Director of Development

As Summits Education’s Director of Development, you will partner closely with our US-based Managing Director, Board of Directors, and Haiti-based leadership to build upon our fundraising success and secure the support needed for continued growth and impact. Specifically, you will:

• Design and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies that drive revenue growth and long-term organizational sustainability. Develop clear goals and metrics, and focus on growing and diversifying funding streams.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate individual and institutional funders by leveraging technology, research, and relationships to build and maintain a strong, active pipeline.
• Strengthen relationships with existing institutional supporters—primarily private foundations—while forging new partnerships through thoughtful cultivation, stewardship, and high-quality engagement.
• Expand individual donor engagement strategies, initiating outreach and developing personalized cultivation and solicitation plans that inspire sustained engagement and investment.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director to engage and empower the Board of Directors in fundraising activities, providing hands-on guidance, tools, and support.
• Partner with the Managing Director to produce compelling development materials, including LOIs, grant applications, reports, presentations, and other key documents. Manage a development calendar to ensure all deliverables—proposals, grant reports, stewardship touchpoints—are submitted on time and with excellence.
• Work with an external consultant to develop and implement marketing and communications efforts, including fundraising collateral such as the annual report, appeals, and community or donor events.
• Oversee development operations and donor management systems, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and high-quality stewardship through effective use of EveryAction and other CRM tools.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and persuasive ambassador for Summits’ mission and vision, demonstrating fluency in global education and the organization’s programs, goals, and impact.

The Director of Development role calls for candidates who possess the following experience, competencies, and personal qualities:

• A passionate advocate for Summits Education’s mission and values. You are energized to join a mission-driven, caring team that believes access to quality education is a human right.
• A seasoned development professional with a record of fundraising success. You bring 10+ years of development experience and a demonstrated ability to secure major gifts from individual and institutional donors. Experience fundraising for an international nonprofit is a plus.
• A strategic thinker with strong tactical execution skills. You take an analytical, data-informed approach to fundraising and are adept at translating strategy into concrete plans, activities, and measurable goals. You integrate best practices with innovative ideas to advance the mission.
• A thoughtful and authentic relationship builder. You establish rapport easily and nurture long-term relationships across diverse stakeholders. Your warm, energetic presence fosters trust internally and externally, and you skillfully “manage up” to executive leaders and board members.
• A compelling communicator and storyteller. You express complex ideas clearly and persuasively, inspiring others to take action. You use data and narrative together to convey impact and meaning. Grant writing experience is required.
• A resourceful, organized, and hands-on operator. You excel at managing multiple priorities, coordinating others, and keeping projects on track. You build and strengthen systems and processes and are proficient with core development tools such as CRM databases, online giving platforms, and prospecting software.
• An entrepreneurial and adaptable team member. You are self-directed, action-oriented, and thrive in dynamic, growth-oriented environments. You bring creativity, initiative, and a results-driven mindset, leveraging available resources to maximize impact.

This is a remote position that can work anywhere in the US, with a preference for candidates in the Northeast. Salary is $150,000 and benefits include 3 weeks vacation + 12 standard US holidays; choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance through TriNet; disability, basic life, and AD&D insurance; 401K plan; additional optional benefits.

If this opportunity calls out to you, please apply here with 1) a thoughtful cover letter that explains why Summit Education and this particular role interests you, 2) your resume, and 3) a donor-facing writing sample (e.g. an LOI, presentation, annual appeal.). Please address your cover letter to Carolyn Mellin, Managing Director. We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to get back to applicants within two weeks.