About College Possible
As one of the largest and most successful college access and success organizations in the country, since 2000 College Possible has empowered more than 85,700 students on their path to earning a college degree. Its pioneering model matches eligible students with a near-peer coach and an evidence-based curriculum designed to help them overcome the most common barriers to getting into college and completing their degree - all at no cost to students or their families. Compared with their peers from similar backgrounds, College Possible students are 30% more likely to enroll in college the year after high school graduation, and three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree.
College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as College Possible coaches in communities throughout the country. Many represent the identities of the students they serve, and each brings a commitment to social justice and closing the college equity divide.
Our near-peer coaching model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has an annual operating budget of ~$33.5 million, more than 190 full-time employees and more than 245 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 25,700 students nationwide.
Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Saint Paul, MN; and Seattle, WA; as well as Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education.
Equal Opportunity Employer
College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings. Alternative application formats are available upon request by contacting hr@collegepossible.org.
Your Role as Senior Development Officer, Institutional Giving
The Senior Development Officer for Institutional Giving works under the direction of the SVP of Advancement to define a national and regional fundraising growth strategy to benefit College Possible's national and regional programs. This role centers on executing strategic development efforts to build a strong national corporate and foundation portfolio and pipeline of multi-year support from all types of institutional funding sources. This role coordinates planning, cultivation, solicitation, and relationship management with eight regional sites of varying capacities to grow fundraising support overall for one College Possible, working cross-functionally to build strong relationships internally to navigate challenges and maximize opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:
Prospecting and Cultivation: Develop and manage a pipeline and portfolio to raise $2 million in new revenue annually (in addition to renewals). Oversee prospecting and donor research. Create cultivation strategies to develop and grow relationships, and secure new and renewed funding opportunities
Relationship Management and Stewardship: Create and execute stewardship strategies in partnership with the SVP and CEO, including in-person visits, phone calls, acknowledgment processes, event/conference attendance, and other best practices. Work closely with the Grants Management, Development Operations, and Marketing-Communications Teams to provide seamless and professional relationship management to external stakeholders and funders. Required work will be to document and maintain clear and timely records and call reports to track contacts, donor giving, notes, and assist in the maintenance of an accurate donor database.
Regional Site Planning and Coordination: Proactively work with College Possible's regional sites to identify and broaden support opportunities - expanding support nationally and across multiple sites. Coordinate strategy, communication, and roles to secure new and increased funding, and best manage funder relationships over time.
Internal Coordination and Planning: Working closely with key leaders across the organization and Development Team colleagues, developing a clear multi-year fundraising plan utilizing fundraising best practices, and coordinating with other functions and sites so funding goals align with program areas, growth initiatives, and organizational financial needs.
What You Bring
Education/Certifications/Licenses:
- Bachelor's degree required, CFRE preferred or similar fundraising experience and training
Related Work Experience:
- Five to ten years of fundraising experience in a comparable environment demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
- Exceptional experience serving in a donor relations role requiring portfolio management and growth, pipeline building, and revenue responsibilities.
- Knowledge of, and experience producing, donor and funder communications, proposals, LOIs, and creating funding opportunities for six and seven figure gifts.
- Experience with fundraising software and donor database software; SalesForce experience a plus.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:
- Ability to develop strong relationships and facilitate conversation around complex programs and mission-based work in the higher education and student support sector.
- Ability to communicate professionally, confidently, and collaboratively verbally and in person in ways that garner the respect of senior staff, board members, colleagues across the country from various backgrounds, and with a diverse range of funders - from sophisticated national foundations to legacy family foundations.
- A proven high degree of integrity, ethical decision-making, and sound business
- Strategic thinker and problem-solver, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
- Travels as necessary locally, regionally, and nationally to manage portfolio of
- Appreciation and understanding of the mission of College Possible and the ability to articulate organizational values internally and externally.
- High energy, enthusiastic, strong commitment to public service and social
- Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants and other supporters.
- Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization, ability to adapt, creativity and commitment to excellence highly valued.
Computer/Software Skills:
- Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and donor database software.
- SalesForce experience is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed
- Office environment with limited travel
- 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 country
- 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 CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume and cover letter.
