Vice President of Strategy and Development

The Vice President will provide strategic leadership and oversee organizational fundraising efforts during a pivotal period of growth for the Gateway Early Childhood Alliance (“The Alliance”). This individual will play a key role in guiding the implementation of the St. Louis Early Childhood Implementation Plan, while working in close collaboration with the Executive Director to advance The Alliance’s mission of promoting equitable, high-quality early childhood education for children from birth through age five in St. Louis.

Key Responsibilities

Build Funding Sustainability

  • Design and execute comprehensive contributed revenue strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability, leveraging the “prospect game plan” developed by The Alliance’s institutional funding consultant.

  • Manage the full grants lifecycle, including prospecting, proposal development, submission, compliance, and timely reporting.

  • Oversee donor stewardship practices and ensure the delivery of contractual obligations related to awarded funds.

Implement Sector-Level Plans

  • Lead interpretation and execution of the St. Louis Early Childhood Implementation Plan, managing deliverables in collaboration with external consultants and cross-sector stakeholders.

  • Establish and maintain collaborative structures for ongoing engagement with community partners involved in plan implementation.

  • Develop and oversee a system for measuring outcomes and tracking progress aligned with the goals of the Implementation Plan.

Provide Strategic Partnership

  • Serve as a key strategic advisor to the Executive Director, contributing to the development and execution of high-impact initiatives that strengthen the early childhood ecosystem in St. Louis.

  • Provide leadership on infrastructure and operational growth, initiative scaling, and community engagement strategies to enhance The Alliance’s capacity and effectiveness.

  • Supervise the Operations Manager, ensuring cohesive and efficient implementation of systems and processes across the organization.

  • Coordinate alignment of regional early childhood education policy priorities across private, public, and philanthropic sector partners engaging in advocacy.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.

  • Proven experience in fundraising, including developing and implementing revenue strategies and managing grants.

  • Strong relationship-building skills, with experience engaging with business leaders, business resource groups, and economic development partners.

  • Familiarity with early childhood education, non-profit organizations, and regional economic development is a plus.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and external partners.

  • Shares core value that the highest need communities should receive the most benefit.

  • Innovative approach and ethos to both short-term strategy and long-term quality improvement initiatives. 

  • Strategically and organizationally agile systems thinker; able to quickly and creatively adapt to evolving realities.

  • Respected reputation for effectiveness and sound judgment in their professional community and broader network. 

  • Politically-savvy; attuned to the complexities of local landscape intricacies and able to navigate with sensitivity.

  • Seasoned networker: fosters new relationships to promote the organization while nurturing pre-existing relationships with community members of influence.

  • Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: Commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Gateway Early Childhood Alliance is fiscally sponsored by The St. Louis Community Foundation, providing additional stability and resources to our team.

Why Join Gateway Early Childhood Alliance? 

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and impactful organization dedicated to improving early childhood education in the St. Louis region. As the Vice President of Strategy and Development, you will have the chance to shape the future of our work, build lasting relationships with key stakeholders, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Executive Director Tamyka Perine at tperine@gatewayecalliance.org. Applications will be accepted until May 2, 2025.