Vice President of Development

Arete Scholars is a mission-driven nonprofit organization grounded in a simple but powerful belief:

every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Through donor-funded, K–12 scholarships and innovative partnerships, Arete expands educational opportunity for low-income families, strengthens school communities, and helps students pursue brighter futures marked by academic success, character formation, and long-term mobility.

As Arete continues to grow its impact and national footprint, we are seeking an exceptional Vice President of Development to help lead our next chapter.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Development is a senior executive leader responsible for driving philanthropic growth, strengthening donor partnerships, and expanding Arete’s national profile. Reporting directly to the President, this role serves as the organization’s chief development strategist and lead relationship-builder, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team.

This position is ideal for a highly experienced, mission-driven fundraising leader who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and is energized by building systems, relationships, and strategies that unlock opportunity for students and families.

This is a full-time position with significant leadership responsibility and external-facing.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth

• Provide visionary leadership for all development efforts, including major gifts, tax credit contributions, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, special events, and digital fundraising.
• Partner closely with the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to design and execute a comprehensive, multi‑year revenue strategy that supports organizational growth, sustainability, and program expansion.
• Establish clear fundraising priorities and performance benchmarks aligned with Arete’s mission, strategic plan, and long‑term impact goals.
• Regularly analyze fundraising performance and donor trends to inform strategy and

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

• Build, manage, and personally steward a portfolio of major donors and high‑capacity prospects, cultivating deep, trust‑based relationships and inspiring transformational support.
• Serve as a compelling ambassador for Arete’s mission, articulating impact with clarity, authenticity, and conviction.
• Ensure donor stewardship practices reflect Arete’s commitment to gratitude, transparency, excellence, and long‑term partnership.
• Lead the development of customized donor experiences, scholarship impact reporting, and recognition initiatives that reinforce sustained engagement.

Development Operations & Team Leadership

• Build and oversee a best‑in‑class development operation, including prospect research, donor pipelines, stewardship systems, and data‑driven reporting.
• Develop, mentor, and lead the Development team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Ensure effective use of CRM systems and research tools to maximize donor engagement, operational efficiency, and insight‑driven decision‑making.

External Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as a senior external representative of Arete Scholars at local, state, and national events, cultivating relationships with philanthropic, corporate, education, and policy leaders.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships that expand Arete’s reach, visibility, and funding.
• Build a strong professional network and position Arete as a trusted leader and voice in educational opportunity and student mobility.

Collaboration & Communications

• Work closely with the communications team to elevate Arete’s brand, expand audience reach, and strengthen donor acquisition and engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with program and scholarship operations to integrate compelling storytelling, outcomes data, and student impact into all development initiatives.
• Partner across departments to ensure alignment between fundraising strategy, program delivery, and organizational priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and/or CFRE certification preferred.
• 7–10+ years of leadership experience in fundraising, development, or external affairs, preferably within nonprofit, education, or philanthropic organizations.
• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and managing relationships with high‑capacity donors.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic, multi‑year fundraising plans that drive growth and sustainability.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey mission and impact with clarity, confidence, warmth, and purpose.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead effectively in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
• High ethical standards and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms (HubSpot preferred), donor research tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel for donor meetings, events, and speaking engagements.
• Deep alignment with Arete Scholars’ mission and a genuine commitment to expanding educational opportunity for underserved students and families.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing, mission‑driven organization

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to :

1. Cover letter describing your interest in Arete Scholars, a brief professional biography, and how your experience prepares you to succeed in this role.
2. Resume, including salary requirements.
3. Two professional references.
4. A recent writing sample (e.g., appeal letter, donor communication, article, or blog post