Director of Development + Partnerships

Organization Overview NewRoot improves the experiences of young people by increasing the capacity of adults to grow restorative and social-emotional practices in learning environments. For over 25 years in Chicago and beyond, NewRoot has been a premiere on-the-ground partner for schools, districts, and organizations focused on ensuring all students graduate from high school equipped for college, career, and life success. Through an array of professional development offerings, NewRoot supports schools and organizations in utilizing restorative justice practices that promote self-awareness, contextual thinking, and community connectedness. For more information, please visit www.newroot.org. Position Summary NewRoot is seeking a strategic, equity-driven Director, Development + Partnerships to lead our fundraising, and fee-for service revenue growth strategy. This essential leadership role will report directly to the CEO and oversee a dynamic team responsible for advancing NewRoot’s visibility, deepening and expanding service partnerships, and securing philanthropic investments to support our mission and scale. The Director will be charged with designing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy that meets annual fundraising targets and fee-for-service revenue goals. They will work closely with the CEO on high-level funder and partner engagements and will serve as a key driver of the organization’s financial sustainability and strategic growth. This role is ideal for a visionary development leader, with a foundational knowledge of marketing and brand building, who excels at team management, is energized by building systems and strategies, and is passionate about education equity and social-emotional learning. Location Frequent travel throughout the Chicagoland Area, including Far North/South Suburbs and regionally and/or nationally as the work expands, will be required. This role follows typical Monday through Friday work hours and can be done 60% remotely at this time, with approximately 40% of time community-based. We are committed to a long-term flexible, hybrid work model, as well. NewRoot’s West Loop office is where we gather for collaboration and culture-building. The space is also available for those staff members who prefer to work in an office environment. Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Development Strategy + Revenue Growth Lead NewRoot’s overall strategy to meet annual revenue goals and support long-term sustainability and growth. Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors, institutional funders and key stakeholders. Collaborate with the Partnership Development Team and Chief, Program + Impact to prepare for donor and funder meetings. Partner with the Development Manager and Institutional Giving Consultant Team to identify and pursue new funding opportunities and partnerships aligned with NewRoot’s mission and growth plans. Align fundraising strategies with programmatic goals and impact data in partnership with program and impact teams. Expand individual giving through major gifts and recurring donor initiatives. Collaborate with the CEO on major gifts and strategic funding opportunities. Partner with the Data Team to effectively communicate NewRoot’s impact to donors, funders, and partners. Partnership Development + Visibility Build and maintain strategic relationships with program partners and key stakeholders to support earned revenue goals and elevate NewRoot’s visibility. Coordinate with the Chief, Program + Impact and Partnership Development Manager to connect new and returning partners with appropriate services, negotiating contracts as needed. Support the CEO in cultivating and managing district-/network-level partnerships. Oversee communications and media relations to ensure message alignment and strategic synergy in collaboration with the Associate Director, Marketing + Development. Align external messaging with programmatic impact in collaboration with internal leaders. Contribute to marketing campaigns and fundraising and community-engagement events strategy as a subject matter expert. Co-lead NewRoot’s brand visibility and thought leadership strategy. Partner with the CEO to actively engage NewRoot’s Board of Directors in fundraising strategy and implementation efforts. Facilitate the NewRoot Board of Directors Development + Marketing Committee. Represent NewRoot at local and national events related to education, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning. Team Leadership + Organizational Strategy Center equity and inclusion in all work and interactions. Lead and coach the Partnership Development Team toward clear, ambitious goals. Engage, support, and develop a diverse, high-performing team and foster a culture of equity, care, excellence, accountability, and growth. Partner with the CEO on high-stakes funder/partner meetings, development strategy, board engagement, and strategic planning. Advise the executive team on earned revenue, forecasting, and revenue growth strategies. Collaborate with NewRoot leaders to develop and implement strategic plans and cross-functional initiatives. Identify and address issues impacting organizational health and effectiveness. Model NewRoot’s shared agreements and actively participate in the organizational community. Co-plan and implement internal gatherings (e.g., All Hands Meetings, Unity Days) and organization-wide training related to Development, Marketing, and Partnerships. Other Protect organization by keeping proprietary information confidential. Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations. Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO. Qualifications: Required 7+ years of relevant experience Previous fundraising experience and demonstrated results Strong self-/project-management skills; exceptional attention to detail and follow through Ability to build trusting, impactful relationships with diverse stakeholders, including funders and board members Skilled at cross-team collaboration and communication Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent written and public speaking skills Flexible and skilled at navigating a fast-paced work environment Strong analytical skills and experience utilizing a relational database (i.e., Salesforce) Expert-level skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite Qualifications: Preferred Bachelor’s degree in business development or a related field Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, nonprofit management/leadership, or a related field Demonstrated passion for educational equity and racial justice Social enterprise development experience Knowledge of Chicago and national landscape for restorative practices and social emotional learning Direct Reports Associate Director, Partnership Development Manager, Partnership Development Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities NewRoot Learning Institute is an equal opportunity employer and believes in fostering an inclusive team. By centering our values of community, curiosity, dignity, relationship, and radical love, we work to nurture a culture where all NewRoot team members are involved, respected, and supported. Candidates from all walks of life are encouraged to apply and will be treated fairly. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you require.