BACKGROUND

Founded in 1937, the organization started as the Young Menswear Association (YMA), an informal group educating the next generation of professionals. Over 80 years later, YMA has evolved into the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF), the oldest and foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the country.

The FSF raises millions of dollars every year from individual and corporate sponsors such as: Burlington Stores, Coach, Eric Emanuel, Levi Strauss & Co., LVMH, Macy's, Neiman Marcus Group, Nordstrom, PVH, Ralph Lauren, and SKIMS. And although the name has changed, the FSF’s mission remains the same. The FSF is — and always has been —investing in the fashion industry’s most promising up-and-coming young talent.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head of Development will join at an exciting moment in the FSF’s history as a new strategic plan is implemented for this next impactful chapter for the organization, industry, and the diverse young creatives it serves. Building off a transformational funding event inspired by the late creative visionary Virgil Abloh, a growing network of new corporate partners and in recognition of the evolving and emerging needs of the communities it serves, the FSF is well positioned to scale. The Head of Development will report directly to the Executive Director, Peter Arnold, and drive a creative development strategy that advances the FSF’s mission and impact. This leader will play an important role in successfully stewarding key donor relationships to drive increased resources, retention, and partnership opportunities. Additionally, the Head of Development will build an individual giving program and create opportunities with new corporate and foundation partners to increase the FSF’s broad base of support. This new role and the growth of development outcomes is critical to the FSF’s success in fueling the fashion workforce and building a more inclusive, equitable, innovative industry for all.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

⮚ Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team and serve as an active participant in making strategic decisions that impact the overall organization.

⮚ Operate as a frontline fundraiser developing multiple sources of funding and new external relationships; serve as an energetic and professional representative of the FSF to key audiences.

⮚ Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic development plan with a focus on major gifts, institutional donors, foundations, and corporate partnerships.

⮚ Lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundation, corporate, and individual major donors to build lasting relationships and ensure ongoing support.

⮚ Partner with the Executive Director to plan and realize short- and long-term goals, revenue targets and metrics. This will include raising funds and promoting a new supplemental funding initiative, “The Bridge Fund,” as well as supporting multi-year scholarships, mentorship and internship programs, and alumni engagement, among other goals in the FSF’s new strategic plan which will require supplemental funding support.

⮚ Serve as a partner to the Executive Director and staff and serve as an internal lead of Board-level Gala Committees, making sure Board members are appropriately leveraged in the development strategy as champions, ambassadors, and fundraisers.

⮚ Establish and foster connections throughout the fashion industry to build funding, mentor, and board member pipelines.

⮚ Create and develop compelling, multi-year, and innovative corporate partnerships focused on both the FSF itself and on specific programming such as the Virgil Abloh “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund, the FSF Community Colleges Initiatives, the Alumni Network, the FSF Summer Scholar Series, and the premier annual the FSF LIVE Gala.

⮚ Set organization-wide processes for development function, including for donor management systems or software. Effectively communicate budgeting and financial reporting for development activities.

⮚ Assess and further integrate a planned giving strategy, targeting legacy gifts capable of making measurable impact for the organization.

⮚ Integrate systems to maintain donor and corporate partner communication and engagement through events, meetings, reports, etc.

⮚ Collaborate internally to create and deploy a comprehensive branding strategy that aligns with a strategic development plan to forward the mission of the FSF; building clear messaging and narratives that cut across and unify various dimensions of the FSF’s work for potential donors and supporters.

WHO ARE YOU?

⮚ 8-10 years of measurable experience leading development function with proven results across diverse funding streams and innovative revenue generation.

⮚ Experience in evolving or growing an organization’s development infrastructure and operations.

⮚ A strategic thinker with the vision, capacity, and experience to understand and balance a complex array of needs and serve as a partner to the Executive Director and other stakeholders.

⮚ Ability to serve as an ambassador for the organization and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand, and develop strategic partnerships to further increase awareness and expand philanthropic support.

⮚ Ability to identify, qualify, cultivate and pitch high-level donors to close significant gifts.

⮚ Ability to exercise sound judgment, make timely decisions, and advise the FSF on multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

⮚ Excellent and versatile oral and written communications skills.

⮚ Experience collaborating with creative industries and cultural leaders.

⮚ An authentic passion for young talent and for creating access and opportunities within the workforce.

⮚ A strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The expected salary range for this position will be $180,000– $220,000 and will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Fashion Scholarship Fund is committed to taking care of its employees and offers a generous benefits package including:

● Flexible time off: Enjoy a generous schedule of paid holidays and vacation.

● Professional development: We support various professional development opportunities so that every team member can continue to develop their craft.

● Performance Bonus 

● Health Benefits: We provide top-notch health benefits including:

o medical/dental/vision

o flexible spending accounts

o employer-paid life insurance

o short- and long-term disability

● Flexible Work from Home Policy: The FSF has a hybrid work arrangement, with a generous work from home policy.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.