About SMASH

SMASH is committed to increasing racial equity in K-12 computer science (CS) education and the next generation of our workforce by building interest, knowledge, and aspirations in computing among underrepresented identities in the field. 

After operating for more than 20 years and inspiring thousands of students of color to pursue careers in STEM, the SMASH Board has spent the better part of 2022-2023 reimagining SMASH in alignment with educational and economic shifts.

In this next phase of the organization, SMASH aspires to engage even more students from underrepresented backgrounds through a more intensively CS-focused curriculum and across a wider variety of formats. Innovative in-person and virtual programs aim to provide early exposure to CS concepts and careers to students of all ages, with deep-impact programming specifically for high school students.

Programming will continue to center on SMASH Academy, a three-week, cost-free, residential on-campus summer experience which helps students develop critical thinking, civic and social awareness, and leadership skills. Initially available at five partner sites across the country, this next phase of Academy supports rising 11th and 12th graders in developing CS skills and credentials.

With the support of partners, SMASH plans to offer additional in-person experiences for high school and college students with Hackathons/Open Innovation Challenges, which will provide early exposure to computer science (CS), empower youth to address pressing community challenges through CS, design thinking and rapid prototyping.

To bring the SMASH experience to a national audience, we also plan to develop digital programs to support students nationwide in developing their CS knowledge and support their college and career navigation journey. SMASH digital resources will be open to students nationwide, while in-person programming serves students throughout the Bay Area, greater Atlanta, Detroit, and Boston regions.

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the computer science landscape, we want to hear from you.SMASH is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations. 

Position Description

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy

• Design and lead implementation of a comprehensive, growth-oriented development strategy and campaigns aligned with SMASH’s mission, goals, and financial needs (estimated $7-8M annually)

• Lead the identification of diverse funding sources, including corporate, individual donors, major gifts, and grants, with priority given to non-restricted sources

• Provide clear and regular reports and analysis on: fundraising performance, donor engagement, and other KPIs to essential stakeholders within SMASH, the Kapor Foundation, and governance and advisory boards

• Identify grant opportunities, collaborate effectively with Programs and other internal stakeholders to develop accurate and relevant proposals, and submit applications in compliance with grant requirements, deadlines, and deliverables

• Develop and manage a fundraising board of advisors 

Donor Management

• Cultivate and maintain existing organizational relationships with major donors, philanthropic organizations, corporate partners, and others to ensure long-term and ongoing support

• Significantly increase the fundraising base by identifying and establishing new relationships across corporate, individual, and institutional donors and sponsors

Development Events & Campaigns

• Leverage marketing resources to drive effective fundraising events, campaigns, and other revenue-generating activities as outlined in the development strategy and/or in response to relevant trends and current events

• Represent SMASH at events and otherwise externally to expand the organization’s network and cultivate donors 

Team Leadership

• Assess, design, hire and lead a high-performing development team, with clear responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the SMASH leadership team, setting organizational goals and priorities in close partnership with program leaders to ensure spending and fundraising are managed proactively and effectively

• Work with the Finance team on annual budgeting to develop, manage, and monitor spending, keenly leveraging reporting capabilities

• Ensure ethical fundraising practices in accordance with relevant regulations and uphold the organization's reputation by maintaining accountability in fundraising activities

The Ideal Candidate will Have/Be:

• 10+ years of experience in highly-responsible development positions, including in entrepreneurial and growth contexts 

• Skilled strategist and accomplished non-profit fundraiser with extensive working knowledge of corporate, foundation, and individual giving (including annual, major and planned giving)

• Experience building and sustaining productive donor relationships, including with high-net-worth individuals

• Ability to build and sustain effective relationships with peers, direct reports, and supervisors

• Experience managing, mentoring, and growing high-performing development teams 

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills across multiple platforms, contexts, communities, and audiences

• Highly credible in representing and advocating for SMASH and our mission, with demonstrated background in one or more of the following areas: youth development, education, social justice advocacy 

• Self-directed, highly-organized, and detail-oriented 

• Energetic, action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible and innovative

• Passion, humility, integrity, a positive attitude, and mission-driven 

• A deep respect for colleagues, staff, stakeholders

• Resonate with and share a deep commitment to our values: 

  • We Close Gaps, Open Doors, and SMASH Barriers

  • We Value Tech as a Tool to Scale Social Impact

  • We Lead with Racial Justice and Reflect the Communities We Serve 

  • We Honor Distances Traveled, Not Just Finish Lines 

  • We Challenge with Urgency, Respect, and Purpose

  • We Don’t Just Talk. Positive Intent Must Lead to Positive Action