Director of Development and Communications

The UCAP School seeks a highly qualified and motivated individual to lead its Development and Communications efforts. The Director reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Board of the Fund for UCAP, a nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders.

Since its founding in 1989, The UCAP School has served the Rhode Island community as an independent public middle school dedicated to leveling the playing field for students at risk of falling behind. UCAP serves approximately 140 students each year in grades 7 and 8. UCAP is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of urban youth by focusing on the crucial middle school years. Funds are raised to support after school and enrichment programs, academic programs, and the school building.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate should:

• Embrace the mission of The UCAP School.
• Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising, grant writing and events.
• Be proactive, goal oriented, and possess the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with aplomb. 
• Have strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Have familiarity with database management.
• Possess the skills to work with and motivate board members and other volunteers. 
• Be organized and exhibit follow through on tasks and goals. 
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate composure, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability, and be able to prioritize and change gears quickly as new tasks arise. 
• Have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education/experience) and a minimum of 5 years experience in professional fundraising. 

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE:

• Develop an annual plan for all development activities with goals, outcomes and strategies
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with a wide variety of constituencies including current and potential donors, foundations and government sources, local businesses, board members and community partners 
• Conduct prospect research and grow the major gifts program including identification of potential donors and development of appropriate cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect
• Maintain grant calendar activities for existing grantors including submission of proposals and fulfillment of reporting requirements 
• Work with teachers and staff to identify funding opportunities and conduct ongoing grant research to identify new potential funders
• Execute the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives 
• Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives with consultant input as appropriate 
• Coordinate fundraising events, including the annual Spring Social
• Oversee marketing and communications activities including newsletters and the Annual Report
• Manage digital communications including social media and the UCAP website
• Facilitate public appearances where the Director or Development Director, the Executive Director or other staff can share information about the school with the community 
• Build a planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests 
• Work with the Board, committee chairs and the Executive Director to plan and execute meetings, including developing agendas, taking minutes and other follow-up 
• Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems (currently Bloomerang)
• Oversee creation of collateral materials to support fundraising activities
• Maintain stewardship programs
• Demonstrate professional conduct at all times 
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Executive Director

Click Here to Apply through AFPRI, or email resume to Lynn Prentiss, Executive Director: lynnp@ucap.org

About Us:
The UCAP School is an independent public school under the supervision of the Providence School Department. The UCAP School works with approximately 140 students in grades 7 and 8. All students selected for the program have had a history of academic challenges and many have repeated at least one grade. Students are given the opportunity to accelerate in grade if they have been held back, and those who have not, are working towards addressing their own learning loss so that when they do return to their sending districts, they are ready to engage with on grade level work. Through a program of accelerated instruction, counseling and career education, the staff of The UCAP School will seek to prepare these students for successful transition into high school.

The UCAP School Mission:
UCAP is a safe school that supports students in striving for academic excellence by delivering accelerated learning, and providing a variety of extended learning opportunities, while embedding social and emotional learning for all students.

The UCAP School Vision:
At The UCAP School, we level the playing field for every student.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The UCAP School is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.