Director of Development: Center District

Interested Candidates:
To be considered for this position, you must include an updated Resume, thoughtful cover letter and a writing sample that is relevant for this opportunity.

Center City District (CCD), located in Philadelphia, PA., is seeking an outstanding communicator and tenacious project manager to serve as Director of Development to lead all aspects of research, writing, tracking, and administration of foundation, government and corporate grants. Current priorities include the next phase of the Rail Park, CCD’s collaborative partnership for homeless outreach, the expansion of Open Streets, public art, and bringing performing arts to parks – to name a few – the Director of Development will be a have a key role in scaling CCD’s impact.

The successful candidate will believe strongly in CCD’s mission of stewarding and advocating for a clean, safe, and thriving Center City Philadelphia.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Partnerships, the Director of Development will be part of a newly formed four-member team driving CCD’s fundraising and non-assessment revenue generation activities, with other team members focused on corporate partnerships and sponsor ships, individual giving appeals and management, managing corporate membership of the CPDC, and parks activations and rentals.

The Director of Development will be responsible for all aspects of foundation, local, state and federal government, and corporate grant research, writing, submission, tracking, reporting, and internal coordination of the CCD team. They will also have other responsibilities related to fundraising and non-assessment revenue generation activities, as well as stakeholder engagement, depending on the needs of the organization, the team, and their interests.

They will closely collaborate with the CEO, the Board Chair, and multiple CCD colleagues and departments on various aspects of grant writing and administration.

Research and Planning

• Research and identify new grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and corporations that strategically align with CCD priorities, maintaining a strong prospect pipeline.
• Develop and execute targeted funding strategies for specific projects in partnership with CCD senior leadership and colleagues.
• Contribute to an annual plan to increase fundraising and non-assessment revenue generation activities aligned with new and established CCD projects, programs and priorities.

Grant Writing and Submission

• Write compelling grant proposals incorporating compelling narratives, demographic data, geographic analyses, and impact metrics.
• Prepare comprehensive grant packages including detailed project budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain a grants calendar to track Final date to receive applicationss, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities.

Relationship Management

• Cultivate strong relationships with current and prospective funders through regular communication and updates.
• Coordinate with the offices of state and federal representatives, as well as local officials for support letters and project advocacy.
• Serve as primary liaison between grant makers and internal stakeholders.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare monthly grant activity reports for senior leadership, including pipeline updates and revenue projections.
• Partner with Finance team on budget management and financial reporting.
• Document project milestones, challenges, and successes for grant reporting purposes.
• Create comprehensive grant reports in compliance with funder requirements.
• Maintain detailed records of all grant-funded initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 5+ years meaningful experience in development, communications, or philanthropy, with a track record of successful grant writing and administration.
• Knowledge of Greater Philadelphia’s foundation, government and corporate grant making community.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Initiative, drive, attention to detail, and tenacious and diplomatic project management skills.
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting and projecting project income and expenses.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and virtual meeting technology (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
• Commitment to CCD’s mission of stewarding and advocating for a clean, safe, and thriving Center City Philadelphia.