Development Coordinator
11 hours ago
Chelsea
Job Description:\n\nWho We Are Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do, and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism. Phoenix Charter Academy was founded on the unwavering belief that all students can succeed at high levels. While this mantra is typical of high-performing schools, particularly those in the charter sector, Phoenix truly endeavors to reach every student, focusing on a growing number on the margins of the traditional public district education system: students who have dropped out of high school, students who are parenting children of their own, students who are or have been involved with the juvenile justice system, students who are older and new to the country and cannot gain access to public schooling, and students who are under-credited relative to the number of years they have spent enrolled in high school. We believe that these students, like all students, are completely capable of developing the skills necessary to set themselves up for lifetimes of economic prosperity and success. We support our students with individually tailored and academically rigorous curricula and push them to succeed at the highest levels by providing them with the resources and mentoring that they need to reach their full potential. Why Our Work is Important Students across America are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Dropping out of high school has a substantial impact on a young person’s life. Over the course of their lifetime, an individual who drops out of high school is more likely to have reduced earning power, greater social service dependency, increased rates of criminal involvement, and shorter life expectancy. Phoenix Charter Academies addresses this trend by creating environments where students can demonstrate their talent and resilience and prepare themselves for success through high school, college, and beyond. Job Summary The Development Coordinator plays a key role in supporting Phoenix Charter Academy’s fundraising, donor engagement, and external communications efforts. Reporting to the Managing Director of External Affairs, this position supports day-to-day development operations, fundraising campaigns, and mission-aligned storytelling and communication that both reflect the young people and communities we serve and are grounded in our organizational values. This is an especially strong opportunity for an early-career professional seeking to build skills in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and relationship management within a highly collaborative, dynamic, mission-driven organization. Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Development Support multi-channel fundraising campaigns and special events, including annual giving, sponsorships, and donor engagement initiatives. Own and manage the organization’s donor database (CRM), including gift entry, data integrity, reporting, and ongoing maintenance. Manage gift processing and donor acknowledgements end-to-end, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and a positive donor experience. Conduct donor and prospect research, track organization stewardship, and prepare briefing materials and follow-up communications. Manage grant tracking and reporting calendars; assist with foundation research, grant writing, and submission as needed. External Affairs, Communications & Outreach Contribute to respectful, asset-based storytelling that centers student dignity, agency, and strengths while advancing Phoenix’s mission and fundraising goals. Support the creation of compelling fundraising-related content for donor newsletters, campaign emails, social media, and other external communications. Manage network social media accounts, posting high quality and value-aligned content with consistency Support relationship-building with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations through coordinated communications and engagement. Occasionally represent Phoenix at community events, meetings, and networking opportunities, as needed. Administrative & Operational Support Provide administrative and project management support to the External Affairs team, including scheduling, document preparation, and meeting notes. Track timelines, deliverables, and budgets for fundraising campaigns, events, and outreach activities. Prepare reports, briefing materials, and presentations for internal and external audiences, including leadership and Board-facing materials. Support data collection, impact reporting, and performance tracking related to fundraising, grants, and donor engagement efforts. About the Role: Supervision, Collaboration & Work Environment This role is supervised, coached, and supported by the Managing Director of External Affairs. The Development [Coordinator / Manager] will work closely with the Managing Director and collaborate with other network staff, campus leaders, and external partners to advance Phoenix’s external affairs goals. The position balances collaborative teamwork with opportunities for focused, independent work. There may be occasional dedicated planning days or retreats to support campaign execution, storytelling, or strategic development work. The role includes regular opportunities to engage with students, campus staff, organizational leaders, and external partners to authentically support fundraising and storytelling efforts aligned with Phoenix’s mission. Growth & Learning Opportunities This role offers meaningful exposure to the full lifecycle of nonprofit development and external affairs work, including: Annual giving strategy and execution Donor stewardship and relationship management Grant research and proposal development Development operations and CRM management Major gift strategy and foundation partnerships Mission-aligned communications, including fundraising storytelling, campaign messaging, and digital engagement strategy From day one, this role is designed to be both impactful and developmental, empowering the right candidate to strengthen Phoenix’s fundraising and communications efforts while steadily growing their skills, relationships, and strategic experience. Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field. 1–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, external affairs, or a related role (preferred). Strong written and digital communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences and produce clear, high-quality content with speed and precision. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, Canva, or similar tools (and/or willingness to learn). Required regular travel to Phoenix campuses, especially during the first 6 months, and as needed thereafter. Commitment to Phoenix’s mission and belief in the potential of all young people. Core Competencies Strong relationship-building skills across lines of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic difference. Commitment to an ethic of "whatever it takes" towards securing resources that directly benefit students. Excitement and curiosity about working collaboratively on projects with occasionally tight deadlines. High level of discretion, professionalism, and follow-through. Who We Are Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do, and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism. Phoenix Charter Academy was founded on the unwavering belief that all students can succeed at high levels. While this mantra is typical of high-performing schools, particularly those in the charter sector, Phoenix truly endeavors to reach every student, focusing on a growing number on the margins of the traditional public district education system: students who have dropped out of high school, students who are parenting children of their own, students who are or have been involved with the juvenile justice system, students who are older and new to the country and cannot gain access to public schooling, and students who are under-credited relative to the number of years they have spent enrolled in high school. We believe that these students, like all students, are completely capable of developing the skills necessary to set themselves up for lifetimes of economic prosperity and success. We support our students with individually tailored and academically rigorous curricula and push them to succeed at the highest levels by providing them with the resources and mentoring that they need to reach their full potential. Why Our Work is Important Students across America are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Dropping out of high school has a substantial impact on a young person’s life. Over the course of their lifetime, an individual who drops out of high school is more likely to have reduced earning power, greater social service dependency, increased rates of criminal involvement, and shorter life expectancy. Phoenix Charter Academies addresses this trend by creating environments where students can demonstrate their talent and resilience and prepare themselves for success through high school, college, and beyond. Commitment to DEI At Phoenix, we recognize the importance of forming a school community inclusive of all visible and invisible identities. We act to ensure that our students and staff always see reflections of themselves and their communities. At Phoenix, we aim to break down systemic barriers by providing access to resources, experiences, and differentiated supports for historically marginalized groups. At Phoenix, we solicit, value, understand, connect, and leverage multiple perspectives and experiences. We invite all perspectives except those that perpetuate oppression or dehumanization. At Phoenix we do not just accept difference - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our scholars and the communities we serve. We believe difference makes us stronger. Phoenix Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodations necessary to support an individual's employment. Qualities of Phoenix staff member:Unwavering belief in our students - Phoenix staff operate with the deeply held belief that all young people want to and can succeed even in the face of substantial systemic barriers and societal constraints.Continuous Improvement - Phoenix staff approach problem solving with curiosity and desire to understand the perspectives of others. They carry an internalized sense of “I can always learn more” and know that adults at Phoenix must model the qualities of being open-minded and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Phoenix staff members embody “lifelong learner” mindsets and strive for constant improvement.Eager to Learn - Phoenix staff must be able to learn as they go in a fast-paced, ever-evolving, urgent environment. They have the desire to receive direct feedback and the ability to implement the feedback into practice quickly.Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Phoenix staff commit to understanding how their self-identity and experiences impact and interact with their daily work, colleagues, and students, and work toward furthering initiatives that promote a more equitable society. What You’ll Bring:Communication - Conveys information effectively and efficiently using verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills; has knowledge and flexibility to communicate across lines of difference.Scholar Orientation - Works to deepen understanding of scholars and centers the needs of scholars in all aspects of how the work is done.Adaptability - Adjusts and strategically aligns work to the school's mission while navigating complex and changing environments internally and externally.Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and in a team environment What You’ll Get We want you to be the best you can so you’ll receive professional development, coaching, and the resources needed for you to succeed. An open, curious, and celebratory culture that embraces diversity as a leading asset and fosters equity and inclusion through affinity groups and continuous capacity building supported by our Racial, Justice, and Equity working group. Competitive market comp, medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness plans, a 403b, and employee perks such as longevity bonus and pet insurance. Equal Opportunity Employer We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodations necessary to support an individual's employment. The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion