Director, Public Funding

$109,680 - $164,520/Yr

College Track - Oakland, CA

Full-time - Director

Oakland, CA

Educational Services

About the position

As the Director of Public Funding at College Track, you will play a pivotal role in building and nurturing relationships with public funders, primarily local and state governments, that align with College Track's mission. Your primary objective will be to increase awareness and support for the organization’s mission, which is to equip students facing systemic barriers with the resources they need to earn a bachelor's degree. This position requires a strategic partnership with various internal teams, including Program, Finance, and leadership, to ensure effective communication, compliance, and stewardship of public funds within the organization. In this inaugural role, reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, you will leverage your expertise in public sector funding to develop a robust portfolio of funders that complements College Track's philanthropic efforts. You will collaborate closely with the Philanthropy Operations, Finance, and Program teams to execute funding proposals and track deliverables and reports. Starting in FY26, you will also oversee a Manager of Public Funding, who will assist in managing an expanding pipeline of active funding initiatives. College Track is dedicated to fostering a values-first culture, emphasizing commitment, passion, joy, authenticity, and excellence across its 12 sites. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree and have a strong understanding of the government and institutional funding landscape, particularly in the context of secondary and postsecondary education. You will need to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism and diplomacy in all interactions. Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and persuasively. Familiarity with program budgets and principles of program design, implementation, and evaluation is also crucial, along with experience in managing multiple projects and budgets to achieve strategic program goals.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with public funders, primarily local and state governments.
• Increase awareness and support for College Track's mission among public funders.
• Serve as a strategic internal partner to Program, Finance, and leadership teams.
• Ensure cross-department communication and compliance with public funds stewardship.
• Develop a portfolio of funders that complements College Track's philanthropy work.
• Collaborate with Philanthropy Operations, Finance, and Program teams to execute proposals and track deliverables and reports.
• Oversee a Manager of Public Funding starting in FY26 to support funding initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Familiarity with the government and institutional funding landscape, preferably in secondary and postsecondary education.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Experience conveying complex concepts in a clear and persuasive manner.
• Familiarity with program budgets and principles of program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and budgets.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in college access and college success fields.
• Ability to work remotely or in a hybrid model.

Benefits

• Up to 27 discretionary time off days (Sick and Vacation).
• 28 paid office closure and holiday days in the first year of employment.
• Comprehensive health care benefits.
• Work-life balance support.
• Financial security programs.