AQE Development Director

Organizational Overview

The Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) is mobilizing communities across New York State to ensure high-quality public education for all students, regardless of zip code. We are committed to ending systemic racism and economic oppression in New York's public schools that have historically disadvantaged Black, Brown, low-income, and immigrant students. Our campaigns focus on equitable school funding, including the full implementation of and update to the Foundation Aid formula, and advocating for affordable, accessible early learning opportunities through statewide universal child care.

About the position

AQE seeks a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-centered Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising efforts in alignment with our mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to and working closely with the Co-Executive Directors, the Director of Development will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, equity-focused fundraising strategy that sustains and grows AQE's income from a diverse portfolio of sources, including private foundations, individual donors, corporate partners, and government funders.

While AQE is headquartered in Albany, NY, the Director of Development position is primarily remote. Candidates must reside in New York State and be able to travel throughout the state as needed.

Job Description:

• Fundraising Strategy & Relationships
  • Collaborate with the Co-Executive Directors to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with AQE's strategic goals and values.
  • Innovate and adapt fundraising approaches in response to a complex and evolving philanthropic and political landscape.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with AQE's existing funders, providing timely updates, engagement opportunities, and renewal strategies.
  • Identify and develop new funding pipelines, including foundation, corporate, and major donor prospects.
  • Prepare the leadership team for funder and prospective funder meetings, providing context, briefing materials, and key discussion points.
  • Track and manage follow-ups, ensuring ongoing engagement with key supporters and prospects.
• Grant Development & Management
  • Oversee AQE's development calendar, including tracking grant deadlines, report submissions, and donor communications.
  • Draft, revise, and submit compelling proposals, concept notes, reports, and supporting materials.
  • Collaborate with the Finance Director and Co-Executive Directors on organizational and project budgets to ensure alignment with fundraising proposals.
  • Submit materials via funder portals and other systems.
  • Maintain and refine internal systems for managing development documents, data, and communications.
• Organizational Integration
  • Embed within AQE's programmatic and policy teams to develop fundable strategies and impactful narratives.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to strategically highlight AQE's accomplishments, enhance organizational visibility, and strengthen messaging to funders.
  • Align fundraising with the organization's mission, values, and racial and economic justice framework.
  • Work in close coordination with our sister organization, Citizen Action of New York, providing support to their initiatives as needed, with a nuanced understanding of the differences between 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and fiscally sponsored entities.
• Leadership & Culture
  • As AQE's inaugural Development Director, ensure that this role contributes to a positive, collaborative, and equity-centered organizational culture.
  • Be a proactive and transparent communicator, willing to take initiative, accept feedback, and engage others in collective problem-solving.
  • Strategically navigate challenges and tensions in relationships with humility and a values-based approach.

This position will also assist with any other duties as required by the supervising directors.

Job Qualifications

• Dedicated fundraising expertise of at least 3 years, with a strong preference for candidates who have led development at established social justice organizations.
• At least seven years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including in leadership positions.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure grants from private foundations.
• Nuanced understanding of the New York State and national funding landscapes, particularly related to education, equity, and policy change.
• Knowledge of the diversity of New York State's communities, including the unique dynamics between rural, urban, and suburban regions.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with the ability to translate programmatic work into compelling, funder-aligned proposals.
• Familiarity with budget development and financial reporting.
• Understanding of complex legal structures, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and fiscally sponsored entities.
• Creative, detail-oriented, results-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities at once.
• Deep commitment to AQE's mission and values and a desire to work collaboratively within a movement-building culture.

Location

This position is 100% remote in NYS, although participation in annual all-staff meetings, occasional fundraising events, and team-building activities is mandatory. Therefore periodic travel is required across New York State as needed. Travel may include multiple day trips and over weekends and overnight.

Our Benefits:

• Working collaboratively in an organization at the forefront of building power across NYS
• Competitive salary
• 100% paid employee monthly medical and vision premiums
• Access to mental health and dental plans
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Generous paid holidays, vacation time, and paid sick leave
• Organization shutdown weeks in July and December, and Summer Fridays

Please note, all benefits are subject to change.

Salary range: $80,000-$100,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Alliance for Quality Education is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We are looking for the most passionate people who want to join our team. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the terms of the ADA and state/local laws. Please let us know if you need assistance participating in the interview process.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references.