About this opportunity
JLM HR Consulting lists this Development Director opportunity in washington, District of Columbia. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) & The Ellington Fund
Washington, DC (On-Site)
Overview
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA), in partnership with The Ellington Fund, seeks an accomplished and entrepreneurial Development Director to lead its fundraising strategy and execution at a critical stage of institutional growth.
This is a high-visibility leadership role with direct accountability for philanthropic revenue generation, donor engagement, and long-term development infrastructure. The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board of Directors to expand the organization’s philanthropic base and advance its mission.
About the Organization
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) is a nationally recognized public high school that integrates rigorous academics with intensive arts training.
The Ellington Fund , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the primary fundraising partner supporting DESA’s programs, student opportunities, and institutional priorities.
Together, these entities operate in close alignment to ensure sustainable growth and continued excellence.
The Role
The Development Director will design and execute a comprehensive, integrated fundraising strategy , with a focus on:
Generating new philanthropic revenue
Expanding and diversifying the donor base
Strengthening major gifts and institutional funding
Building scalable development systems and processes
This leader will combine strategic vision with hands‑on execution , operating as both a senior advisor and a frontline fundraiser.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Revenue Growth
Develop and implement a multi‑year fundraising strategy aligned with institutional priorities
Establish annual goals, KPIs, and revenue targets
Identify and pursue diversified funding streams
Major Gifts Leadership
Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects
Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
Partner with senior leadership and Board members on key donor relationships
Institutional Funding
Oversee grant strategy and pipeline development
Secure foundation, corporate, and government funding
Board & Executive Partnership
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Principal/Head of Schools
Support Board engagement in fundraising efforts
Provide regular performance reporting and strategic insight
Infrastructure & Team Development
Strengthen development operations, systems, and data utilization
Build a culture of accountability and performance within the function
Supervise staff and external partners
Performance Expectations
This is a performance‑driven role with clear accountability:
Deliver a minimum of $250,000 in new philanthropic revenue annually , directly attributable to individual efforts
Build and maintain a donor pipeline of at least 3x annual revenue targets
Meet defined quarterly revenue benchmarks
Maintain strong donor engagement and retention outcomes
Performance is evaluated on a quarterly and annual basis , with direct alignment to compensation.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a results‑oriented fundraising leader with a demonstrated ability to generate revenue, build relationships, and operate effectively in a mission‑driven environment.
Professional Experience
7–10+ years of progressive fundraising and development experience
Proven track record of securing major gifts and institutional funding
Experience working closely with executive leadership and Boards
Demonstrated ability to build and manage donor pipelines
Ideal Leadership Traits
Top‑tier candidates will bring the following attributes:
Revenue Ownership & Accountability
Takes full ownership of fundraising outcomes, with a clear track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
Relationship-Driven Influence
Builds trust quickly with donors, Board members, and stakeholders; able to influence without authority and navigate complex relationships.
Strategic Agility
Balances long‑term vision with near‑term execution; able to pivot strategies based on data, feedback, and opportunity.
Execution Discipline
Demonstrates strong follow‑through, organization, and pipeline management; consistently converts strategy into measurable outcomes.
Executive Presence
Communicates with confidence and clarity; represents the organization effectively with high‑level donors and partners.
Mission Alignment
Displays a genuine commitment to arts education, youth development, and equity in access to opportunity.
Builder Mindset
Comfortable operating in a growth environment; able to build systems, processes, and structure where needed.
Compensation
Base Salary: $110,000 (aligned with and supported by new revenue generation)
Performance Bonus: 10%–20%
Additional incentive opportunities for exceeding targets
Competitive benefits package
Work Environment
On‑site role in Washington, DC (remote work not available)
Occasional evening and weekend commitments required
Equal Opportunity
Duke Ellington School of the Arts and The Ellington Fund are equal opportunity employers committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.
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Worksite address
washington, DC, 20022, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.