Director of Development

Springboard Enterprises’ mission is to accelerate the growth of women-led entrepreneurial companies through access to essential resources and a global community of experts. We are a leading network of industry experts, investors, and innovators dedicated to building companies at scale led by women who are transforming industries in technology, life sciences and healthcare.

The measure of our success is in the results. Since our founding in 2000, over 930 Springboard portfolio companies have created more than $61B in value, executed over 237 exits to strategic acquirers, and achieved 28 IPOs.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

At a time of tremendous opportunity, we are seeking a Director of Development to lead efforts to secure the financial resources needed to scale our operations, deepen our programming, and support even more women innovators and entrepreneurs. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Development will:

• Design and lead fundraising strategies that drive revenue growth and organizational sustainability. Develop a multi-year plan with clear goals and metrics and focus on growing and diversifying funding streams across individual, foundation, and corporate supporters.
• Build and manage a robust infrastructure for development operations. Establish and optimize systems and processes for the development function. Ensure high-quality donor data management, research, moves management, and communications through usage of donor CRM (Every Action) and other tools.
• Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of new donors. Conduct research and leverage Springboard Enterprises’ deep networks of program alumni, volunteers, and advisors to build a robust pipeline of donors. Engage in all stages of donor relations.
• Grow relationships from existing donors that result in deeper levels of engagement and support. Forge personal connections with current donors to expand corporate sponsorships/partnerships, foundation and other philanthropic grants, and individual donations. Pursue creative ways to engage supporters in program activities and events.
• Guide the engagement of the Board of Directors in fundraising activities. In close partnership with the CEO, provide direction to board members in leveraging their networks, making introductions, and participating in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Oversee the execution of signature fundraising events. Lead the production of the Annual Awards Gala in New York City, as well as conceive of and execute events tied to Springboard’s 25th anniversary. Work with external consultants as needed in event production.
• Lead the creation and refinement of donor-facing messaging and materials. With support from the marketing team, create high-quality materials, including LOIs, grant proposals, presentations, and written appeals. Leverage data, impact stories, and results in donor communications.

WHO YOU ARE

The Director of Development role calls for candidates who possess the following experience, competencies, and personal qualities:

• A passionate advocate for Springboard Enterprises’ mission and values. You are energized to join a hard-working and collaborative team focused on guiding high-potential women entrepreneurs and their businesses to the next stage of growth. You thrive in a start-up environment and play well on teams.
• A well-rounded development professional with experience growing a donor base. You have 10-15+ years of development experience, with a track record of securing gifts from individual, foundation, and corporate donors. You enjoy both the donor-facing and behind-the-scenes work of fundraising.
• A “big picture” thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You approach fundraising through an analytical and data-driven lens and are hands-on in translating strategy into tangible activities and goals. You integrate fundraising best practices with new thinking and approaches.
• A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships with a range of personalities. You lead with listening and emotional intelligence. People feel valued and respected around you.
• A compelling writer, storyteller, and communicator. You are skilled in breaking down and communicating ideas in clear and concise ways that inspire others to action. You leverage data and stories to create narratives that articulate the “why” behind an organization’s mission.
• An entrepreneurial spirit who is excited by growth and big goals. You are self-directed and action-oriented, with the ability to stay focused and nimble in a dynamic environment. You run with new ideas and leverage available resources to create the biggest impact.