Director of Advancement

About Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) is part of a global organization with a local focus. Our JA Area delivers experiential learning that prepares students for what's next and partners with schools, businesses, foundations, and community leaders who are investing in innovative solutions for youth success. JAES and its partners are committed to an outcomes-based learning system, anchored by an Experiential Learning Center that serves as a Shore-wide hub for preparing young people for the future. JAES serves nearly 14,000 students across eleven counties each year. For more than 100 years, Junior Achievement has been a pioneer in advancing financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, helping young people gain the confidence, capability, and connections they need to thrive . Learn more at our website: www.easternshoreja.org. Position Summary Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) seeks a strategic, relationship-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Advancement. This position offers an opportunity for an emerging advancement leader to play a significant role in shaping the future of a growing organization. The ideal candidate is energized by building relationships, securing resources, and working closely with organizational leadership to expand the impact of Junior Achievement across the Eastern Shore. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Advancement leads the day-to-day fundraising efforts of JAES and works closely with the President to strengthen donor relationships, secure philanthropic support, expand corporate partnerships, and grow annual revenue. The Director is both a strategist and a hands-on fundraiser, responsible for cultivating supporters and advancing opportunities that help sustain and grow the organization's impact. Success in this role requires a combination of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and direct expertise securing large sponsorships/gifts/grants. The ideal candidate is both highly driven and highly collaborative, bringing the ability to set ambitious goals, foster meaningful partnerships, and support the growth and success of staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders . ​ ​ ​ Essential Fu nctions Fundraising & Community Engagement Establish and achieve annual fundraising goals across corporate, foundation, individual, sponsorship, and special funding sources as part of a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives Develop, manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, corporate partners, foundations, sponsors and strategic community stakeholders through active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship Identify and develop new funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and revenue streams Partner with the President, Board, and staff to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising outcomes Serve as a visible ambassador for JAES throughout the region and represent the organization among business, philanthropic, and civic leaders Operational Leadership Provide leadership, guidance, and support to Advancement staff, interns, and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and mission-focused team culture Ensure effective stewardship, grant management, and advancement processes that support donor retention and organizational compliance Collaborate with Education and Operations on budgeting, forecasting, and revenue tracking in accordance with organizational standards and funding requirements Utilize and oversee advancement systems and fundraising analytics to support effective fundraising and informed decision-making Monitor fundraising performance, donor trends, and revenue opportunities to support long-term sustainability and growth Communications and Impact Support the development of donor communications, sponsorship materials, annual reports, and impact reporting to demonstrate impact to supporters and stakeholders Utilize storytelling, program impact data, and fundraising results to deepen donor engagement. and reinforce JA's reputation as a leader in career-connected learning, economic mobility, and youth success Partner across departments to ensure advancement strategies reflect program growth, community needs, and organizational priorities Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business or nonprofit management, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience 5+ years of progressively responsible fundraising, advancement, business development, or partnership experience Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, or major gifts Experience leading projects, initiatives, or teams Strong relationship building and communication skills Strong strategic planning and organizational skills</spa