Managing Director of Advancement

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Advancement, the Managing Director of Advancement is responsible for driving the strategic coordination and execution of all frontline fundraising activities. This individual will manage a team of major gift and institutional gift officers in raising $21M in philanthropic revenue.

This is a great role for an experienced fundraiser who understands the interconnectedness of individual and institutional philanthropy and is adept at managing and maximizing a diverse team. 

• Team Leadership & Strategy
• Collaborate with the Deputy Chief of Advancement to develop and implement a cohesive fundraising strategy
• Provide day-to-day management for all frontline fundraising staff
• Set performance metrics and ensure accountability through regular coaching, feedback, and professional development
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Serve as part of DREAM’s management team and build a culture of philanthropy among colleagues
• Partner with programmatic leaders to identify funding opportunities and shape the case for support and cultivation program for prospects across streams

• Pipeline Management
• Oversee portfolios of individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors; directly review and approve solicitations for major gift donors
• Manage a personal portfolio of principal donors who require coordination across funding streams
• Maintain a cohesive and consistent donor experience by overseeing stewardship programs and donor communications
• Partner with the Senior Director of Operations to facilitate special event fundraising throughout the year
• Collaborate with the Prospect Researcher to source new donors across streams and encourage a portfolio-wide approach to qualification and cultivation 
• With the Deputy Chief of Advancement and co-CEOs, support fundraising from and through the Board of Directors and Ambassadors

• Bachelor’s degree, required; Master’s degree in relevant field, preferred;
• A track record of success in achieving ambitious fundraising goals, including raising six- and seven-figure gifts, required; 5+ years of experience, highly preferred;
• Direct experience cultivating and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation gifts, required;
• Superb people management skills – including experience developing newer fundraising professionals and facilitating collaboration across the team, required; 5+ years of leadership experience highly preferred;
• Experience working in a community-based non-profit, preferred;
• Proven ability to achieve ambitious fundraising and/or goals both individually and and through leadership of a team, including through personally cultivating, soliciting, and securing gifts or revenue;
• A team player who can work across and up the organization to inspire and enable action;
• A high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to quickly build trust and develop authentic relationships;
• An ability to excel within a dynamic team setting;
• An exemplary reputation with stature and credibility;
• A strategic thinker with a relentless focus on improving systems, coordinating efforts, using data to drive decision making and an unwavering commitment to reaching goals; 
• Proven ability for bringing together different departments within an organization to work together toward a shared vision and goals;
• A working knowledge of the New York City funding community, including its leaders and trends;
• Ability to influence and compel individuals to action to achieve objectives, both internally and externally;
• A commitment to diversity, specifically, the ability to interact professionally with dedicated Board and staff members who have diverse backgrounds, professional skills and perspectives;
• Flexibility and a proven ability to innovate and find creative solutions to challenges; 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

• The  Managing Director of Advancement is part of the Advancement Team, which currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote, per week (subject to change).

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans,  subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave; 
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment
• Referral bonuses;
• All full-time Network Support Team employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays.
• Benefits are subject to change.

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $165,000  to $185,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.