Durham Academy and the Philanthropy Team are committed to securing the financial resources and leveraging the dedication of parents, alumni and friends to achieve our mission of preparing students for moral, happy and productive lives.

As an integral member of the Durham Academy Philanthropy Team, the Assistant/Associate Director of Annual Philanthropy will create, adapt and execute a comprehensive year-round fundraising strategic plan. This individual will also have primary oversight for the gift acknowledgment process, Annual Report and Giving Day. In addition, the Assistant/Associate Director of Annual Philanthropy will coordinate various aspects of our team’s annual work cycle. This includes, but is not limited to, preparing reports for volunteer boards and committees, assisting in the execution of our stewardship program, and the coordination of cross-team activities and initiatives.

The Assistant/Associate Director of Annual Philanthropy reports to the Director of Philanthropy. This is a permanent, full-time, 12-month position with benefits.

Responsibilities: 

Annual Giving (50%)

• Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategic plan and appeal schedule for the Durham Academy Fund and other key institutional priorities.
• Design and implement a plan to support an annual giving cycle, including goals and strategies to build our donor base and elevate overall giving.
• Create compelling and creative messaging around support for Durham Academy, including appeals, acknowledgments, pledge reminders and collateral print and digital materials.
• Identify, synthesize and adapt messaging for various audiences in a way that compels action and motivates gifts.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of Communications on messaging, branding and calendaring.
• Create and manage a multidimensional appeal schedule, requiring coordination with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Philanthropy and other members of the Philanthropy Team on the annual Faculty and Staff campaign, as well as corporate and foundation grants.

Giving Day (20%)

• Oversee, implement and execute annual Giving Day, including the recruitment and management of a volunteer committee, as well as strong collaboration with the Office of Communications.
• Recruit, support and manage volunteer solicitors through an annual peer-to-peer solicitation process.

Donor Relations (20%)

• Oversee the gift acknowledgment process, requiring collaboration with the Director of Donor Services and other members of the Philanthropy Team, as well as members of the faculty and the Administrative Team.
• Lead the compilation, creation, and distribution of the annual Impact Report, summarizing fundraising accomplisments, recognizing donors, and illustrating the impact of philanthropy on our community.
• Actively participate in philanthropy-related fundraising and stewardship events.
• Support the Associate Director of Philanthropy, Data & Research in the creation of fundraising reports for our Board of Trustees, volunteer fundraising committees and school leadership.

Additional Functions (10%)

• Participate in professional development opportunities, as appropriate, including active learning and participation in school activities, internal meetings and trainings, and conferences.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers to fulfill Durham Academy’s mission.

Experience and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. The ability to create clear, persuasive and professional messaging across a variety of platforms and constituents is critical. Marketing or communications experience is desirable.
• Three or more years of professional fundraising experience, specifically developing and directing a comprehensive annual giving program.
• Demonstrated talent for recruiting, managing and inspiring volunteers to meet strategic goals.
• Demonstrated track record as a self-motivated, action-oriented team player and relationship builder who can think creatively and work independently.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to initiate and complete multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Personal commitment to the Durham Academy mission and the work of the Philanthropy Team to support and enhance that mission.