About National Association for The Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The association has a national presence with members of the early childhood community, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. Together, we work to achieve a collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.

NAEYC has 49 affiliates across the country. The affiliates are separate 501(c)3 organizations but are connected to NAEYC through a charter agreement that governs our relationship. In this relationship, we have shared members and branding as well as an aligned vision and mission. NAEYC also has about two dozen Interest Forums where members build community, share knowledge, and deepen learning on a broad variety of shared-interest areas including program, social, professional, and cultural forums.

NAEYC has a diverse eighteen-member national governing Board. Twelve members are elected by the membership including all of the executive officers except for the Treasurer. There are also five appointed members who bring backgrounds and expertise from a variety of industries. In addition, a number of commissions and advisory committees have some delegated authority and sit within NAEYC's governance structure.

With a more than $20 million annual operating budget, a sizable investment portfolio, and 90+ employees across the U.S., NAEYC is the largest professional membership association for early childhood educators. NAEYC has several sizable revenue-generating business lines, including early learning program accreditation, higher education program accreditation, professional learning—which encompasses conferences and online individualized learning (the annual conference typically attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 attendees)—and publishing (books and journals). At the same time, early childhood education is an undervalued and under-resourced field. We take our role seriously in being strong fiscal stewards of our members', earned, and funders' resources and the field as a whole.

Located in Washington, DC, NAEYC's work is increasingly supported by private grant philanthropy with a growth trajectory from $100K to an annual portfolio approaching $3 million.

In the policy and advocacy arena, NAEYC is considered the leading voice in the United States on behalf of high-quality early childhood education and the advancement of early childhood educators. NAEYC led a transformative initiative to develop the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession and is a sought-after voice in the public square including national broadcast and print outlets.

Vision Statement
Each and every child thrives and learns in a society dedicated to ensuring all children reach their full potential.

Mission Statement
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for each and every child, from birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Core Values
NAEYC's core values reflect our belief that all children have the right to equitable learning opportunities and that all early childhood educators have a professional obligation to advance equity. Our values uphold NAEYC's approach as an employer, professional membership association, partner, and field leader. They are based on the principles of child development and learning and are further defined through NAEYC's core position statements: Code of Ethical Conduct; Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators; Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education; Developmentally Appropriate Practice; and Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards. We are propelled by our commitment to upend our own structural and organizational inequities and to ensure our actions are grounded in our values.

We uphold these values and beliefs in all our interactions and initiatives:

Core Values
• Excellence and Innovation—We take risks, imagine new ways of working, and challenge existing assumptions, while remaining fiscally responsible and accountable to our mission and members.
• Transparency—We act with openness and clarity.
• Reflection—We consider multiple sources of evidence and diverse perspectives to review past performance, note progress and successes, and engage in continuous quality improvement.
• Equity and Opportunity—We advocate for and establish policies, practices, and systems that promote full and inclusive participation. We confront biases that create barriers and limit the potential of children, families, and early childhood professionals.
• Collaborative Relationships—We share leadership and responsibility in our work with others. We commit time and effort to ensure diverse participation and more effective outcomes. We act with integrity, respect, and trust.
• Care and Commitment—We are dedicated to the well-being, belonging, and connectedness of our staff, volunteers, and members.

NAEYC's current strategic direction is our North Star and is integrated heavily into our work and the decisions we make. Our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging is deep, long-standing, and dates back decades.
Learn more about NAEYC at www.naeyc.org.

The Opportunity

NAEYC is seeking an energetic, mission-driven, and highly organized Director of Development to drive transformative growth and amplify the organization's impact on behalf of early childhood professionals and educators. This newly created role presents an exciting opportunity to design and lead a cohesive, innovative development strategy. The Director will work collaboratively across departments to align efforts, streamline processes, and enhance organizational efficiency.

In this leadership role, the Director of Development will directly supervise the Grants and Development Specialist as well as manage external contractors, ensuring a well-coordinated and effective development function that supports NAEYC's mission and goals.

The Director of Development will be responsible for designing and managing all aspects of fundraising to sustain and enhance NAEYC's programs and services. This includes cultivating strategic partnerships, growing a diverse donor pipeline, and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies. Initiatives will span major gifts, grant solicitation, planned giving, campaigns, and special events, with a goal to raise at least $3 million annually. This position is integral to advancing NAEYC's philanthropic priorities and expanding our reach and impact.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Communications and External Affairs, although with a dotted line to the CEO, the Director will work closely with the Executive and Leadership Teams, as well as key volunteers such as the Governing Board, to position NAEYC for maximum philanthropic opportunities from foundations, individuals, and other partners. The role will also lay the foundation for an upcoming significant campaign tied to NAEYC's centennial commemoration within the next 12–18 months.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, results-driven professional with demonstrated success in securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts. They will have expertise in donor cultivation and stewardship, coupled with a deep commitment to aligning fundraising efforts with NAEYC's mission and values. This leader will thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple priorities while using innovative approaches and data-driven insights to enhance donor engagement and build a loyal contributor base.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of NAEYC's fundraising efforts, foster a culture of philanthropy, and create a lasting legacy that supports early childhood educators and professionals nationwide.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Understand the strategic direction and vision of the organization to create and implement a comprehensive development plan that meets annual revenue goals and advances NAEYC's long-term priorities.
• Cultivate and steward existing and new relationships with foundations and individual donors.
• Identify and cultivate major gift ($25,000+) prospects.
• Oversee grant proposals, reports to foundations, and the identification of new grant opportunities.
• Develop and oversee fundraising campaigns.
• Develop and oversee a planned giving program helping donors realize their charitable goals in support of NAEYC's mission.
• Plan and execute special events that engage donors and raise funds for NAEYC, in particular for its upcoming centennial celebration in 2026.
• Actively engage with staff, governing Board, and affiliate leadership to ensure an ongoing understanding of funding needs and to build capacity to meet those needs through philanthropic activities.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing staff on designing and developing campaign-related materials and generating clear and consistent communications to promote development efforts.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Build and lead a team of development professionals, providing guidance, training, and support as needed.
• Oversee and generate donor communications, newsletters, and impact reports.
• Stay up to date on fundraising trends and the nonprofit community.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring 7+ years of experience in fundraising, development, and grant writing, with a proven track record of meeting fundraising goals and securing major gifts. They will demonstrate proficiency with fundraising software, such as Salesforce, and have experience managing donor databases and online fundraising platforms to streamline and enhance development operations. Prior experience working in nonprofit organizations and familiarity with nonprofit fundraising techniques are essential. Proficiency in English is required, with a second language preferred to help expand NAEYC's reach and impact.

A Bachelor's degree in business management, public administration, marketing, communications, or a related field is required, while a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential is preferred. Membership in fundraising professional associations is also desired, reflecting a commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to industry best practices.

The ideal candidate will embody the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics: a strategic and results-driven mindset, exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, and strong analytical and organizational abilities. They will have a collaborative, mission-focused approach, along with a deep passion for advancing NAEYC's work and values.

The successful candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Passion for Mission

The Director of Development will bring a strong equity mindset and an unwavering passion for NAEYC's mission to advance the quality of early childhood education. This donor-focused and service-oriented leader will ideally have a deep understanding of the diverse facets of the early childhood education landscape, along with insight into the sector's unique challenges and opportunities.

Strategic Leadership Skills

The Director of Development will excel at functioning at a high level, seamlessly integrating various components of a comprehensive fundraising strategy while managing tactical day-to-day tasks. This leader will have a keen ability to identify opportunities, envision the big picture of donor engagement, and prepare for government grant opportunities. They will distinguish between strategies for major funders, grants, and individual giving, developing a proactive approach that aligns organizational priorities with funder interests.
With a collaborative mindset, the Director will quickly integrate into the team, recognize intersecting roles, and align organizational strategies with funding opportunities. Their ability to create and execute forward-thinking strategies while effectively managing the operational aspects of development will be crucial as they establish and lead this newly formed department.

Development Expertise

The Director of Development will be a seasoned fundraising professional with proven expertise in crafting multi-year, multi-million-dollar funding proposals and strong skills in fundraising research to identify opportunities for foundation and individual giving.

This leader will have a demonstrated track record of success in designing and executing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that expand the donor base and increase revenue. They will effectively leverage existing funder relationships while building the essential structure, systems, and processes necessary for a fully functioning Development Department. The Director will organize resources such as grants databases and templates, ensure deadlines are met, and foster collaboration across departments to consolidate funding efforts.

Additionally, the Director will assist program teams in identifying funding opportunities and aligning organizational initiatives with funding priorities. They will also bring experience in Board governance, with the ability to effectively engage and cultivate volunteers to support fundraising efforts.
Excellent Communication and Relationship Building Skills

An exceptional communicator—both verbal and written—and a natural storyteller, the Director of Development will serve as a bridge builder, bringing NAEYC's mission to life for funders. They will possess excellent writing skills to articulate funding justifications, highlight organizational impact, and craft compelling narratives about how funds will be allocated to drive meaningful change.

This individual will demonstrate the ability to quickly understand organizational roles, dynamics, and priorities while influencing and engaging a diverse range of stakeholders. Their skill in building long-term relationships will be critical to fostering trust and deepening connections with donors, funders, and partners.

Strong Project Management and Organizational Skills

The Director of Development will excel at managing multiple projects and performing effectively in a fluid, dynamic environment. This individual will bring strong analytical and strategic planning abilities, coupled with exceptional time management and organizational skills. Additionally, they will demonstrate excellent research capabilities, enabling them to identify opportunities and craft informed, data-driven strategies to advance NAEYC's mission.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $129,600 - $162,000 (DC Market) with a generous benefits package.

This role may be eligible for 100% remote work outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Telework and remote work eligibility is subject to NAEYC's Telework and Remote Work Policy.

Contact

Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at NAEYC_DOD@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

NAEYC is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, genetic information, disability, or protected veterans status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable laws and regulations.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.

To apply, visit: https://www.dsgco.com/search/21755-naeyc-director-of-development/





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