Broad scope of position:

The Associate Director of Advancement is responsible for the timely and active execution of the school’s annual fundraising strategy and initiatives, including but not limited to the Annual Fund, the Spring Benefit, Giving Tuesday, Grandfriends’ Day, and special campaigns. In addition to overseeing the execution of fundraising efforts, the Associate Director of Advancement will also offer support and assistance to the Department regarding marketing and communication initiatives, for internal and external constituents. As a member of the Advancement team, this role often coordinates with the Head of School, Admissions, Operations, the Board of Trustees, Parent Fundraising Committee, and the instructional team to ensure full understanding and representation of the activities and communication needs within Blue School.

The primary responsibilities of this position include the following:

Fundraising Initiatives:

• Work with Advancement Director, Head of School, and Development Committee to create strategic plan to meet fundraising goals
• Execute plans for Annual Fund, Spring Benefit, and support any Capital or Expansion Plans
• Oversee the Parent Fundraising Committee, a team of parents who work with the Advancement Office to contribute to the success of all fundraising initiatives
• Create a positive, professional working relationships with parents
• Help build a culture of giving at Blue School, and understanding of why it is necessary
• Draft fundraising materials for foundations, grants, and investors as necessary
• Manage, with support from Advancement Director, events as needed, from small events (virtual or in person) such as Grandfriends’ Day to large events such as Spring Benefit.
• Assist with the development of new alum group to benefit the school in the long term
• Identify potential advancement opportunities such as friendraisers, auction items and solicitation, etc.
• Research external giving sources, such as outside foundations and organizations for funding support
• Identify major donors through research and prepare donor profiles for various one-on-one asks and to build a major donor pipeline
• Process, record and track all gifts to Blue School in the Veracross database system and manage the Development component of the database; liaise with Business Office as needed
• Oversee the development and distribution of acknowledgement and thank you letters to donors
• Assist in the creation of all materials required for monthly Development Committee meetings

Marketing and Communications Support: 

• Support the Director of Advancement and the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications to create and execute annual Marketing and Communication strategy
• Assist the Advancement Director and the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications in the development and execution of an annual media relations strategy and all PR initiatives
• Offer support as needed in the production of the weekly newsletter, gathering relevant information from leadership team members
• Assist with providing language for publications, internal documents and trustees when needed regarding the school and its programs, in conjunction with Advancement and Admissions professionals as necessary
• Assist with website updates and developments, including any timely updates
• Innovate with new ideas to share information

Miscellaneous Departmental Duties: 

• Collect, document and archive videos, photography, and documents
• Understand and be responsible to the department budget and project budgets; monthly Amex reconciliations
• Support the Blue School mission in communication, performance and behavior
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Advancement

Education, Skills, and Experience: 

• 4+ years of related development and fundraising experience, particularly in independent schools
• Ability to communicate with many constituencies
• Strategic, flexible and creative thinking
• Experience in schools and/or education
• Problem-solving, entrepreneurial, and action orientation
• Experience with gift-entry databases, in particular, Veracross a plus
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong technology skills including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Google Suite
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive nature
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities
• Excellent proofreading skills
• BA required

Blue School is an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t discriminate on the race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, religious beliefs, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation of its employees.