Fast Facts
College Possible is seeking a Senior Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts and enhance relationships with institutional and individual donors, helping to achieve revenue goals to support the mission of college access for students.
Responsibilities: Manage fundraising activities, oversee development staff, build donor relationships, and implement strategic plans to achieve annual revenue goals.
Skills: Eight+ years of development leadership experience; strong donor stewardship and communication skills; proficiency in CRM software and data analysis.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree and/or CFRE preferred; experience in education or related field is ideal.
Location: Position is based in Portland, OR, with occasional travel to Wisconsin for events and team gatherings.
Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $100,000 - $150,000.
Sr. Director, Development
College Possible - Portland
This Work Is Our Mission
At College Possible, we believe talent is universal. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That's where you come in.
We support students on their journey to higher education by providing personalized coaching, resources, and guidance. When you join College Possible, you become part of a team dedicated to making college access and success a reality. Together, we help students navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees.
Our Impact
87% of College Possible students are admitted to college and are enrolled at 866 colleges and universities across the United States. Nationwide, we've served 99,000+ students since 2000.
Why Join Our Team?
When you work at College Possible, you're not just taking a job-you're advancing a mission to help more students get to and through college. You'll play a direct role in helping students achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures.
Key Benefits
✅ Professional Growth Access training, mentorship, and career development opportunities as you support student success.
✅ Mission-Driven Impact Make a direct difference in students' lives by helping them access and complete college.
✅ Collaborative Community Join a team that values teamwork, innovation, and excellence in service of students.
✅ Work-Life Balance Enjoy flexible work options, unlimited PTO, and resources to support your well-being.
Your Role as Sr. Director of Development
The Senior Director of Development is responsible for managing, coordinating and achieving annual revenue goals to support organizational priorities. This position works closely with the Executive Director to translate site strategies into an actionable plan for all fundraising activities including corporations, foundations, individuals, government and earned revenue. This position is responsible for leading on the implementation of the site's fundraising plan including donor and funder cultivation and relationship building, portfolio management, data analysis, board relations and the marketing and communications plan.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leading and Managing External Relations Team: (50%) Responsible for directly supervising four development and communication staff members within the external relations department. Responsible for building positive relationships, managing expectations, providing mentorship, communicating clearly on strategies and priorities, and developing skills that lead to high performance.
- Prospecting, Relationship Building and Stewardship: (15%) Build on existing relationships, primarily with institutional funders and some individual donors. Improve donor retention through meaningful stewardship strategies and prospecting for new sources of revenue leveraging board and investment committee connections. Prospecting includes regions aligned with our statewide programs, to include greater Oregon and SW Washington.
- Portfolio Management: (15%) The Senior Director of Development maintains a portfolio of key institutional and individual supporters and is responsible for communication, stewardship and renewed funding from this group.
- Planning and Analysis: (10%) Work closely with the Executive Director and local advisory board of directors to move organizational priorities forward through the annual fundraising plans with the broad goal of achieving revenue goals. Oversee the creation of site performance metrics for the Oregon site to track and analyze progress towards achieving revenue and communication goals.
- Local, State & Federal Government Relations & Advocacy: (10%) Work closely with the Executive Director and local board of directors to create a multi-year plan for cultivating and building on existing government relationships, with specific focus on funding opportunities at the local and state levels. Work with officials to advocate for College Possible and key legislative initiatives that support mission.
- Other Duties as Assigned
What You Bring
Education/Certifications/Licenses:
- Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree and/or CFRE helpful.
Related Work Experience:
- Eight+ years of leadership/oversight of development in a similar organization or industry.
- Strong management and supervisory experience
- Experience demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
- Experience in education or related field preferred.
Computer/Software Skills:
- Experience with Salesforce, or other CRM preferred.
- Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Products.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:
- Proven ability to prospect, secure and steward high level donor/funder relationships resulting in sustainable revenue.
- Significant commitment to the mission of helping students from low-income backgrounds earn admission into college and persist to degree completion.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills across diverse audiences.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and flexibility to work in multiple locations.
- Demonstrated ability to use, collect and analyze data.
- Proven record of facilitation and collaboration with organizations and the community.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when
- Ability to work remotely.
- If residing in surrounding states, travel will be required to Wisconsin for events and team gatherings.
- Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day.
What We Offer
In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:
- An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader
- A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
- Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.
To Join Our Growing College Possible Team:
Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume, cover letter.
