Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Center for Supportive Schools (CSS) is seeking a senior, externally facing leader to drive revenue growth, expand strategic partnerships, and accelerate mission-aligned impact across K–12 systems. The Senior Director, Business & Fund Development will own and execute CSS’s business development strategy, identifying, cultivating, and securing new funding opportunities while strengthening existing client relationships.
Responsibilities
- Set and execute a multi-year business development strategy aligned to CSS priorities—defining target markets, priority segments (district, network, school, and intermediary partners), and annual revenue goals that expand in depth and reach
- Assess market demand and partner needs to position CSS core programs and inform new offerings, pilots, and customized solutions that respond to district priorities and educator realities
- Build, manage, and continuously refine a robust prospect-to-partner pipeline (lead generation through close and renewal), in tight collaboration with Advancement, Program Excellence, Program Impact, and Finance
- Own pipeline discipline and performance management, including CRM hygiene, conversion metrics, stage definitions, and weekly/monthly forecasting to inform organizational decision-making
- Lead revenue forecasting across geographies and partnership types, translating pipeline health and contract deliverables into reliable budget inputs and quarterly targets
- Direct the development of fee-for-service proposals and responses to Calls for Proposals (district RFPs/RFQs), ensuring competitive positioning, compliant submissions, and clear implementation plans
- Negotiate and secure high-value partnerships, alliances, joint ventures, and client relationships that expand CSS impact—navigating public-sector procurement, contracting, and renewal processes to successful execution
- Partner with the CEO to benchmark the field, map decision-makers, and select high-leverage conferences, convenings, and networks that accelerate market entry and relationship development
- Design and execute annual outreach and marketing campaigns aligned to the academic calendar and district budget cycles, with support from External Affairs and Engagement
- Cultivate executive-level relationships across the education ecosystem—including superintendents, cabinet leaders, principal supervisors, school leaders, and key intermediaries—positioning CSS as a trusted, mission-aligned partner
- Support the CEO’s engagement strategy for the National Advisory Council by developing agendas and materials, facilitating structured input (e.g., interviews/focus groups), and driving timely follow-through
- Ensure high-quality partner onboarding and lifecycle management—from initial outreach through contracting, implementation readiness, and renewal—maintaining required partnership documentation, MOUs, and successful completion of local procurement processes
- Co-lead annual fund planning and execution with Advancement by developing integrated campaign calendars, thematic messages, and segmented outreach that increases participation and revenue
- Provide leadership and partnership for building and strengthening peer-led fundraising campaigns through platforms and systems, enabling trustee and staff engagement in fundraising with clear accountability and reporting
- Expand stakeholder-led and grassroots giving opportunities through digital fundraising platforms, social media, and partner/community engagement, ensuring consistent stewardship and donor experience
- Drive continuous improvement of annual fund outcomes by monitoring performance, testing tactics, and aligning fundraising priorities with CSS strategic initiatives and program impact storytelling
- Partner with Program Excellence leadership to understand CSS’s geographic footprint, evidence of impact, implementation requirements, and educator needs—translating results into fundable, partner-ready opportunities and clear scopes of work
- Build and manage business development systems, tools, and processes (CRM, proposal templates, pricing assumptions, intake and handoff protocols), collaborating with Program Excellence/Impact and Finance to ensure accurate budgeting, contracting, compliance, invoicing, and collection
- Provide regular executive-level revenue reporting to the Office of the CEO (pipeline, forecast, wins/losses, renewals, and key risks), using dashboards and written updates to drive decisions and accountability
- Coach colleagues and/or manage contingent staff/consultants supporting outreach and campaign execution; set clear goals, build sustainable workflows, and track performance metrics
Skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, nonprofit management, business, or a related field
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, education sector revenue generation, and/or school-directed sales, including ownership of a full-cycle pipeline
- Proven track record of securing significant revenue through school- and district-based contracts and partnerships, with demonstrated ability to influence senior decision-makers and close complex deals
- Deep understanding of the education and nonprofit ecosystem, including district governance, school leader priorities, educator needs, and public-sector budgeting, purchasing, and procurement processes
- Exceptional executive communication skills (written and verbal), including proposal leadership, RFP/RFQ responses, contract negotiation, and the ability to translate program impact into compelling partner and donor narratives
- Demonstrated consultative sales capability with a focus on strategic outreach
- Master's degree in public administration, education, business, or a related field
- Experience partnering with Advancement teams on annual fund campaigns, donor engagement, and institutional funders
- CRM experience (e.g., Salesforce or similar systems)
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