Development & Partnerships Coordinator

About the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth The Connecticut Network for Children and Youth (The Network) is a statewide intermediary and advocacy organization that strengthens out-of-school time (OST) systems and advances policy and practice that expand equitable opportunities for children, youth, and families. Through research, professional learning, advocacy, technical assistance, and statewide collaboration, The Network supports the professionals and organizations that make high-quality out-of-school-time programs possible. Position Summary The Network seeks an experienced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial development professional to establish and lead a coordinated fundraising, partnership, and sponsorship program. The Development & Strategic Partnerships Coordinator will strengthen the Network's financial sustainability by cultivating philanthropic and corporate relationships, developing grant proposals, securing sponsorships, and building systems that support diversified revenue. Working closely with the Network staff, this individual will translate The Network’s mission, strategic priorities, and statewide impact into compelling opportunities for investment and partnership. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated fundraising experience, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to independently establish and manage a development portfolio within a small, mission-driven organization. Core Responsibilities Grant Development and Institutional Fundraising — 40% - Identify and cultivate prospective foundation, corporate, and institutional funders. - Research grant opportunities aligned with CTNCY's strategic priorities. - Develop compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding requests. - Coordinate proposal budgets, outcomes, and supporting materials with Network staff. - Establish and maintain an annual grants calendar. - Support grant renewals, reporting, and funder stewardship. - Identify opportunities for multi-year and unrestricted funding. Sponsorship Development and Strategic Partnerships — 30% - Develop and implement a coordinated corporate sponsorship strategy. - Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate and community sponsorships. - Create sponsorship packages and partnership proposals. - Develop relationships with Connecticut businesses and employers whose priorities align with education, youth development, workforce development, and STEM. - Establish opportunities for recurring and multi-year corporate support. - Manage sponsor agreements, recognition commitments, and stewardship. - Coordinate with communications staff on sponsor-facing materials and recognition. Development Infrastructure and Stewardship — 20% - Establish a comprehensive development plan and annual fundraising goals. - Create and maintain a donor, funder, and sponsorship prospect database. - Develop systems for prospect research, outreach, cultivation, acknowledgment, and renewal. - Maintain accurate records of funding opportunities, commitments, and relationship histories. - Track development activity and progress toward organizational goals. - Prepare monthly development pipeline reports and quarterly summaries. - Collaborate with finance staff on revenue tracking and reporting. - Support executive leadership in identifying and prioritizing major funding relationships. Future Fundraising Initiatives — 10% - Explore new fundraising opportunities that align with CTNCY's mission. - Support preliminary sponsorship and partnership development for the proposed Keep the Lights On Music Festival. - Identify potential founding sponsors and community partners. - Contribute to preliminary financial feasibility assessments and fundraising benchmarks. - Develop recommendations for future fundraising opportunities based on organizational capacity and anticipated return. - Ensure exploratory initiatives remain secondary to CTNCY's ongoing fundraising priorities. Qualifications Required - Bachelor's degree in education, Youth Development, Recreation, Grant writing and/or Development, and related fields. - At least five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, corporate partnerships, or a related field. - Demonstrated experience securing grants, sponsorships, or other contributed revenue. - Strong grant writing and proposal development skills. - Experience cultivating and maintaining relationships with funders, donors, or corporate partners. - Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills. - Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and manage multiple funding opportunities. - Familiarity with development databases and fundraising tracking systems. - Commitment to equitable access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities. Preferred - Experience establishing or expanding a nonprofit development program. - Knowledge of Connecticut's philanthropic and corporate communities. - Experience developing corporate sponsorship programs. - Familiarity with youth development, education, workforce development, or statewide intermediary organizations. - Experience with nonprofit fundraising campaigns and revenue diversification. - Demonstrated success securing multi-year funding commitments. What We Offer - An opportunity to build and shape a development program for a statewide nonprofit. - A flexible, collaborative organizational environment. - Meaningful work supporting Connecticut's children, youth, families, and OST professionals. - Opportunities to develop statewide partnerships and contribute to systems-level change. - Employee benefits and paid leave consistent with CTNCY policies and eligibility requirements. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter highlighting their experience in grant development, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and nonprofit fundraising. Compensation - Annual salary within the range of $50,000.00 - 52,000.00 paid biweekly - Part-time position of 20-25 hours per week, hours may vary and will include travel to and from meetings throughout the state - Mileage reimbursement provided - Health & Dental Benefits - SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan + Employer match - Start Date 12/01/2026, the position will remain open until filled. Job Information - Location: Wethersfield, Connecticut, 06109, CT-Hartford County - Position Title: Development & Partnership Coordinator - Company Name: Connecticut Network for Children and Youth (The Network) - Job Function: Education - Entry Level: No - Job Type: Part-time - Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate or relevant experience - Min Experience: 5 Years - Required Travel: 5-10% of work schedule - Reports to: Executive Director - Classification: Part-time/Exempt This description, which is intended to be general, may evolve over time and is subject to periodic updating. At the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth Executive Director’s discretion, dependent upon organizational and program needs the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time. The Network is committed to equitable employment practices and encourages applications from candidates with diverse professional and lived experiences.