Key to this role
is strategic integration of Breakthrough’s development and marketing efforts, increasing awareness of the organization’s impact and building a strong case for support, and working closely with the Board of Trustees and other volunteer groups to advance strategic priorities.
This is a remote position (based within the continental U.S.), with a need for up to 25% of travel nationally.

Responsibilities
Partner with the CEO, colleagues, and Trustees to define and execute an aligned development and marketing-communications vision and direction to meet Breakthrough’s goals and objectives as defined by the strategic plan
Develop the strategic direction for the cohesion of marketing-communications and development functions rooted in the understanding of their interconnectedness
Develop a vision for and manage the implementation of collaborative fundraising opportunities with Breakthrough’s 24 national affiliates. Navigate complex stakeholder relationships, competing priorities and coordination between national and regional partners to successfully develop and secure buy in for affiliate support and training
Partner with the CEO to provide leadership and development support to the Board of Trustees, Campaign Committee, and the National Ambassadors Council seeking strategic integration and coordination of all efforts
Develop an understanding of the organization’s various teams and departments to thoughtfully contribute leadership and vision as a member of the Executive Leadership Team; investing and championing priorities across departments and teams
Collaborate with internal teams to identify areas where revenue generation could support program improvement and success in alignment with organizational goals
Develop strategy for identifying and forging new relationships with foundations, corporations, and other institutional funders of stature in the educational field
Enhance, market, and continue to develop national donor recognition programs with special emphasis on promoting and expanding the scope and brand to the highest tier of donors
Strategically design the Board Fund Development Committees to integrate and maximize board fundraising efforts
Lead the team to identify, cultivate, and develop fundraising leadership skills
Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting.

Qualifications
10+ years of demonstrated success building and leading teams in an entrepreneurial, high-performing, nonprofit organization
Including but not limited to short and long-term planning, evaluation, directing and motivating staff, financial management, marketing, values clarification, organizational behavior and development, and governance
Experience leading a team of full-time employees in a remote/geographically dispersed environment to measurable results
Demonstrated track record of identifying and securing six and seven-figure gifts from corporations, foundations, individual donors, and/or public sources, ideally in the education space
Exceptional oral and written communication skills with a proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively; strong ability to develop and tell a compelling story
Experience with Salesforce or equivalent CRM system, and a willingness to adapt to organizational norms within the system
Membership in a professional fundraising association; certification in fundraising, the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Professional) is preferred
Demonstrated commitment to racial, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI), and experience building departmental and organizational culture

Competencies and Skills
Strategic and Operational Thinker: You are able to contribute thought leadership, strategy, and partnership at an organization-wide leadership level. You set clear, big-picture vision and broad operational aspirations into actionable goals, milestones, and deliverables with clear owners and timelines.
Direction Setter: You proactively identify needs and are able to build and establish the necessary workflows, and collaborative processes & systems to drive continuous improvement work in service of ambitious outcomes.
Team and Organizational Leader: You have demonstrated experience managing, developing, inspiring, and retaining a diverse team through inclusive and equitable management practices, building a strong team culture that values each individual.
Content Expert: You are able to source, identify, cultivate, pitch and secure gifts at all levels across a wide range of funding sources. You understand, can set a vision for, and lead the relationship between effective marketing-communications and successful fund development. You know the education landscape, particularly as related to foundation trends and support of the non-profit education market.
Relationship Manager: You approach the work collaboratively, engage with others in decisions, exchange and challenge ideas and assumptions, and provide constructive feedback. You have demonstrated success in building trusted partnerships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and you utilize those relationships to further team and organizational goals.

How to Apply
Breakthrough Collaborative has partnered with RCG Talent Solutions on our search for the Chief External Affairs Officer. Please follow this link to submit your application and direct all questions to Brent Locke (brent@rcgtalent.com). RCG Talent Solutions will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.