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:
1. Revenue Ownership & Accountability
Takes full ownership of fundraising outcomes, with a clear track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
2. Relationship-Driven Influence
Builds trust quickly with donors, Board members, and stakeholders; able to influence without authority and navigate complex relationships.
3. Strategic Agility
Balances long-term vision with near-term execution; able to pivot strategies based on data, feedback, and opportunity.
4. Execution Discipline
Demonstrates strong follow-through, organization, and pipeline management; consistently converts strategy into measurable outcomes.
5. Executive Presence
Communicates with confidence and clarity; represents the organization effectively with high-level donors and partners.
6. Mission Alignment
Displays a genuine commitment to arts education, youth development, and equity in access to opportunity.
7. 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.
Search Process
DESA and The Ellington Fund are conducting a national search for this role. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief statement of interest outlining relevant experience and alignment with the mission.
