Description
About The POGIL Project
The POGIL Project seeks a relationship-oriented Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and help expand philanthropic support for our mission. The job can be hybrid, remote, or in-person, depending on the candidate.
The POGIL Project is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming teaching and learning through Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). Through professional development workshops, classroom resources, leadership development programs, and a vibrant network of educators and volunteers, we support instructors in creating student-centered learning environments that help learners develop both disciplinary knowledge and essential process skills.
Founded in 2012, The POGIL Project serves educators at secondary schools, colleges, and universities across the United States and beyond. With an annual operating budget of approximately $400,000 and a highly engaged volunteer community, we combine the reach of a national organization with the collegiality and flexibility of a small nonprofit.
Approximately one-third of The POGIL Project's annual operating budget is supported through a combination of individual giving and foundation and grant funding, making philanthropy an essential component of the organization's sustainability and growth.
Position Summary
The Director of Development will play a central role in strengthening The POGIL Project's culture of philanthropy and growing philanthropic revenue through annual giving, donor stewardship, and major gift development. Working closely with the leadership team, Board of Directors, and Steering Committee, the Director of Development will cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and prospective supporters, design and implement annual fundraising campaigns, and help build a sustainable pipeline of leadership-level gifts.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys relationship-building, strategic thinking, compelling storytelling, and working collaboratively within a mission-driven organization.
Primary Responsibilities
Annual Giving and Donor Engagement
Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies designed to increase donor participation, retention, and overall giving.
Lead The POGIL Project's annual pledge campaign, Lancaster ExtraGive efforts, year-end appeals, and other annual giving initiatives.
Create compelling donor communications, solicitation materials, and stewardship messages that communicate the impact of philanthropic support.
Develop strategies to increase recurring giving and strengthen long-term donor engagement.
Analyze fundraising results and recommend improvements to future campaigns.
Major Gifts and Donor Cultivation
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospective supporters capable of making leadership-level and major gifts.
Build and manage a portfolio of donor relationships.
Partner with Board members, staff, and volunteer leaders to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Develop individualized stewardship plans that deepen donor engagement and encourage increased investment in The POGIL Project's mission.
Help establish and grow a sustainable major gifts program.
Other Responsibilities
While annual giving, donor stewardship, and major gift development are the primary focus of this position, additional responsibilities may include:
Assisting with grant research, proposal development, and reporting.
Maintaining donor records and fundraising data within Bloomerang.
Supporting annual reports, donor communications, and impact storytelling.
Identifying funding and partnership opportunities that align with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
Participating in meetings of the Board of Directors, Steering Committee, and other organizational leadership groups.
Attending The POGIL Project National Meeting and other key events as appropriate.
Contributing to the collaborative work of a small nonprofit organization where flexibility, initiative, and teamwork are highly valued.
Requirements
Experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, nonprofit management, communications, advancement, or related fields.
Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to build authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, educators, and community partners.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a small, mission-driven organization.
Experience with donor databases or CRM systems; familiarity with Bloomerang is preferred.
Interest in education, professional learning, STEM education, or nonprofit mission-driven work is strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
