Minds Matter Boston
For over 20 years, Minds Matter Boston has connected driven students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college and beyond. Now, with our expanded seven-year model, we support students from their sophomore year of high school through college graduation and into meaningful first jobs. Our new four-year strategic plan will double the number of students we serve and fuel long-term financial and economic mobility for Boston-area families.
The Director of Development (DoD) will make this vision possible. As the organization’s lead fundraiser and a senior leadership team member, the DoD will partner with the Executive Director, manage and grow a talented development team, and engage key stakeholders to raise the resources needed for growth. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic development leader to bring their expertise in strategic fundraising, donor relations, and people management to a mission-driven organization with proven impact and ambitious plans for the future.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Design, implement, and lead fundraising strategies that drive growth and sustainability
In close partnership with the Executive Director and Board Development Committee, and in support of our recently launched four-year strategic plan, set and lead strategies to raise $1.8M in FY26 and increase revenue YOY to $2.6M by FY29.
Manage and expand a portfolio of foundation, corporate, and individual funders, developing tailored cultivation and stewardship strategies and leveraging the ED and board in donor engagement.
Expand multi-year funding across foundations and corporations, building new partnership pathways and strengthening existing relationships.
Develop a “corporate engagement menu” offering sponsorships, volunteerism, and internships that connect partners to students’ career success.
Activate and deepen the Board’s fundraising role, stewarding their philanthropy and networks while building a culture of accountability and engagement; partner with Executive Director to manage the Board Development Committee.
Oversee the execution of annual fundraising campaigns and events, including the Spring Soiree and other signature activities, while empowering development staff to manage execution.
Strengthen year-end campaigns and volunteer giving strategies, engaging volunteers and alumni as philanthropic partners.
Oversee grant proposals and reporting with support from a part-time grant writer.
Guide the creation of donor communications and marketing materials (appeals, reports, pitch decks, digital campaigns), ensuring messages are data-informed and student-centered.
Partner with Minds Matter National on joint initiatives, including coordinated campaigns and coalition building.
Ensure all fundraising strategies uplift the voices, backgrounds, and experiences of our community.
Serve as a senior leader, collaborative team member, and champion for Minds Matter’s mission and values
As a member of the senior leadership team, contribute to guiding overall organizational strategic direction, decision-making, and goal-setting.
Build strong partnership with the Executive Director — proactively managing up ensuring and serving as a thought partner in fundraising strategy and execution.
Manage and support the professional development of a Development Manager and part-time Grant Writer, with plans to hire a third development staff member during the strategic plan period.
Oversee departmental operations including budget creation, expense monitoring, and donor systems. Ensure Salesforce and related platforms are fully leveraged for donor management, data analysis, and impact reporting.
Contribute to whole-organizational projects such as staff retreats, professional development, and performance management.
Play an active role in engaging in Minds Matter’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work, modeling a commitment to active and ongoing learning, understanding one’s own identity, power, and privilege, and acknowledging the intersectional identities of students, staff, and volunteers.
WHO YOU ARE
An enthusiastic advocate for Minds Matter’s mission and values . You are excited to help grow an organization that supports students to succeed in college and launch meaningful careers. You thrive on a team that values community, commitment, and growth.
A seasoned fundraising leader . You bring at least 8 years of development experience, with a track record of qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding institutional and individual supporters. You enjoy both the behind-the-scenes and donor-facing aspects of fundraising.
An experienced people manager . You have managed direct reports, setting clear expectations and building strong, high-performing teams. You support staff development and professional growth through regular feedback and coaching. You foster a positive culture where team members can thrive.
A thoughtful relationship builder . You establish trust and rapport easily, cultivate long-term relationships, and inspire others to rally around a social mission. You are comfortable engaging C-suite executives, board members, high-net-worth individuals, and community partners.
A compelling writer, storyteller, and communicator . You are skilled in analyzing, breaking down, leveraging data and stories to communicate ideas in ways that inspire others to action. Experience in grant writing is required; experience in marketing and communications is a plus.
A culture builder and senior leader . You embrace your role on a senior management team and contribute to overall organizational strategy, culture, and performance. You are a trusted thought partner and manage up effectively to an Executive Director/CEO and other senior leaders.
A big-picture strategist with tactical execution . You translate vision into clear goals, actionable work plans, and measurable results. You understand how initiatives, systems, and stakeholders connect, and you stay hands-on to ensure strategies are implemented successfully.
A resourceful team player . You thrive in a fast-paced environment, bring a “get it done” mindset, and pitch in where needed while staying flexible through growth and change. You empower others through smart delegation, balancing ownership with accountability and results.
An organized, systems-minded project manager . You are experienced at driving projects from inception to completion. You build systems that keep projects on track, anticipate obstacles, and leverage technology to measure progress, ensuring consistent, high-quality output.