ORGANIZATION

Hit the Books (“HTB”) aims to provide educational resources to underserved communities through a sports-based development approach, with tutoring and mentorship at its core and mixed martial arts as the ‘hook.’ Based out of our 5000 sq ft facility located in Harlem, New York, Hit the Books serves as an academic, fitness, and community center that helps make every goal achievable for its students.

HTB provides after-school educational programs, mixed martial arts classes, and peer
mentorship to students in Harlem in grades 2-8. HTB exposes our students to educational opportunities that may otherwise pass them by, fostering an environment of educational equality. In addition to enhancing the academic resources available to children, HTB has developed into a community within a community where students view the facility as a safe space and second home.

OPPORTUNITY

Hit the Books seeks a Director of Development and Communications to lead fundraising efforts and marketing and communications strategies. The Director of Development and Communications will report directly to the Executive Director and work closely with the board and other key staff on reaching annual goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and Strategy

● Serve as the main fundraiser working closely with HTB’s Executive Director and Board to fundraise towards an annual goal of $1.25 MM.

● Refine and implement a strategic fundraising plan that leverages a CRM to optimize and integrate fundraising efforts at both the local and national levels that include major gifts, private and corporate foundations, and government grants.

● Identify and develop creative strategies and new revenue streams to engage funders based on Hit the Book's unique set of programs, facilities, and programming.

● Research prospects and oversee completion of grant applications to secure funding from private and corporate foundations, as well as government grant opportunities

● Run point for HTB’s annual Fundraising Gala in October

Board Management

● Build and manage relationships for Hit the Books with the Board of Directors

● Support Executive Director in preparation for quarterly board meetings to ensure board members are actively engaged

Development Team Management and Administration

● Provide management and oversight to build the staff including interns and volunteers to create the development team

● Provide regular feedback, professional development, and coaching to help each staff member, intern, and volunteer excel

● Accountable for all administrative aspects of the Development function, which includes strategy and oversight of donor data, gift recognition, and reporting for both internal and external audiences

Marketing and Communications

● Provide direction and strategy to manage and evolve Hit the Books' marketing and communications approach

● Collaborate with internal staff and external vendors to ensure consistent messaging

● Build and manage all of the marketing assets that can be leveraged to share compelling stories of Hit the Books’ success, including print, video, digital, and social media

QUALIFICATIONS

To meet their responsibilities, the ideal Director of Development and Communications candidate will have:

● Several years of experience in fundraising for a non-profit organization or relevant sales/business development for a corporate entity;

● Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding goals in securing funding from foundations, corporations, individuals, grants, and/or government entities;

● Self-starter and self-motivated leader who can work independently to set and achieve goals;

● Personable, friendly, solutions oriented team player able to build relationships with key funders and supporters;

● Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills;

● Polished and professional writer experienced in creating engaging content for online or print materials;

● Ability to engage interns and volunteers in meaningful short- and long-term projects, and can work with diverse community members;

● Creative thinker and problem-solver who is able to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks;

● Experience managing organization-wide CRM tools and fundraising data systems;

● Openness to travel to meet with Hit the Books’ key donors and funding stakeholders.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Grant Writing skills: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New York, NY 10027: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10027