Summary

This position reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Board of Directors. The role serves as a strategic leader in building and maintaining relationships with corporate, foundation, and individual donors, and in overseeing all communications and special events.

Description

Summary

The Director of Development and Marketing is responsible for developing and executing the Aurora Public Schools Foundation’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, marketing initiatives, and donor engagement programs to advance the organization’s mission. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Board of Directors. The role serves as a strategic leader in building and maintaining relationships with corporate, foundation, and individual donors, and in overseeing all communications and special events. The position exists to secure sustainable funding streams and enhance the Foundation’s visibility through data-driven fundraising practices and compelling storytelling that demonstrates impact to the Aurora community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Development, Fundraising and Stewardship

●Create and execute comprehensive fundraising plans targeting individual, corporate, andfoundation donors.

●Guide donors through annual, mid-level, major, and planned giving pipelines to increaseengagement and giving.

●Maintain a diverse portfolio of donors to secure contributions, strengthen relationships, andexpand long-term support.

●Execute multi-channel fundraising campaigns (including Colorado Gives Day and employeegiving) and facilitate meetings for the Board of Directors’ Sustainability and ResourceDevelopment Committee.

Event Execution

●Direct the logistics, volunteer recruitment, and marketing for the annual fundraising gala.

●Establish systematic processes for soliciting and acquiring annual event sponsorships.

● Develop compelling storytelling narratives and scripts for event-based videos and presentations.

Storytelling, Marketing and Communications

● Articulate the organization’s vision and strategic initiatives across diverse communication channels.

● Create digital content for social media, website updates, and email marketing campaigns.

● Coordinate with the APS Communication team to broaden the foundation’s community reach.

● Produce annual impact reports, press releases, and fund development collateral for stakeholders.

Operations

● Track all recurring and one-time gifts in the donor database to ensure accurate records.

● Maintain constituent records by regularly updating and managing data in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

● Manage donor contributions submitted through various workplace giving platforms.

● Perform donation receipting tasks in accordance with auditing and internal control procedures.

Education and Training

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced training in business, fundraising, marketing, or a related field.

Experience

● Five years of professional experience in fundraising and development with demonstrated expertise in marketing, communications, and event coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

● Passion for the Aurora Public Schools Foundation’s mission and vision.

● Experience with fundraising, including individual and corporate, and foundation donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

● Background in event production and coordination.