Development Director, The Summit Country Day School

Overview:

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Community Engagement (AHOS ACE), the Development Director will lead development of and implement strategies to ensure the success of a comprehensive annual giving program, major gifts program, alumni program, planned giving, stewardship plans, gift processing and database management. Tasks include, but are not limited to, developing marketing strategies, making personal visits, portfolio management, supporting fundraising planning efforts, working with volunteers and students, evaluating solicitation outcomes, and researching tactics.

The Development Director leads a team of professionals including the Alumni Engagement and Gift Officer, Annual Fund Engagement Officer, and two Advancement Services Manager.

This position is a member of The Summit’s Senior Leadership Team and works closely with other key administrators, departments, and school divisions to fulfill the mission of the school.

This position is full time, Monday-Friday with some evenings/weekends and travel required. Candidates should submit a cover letter with their resume.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Community Engagement to align development efforts to the mission, purpose, and priorities of the organization.
• Leads the creation and execution of a comprehensive strategy and implementation of solicitation plan and materials to meet fundraising goals.
• Sets annual monetary goals and budgets according to short- and long-term goals. Monitors and reports on progress of budget throughout the academic year.
• Participates with Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Community Engagement in Board committee agenda preparation and delivery, including developing recommendations and reporting for Board of Trustees.
• Identifies and engages new annual, major and planned gift prospects by executing long-range and short-range strategies and plans to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects.
• Manages and oversees the Annual Fund campaign to meet yearly financial and participation goals.
• Creates and maintains a list of potential financial donors including corporations, foundations, and individuals.
• Maintains portfolio of major gift prospects to meet major gift goals.
• Advises Assistant Head of School and Head of School on donor meetings, fundraising asks, and strategy and follow up as necessary.
• Leads stewardship efforts in collaboration with the AHOS ACE and the Development team.
• Produces relevant and informative fundraising literature for distribution to donors and the public.
• Develops and oversees policies and sustainable processes for fundraising activities, record maintenance, and development of funds.
• Develops and oversees management of technological solutions used to evaluate and execute fundraising strategies and information management.
• Grows Summit’s volunteer networks and donor base, aligned with ongoing long term financial and strategic planning efforts.
• Leads creation and dissemination of fundraising education materials to Summit communities, groups, leaders, and Board members working on fundraising activities.
• Plans and executes fundraising and stewardship events that effectively communicate the purposes of the organization. This includes engagement activities with existing and future community groups and partnership groups.
• Leads the annual, major and planned gift solicitation processes and programs by supporting and facilitating solicitations directed by other staff. Ensure that prospects capable of major gifts are cultivated and solicited in an appropriate, timely, and deliberate manner.
• Works closely with The Summit’s Communications Director to plan and manage all communications, via multiple media distribution channels.
• Works closely with other Advancement and Community Engagement leaders on alignment of communications and programming.
• Facilitates productive relationships between donors and school administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure effectiveness of programs and success of The Summit students and families.
• Engages as an active member of The Summit Senior Leadership Team on various school-wide priorities and projects, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversees, assigns, plans, and oversees the work of departmental team.
• Works closely with, mentors and positively motivates the Development team to strategize and meet departmental goals.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Partners with HR on discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in fundraising and/or donor relations.
• Experience working within a non-profit educational institution preferred.
• Experience managing direct reports preferred.
• Experience working with fundraising databases; Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, follow through, and analytical skills that demonstrate effective leadership, project management, attention to detail and creativity.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to handle multiple, complex situations with professionalism, poise, maturity, and flexibility.
• Strong desire and experience with process improvement; ability to prioritize and execute own responsibilities and responsibilities of the team, in the face of competing priorities and deadlines.
• Sound knowledge of laws and practices as well as the philosophy and ethics of charitable giving.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• A clear understanding and commitment to The Summit’s mission, vision and values.
• Desire to be part of and engage in the life of The Summit.