[Hiring] Director of Development @Merit America

Role Description

Meritus College is looking for a Director of Development to join its founding team and help build a modern fundraising function. This is a hybrid role that combines traditional higher-ed philanthropy with startup-style fundraising.

• Manage and expand a portfolio of mission-aligned 6- and 7-figure foundation, corporate, and individual funders.
• Translate Meritus College's early outcomes data and founding story into compelling narratives.
• Lead the fundraising strategy to launch Meritus College, shaping new initiatives and processes.
• Report to the Managing Director of Development and collaborate with the broader Development Team.

Qualifications

• Experience building new programs in higher education.
• Experience as the fundraising lead or close partner on new initiatives.
• Working knowledge of accreditation and academic model design.
• Track record of raising money or building partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Genuine belief in expanding access to higher education.

Requirements

• Identify, research, and cultivate new funding relationships.
• Lead proposal development with support from Merit America’s Development team.
• Track and analyze pipeline health and funder trends.
• Manage a small portfolio of existing warm prospects and new funding relationships.
• Write clear, engaging correspondence connecting data and mission to funders.
• Partner with academic, data, and operations teams to gather proof points.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (100% Paid Employee Only Coverage).
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account.
• Dependent care Flexible Spending Account.
• Health Reimbursement Account fully funded by Merit.
• Education & personal development reimbursement.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Unlimited vacation (after a 90-day introductory period).
• Paid Parental Leave and Adoption benefits (after 1 year of employment).
• 11 federally recognized holidays.
• 2 week holiday office closure in December/January.
• 401(k) retirement plan with automatic Merit contribution.
• Wellness Benefits/Wellness Resources.
• Phone/technology stipend.
• Home office setup stipend.
• Affinity groups and community building via virtual, in-person, and/or regional meetups.