learning among team members to inform the decision-making process are preferred.
• Commitment to public service values; alignment with SSL’s mission is preferred but not required.

LOCATION & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This is a fully remote position requiring occasional travel (up to 10%) for in-person meetings and events.

HIRING RANGE

$65,000 - $75,000 pro-rated for 20 hrs/week ($130,000 - $150,000 annualized)

TO APPLY

We encourage interested candidates to email a resume and cover letter to The Stott Group at careers@thestottgroup.com with “SSL Development Director” in the subject line. Please be advised that a skill assessment assignment will be requested during the hiring process.