Role: Director of Development
Location: Remote anywhere in the United States, with preference for Central or Eastern time zones
Status: Full-Time Exempt
Travel Expectations: 5% -10%
Reports to: Vice President of Development

About the Surge Institute

The Surge Institute is an education leadership accelerator with a simple but important mission: Develop and elevate leaders of color who create transformative change for children, families, and communities.

The Institute’s signature programs were designed to develop and unite emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders and change the education landscape by providing them with a unique leadership development experience. We go beyond training. We connect, support, and elevate, and we do it all in love and through community. Learn more about Surge’s strategy and impact.

Surge’s success has brought the organization increased support and influence as Surge strives to make a positive impact in communities across the country through representative education leadership. This is an exciting time for Surge, and we hope to find motivated, disciplined, mission-driven individuals to join our team!

Job Summary
The Director of Development at Surge Institute is a dynamic, strategic leader responsible for supporting and advancing Surge’s fundraising goals. This individual leads the administration of fundraising appeals, donor cultivation, stewardship efforts, and campaigns, while managing grant writing and institutional relationships. The Director works across departments to ensure Surge has the resources to achieve its bold strategic goals.

This is a key role for someone passionate about equity, skilled in persuasive communication, and energized by building relationships that sustain mission-driven work. The Director reports to the Vice President of Development and supervises a grant writing contractor.

Key Responsibilities
Grant Writing and Management (65%)

Write and edit clear, compelling letters of intent, proposals, and reports tailored to funder priorities.
Collaborate with the Chief External Affairs Officer and VP of Development on institutional partner strategy.
Partner across departments to gather program data and translate it into persuasive funding narratives.
Lead the full lifecycle of grants: prospecting, cultivation, application, reporting, and renewal.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities from foundations and corporate partners.
Maintain an up-to-date grant tracker and ensure CRM data is complete and accurate.
Oversee communications with funders, providing consistent stewardship.
Strengthen grant systems, materials, and processes.
Manage a grant writer to execute writing deliverables.

Donor Cultivation, Stewardship, and Campaigns (25%)

Build and manage long-term relationships with donors and prospects.
Develop and execute targeted cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Implement strong stewardship systems to ensure consistent donor engagement.
Draft donor-facing materials in collaboration with Marketing (impact reports, appeals, etc.).
Plan and manage cultivation and recognition events.
Oversee donor acknowledgments, public recognition, and stewardship plans.
Lead annual giving campaigns from strategy through execution.

Administrative and Operational Duties (10%)

Maintain forecasts of grant applications and reporting schedules.
Track data on donors and prospects; prepare fundraising reports for leadership.
Support the creation and execution of Surge’s annual fundraising plan.
Collaborate with the board and staff on fundraising strategy and operations.
Assist with daily development team operations and participate in solicitations.

Desired Attributes

Strategic Fundraiser: Ability to design and implement relationship-based fundraising strategies.
Exceptional Communicator: Writes persuasively and professionally in multiple formats.
Detail-Oriented: Excellent attention to deadlines, funding specifications, and CRM accuracy.
Collaborative Leader: Builds internal partnerships and represents Surge to external audiences.
Mission-Aligned: Deep belief in Surge’s mission and a passion for social justice and equity.

Professional and Personal Qualities

Demonstrates a strong connection to communities of color and equity in education.
Balances initiative with collaboration; able to work independently.
Maintains professionalism and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
Brings optimism, humility, and care to team dynamics.
Thrives in a remote work environment and manages multiple priorities with consistency.
Ability to prioritize work load against organizational priorities.

Required Qualifications

At least 5 years of professional experience in nonprofit development or related field.
Proven track record in grant writing, donor cultivation, and campaign execution.
Experience with donor databases (Salesforce preferred).
Excellent written communication and project management skills.
Comfort with data, budgets, and storytelling for external audiences.
Ability to travel occasionally and maintain flexible hours for collaboration across time zones.

Compensation, Hiring Process, and Equality Opportunity Employment

Surge Institute offers a competitive total rewards package and benchmarks compensation to the nonprofit sector. The starting salary range for this role is $86,000 - $95,000 based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include unlimited PTO, company holidays, a 401K retirement plan with up to 5% match, healthcare contributions between 60-85% depending on plan selection, and more.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The process will include 2–3 rounds of interviews and a paid performance task.

Surge Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics covered by law with regard to employment opportunities. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of job functions, responsibilities, or requirements and does not include the general job performance expectations applicable to all employees (e.g., regular, timely attendance).