Position Overview : The Director of Advancement works closely with the Head of School, the administrative staff, and the board of trustees to provide leadership for the advancement/development program as it builds a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the school and local community. The Director's goal is to design giving programs that attract the maximum gift support possible to the institution. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative position.
Key Responsibilities :
Oversee all aspects of the development/advancement program, including fundraising, leading The Gregory School Annual Fund, guiding capital campaigns, soliciting corporate and foundation proposals, creating a strong alumni association, and special development events.
Establish and execute forward-thinking development/advancement and strategic programs that optimally grow the annual, major, and capital campaigns; legacy gifts; and planned giving.
Identify, research, and lead the implementation of a diverse and multifaceted fundraising program to support the school’s strategic vision, cultivating a culture of giving and gratitude across all constituencies and socio-economic strata.
Effectively communicate the school’s vision, core values, educational philosophy, curriculum offerings, and mission.
Collaborate with the director of admissions and enrollment management and the director of communications to achieve shared goals.
Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities and help draft grant applications.
Strengthen relationships with the school’s alumni and further develop alumni programming.
Personally solicit major donors. Enhance existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the community.
Maintain a database of all contributors and provide development reports as required.
Nurture and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the Head of School, the board chair, the advancement committee chair, and individual board members, supporting them in all their fundraising responsibilities, and accompanying them on donor visits when appropriate.
Work in partnership with the director of communications for development publications, including fundraising materials, the annual report, and other school-related materials.
Manage the advancement/development budget.
Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred
At least three years of experience in the nonprofit sector and in fundraising with proven success in directly soliciting and closing charitable gifts
Outstanding knowledge of fundraising data software and database management software
Experience working with and motivating volunteers and staff members
Familiarity with the local community
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all the school’s constituents while maintaining strict confidentiality
The Gregory School is an independent, coeducational school in Tucson, Arizona serving students in grades 5 - 12. Founded in 1980 as St. Gregory High School, we changed our name to The Gregory School in 2014; we are proud that the essence and spirit of our school remain the same.
Every day, the mission of the faculty and staff at The Gregory School is to challenge and support students to achieve excellence in character, scholarship, leadership, and innovation, preparing them to make a positive impact in the world through pursuing their passions, solving problems, and appreciating and creating beauty. The Gregory School experience is both global and closely personalized. We value a sense of community and benefit from the diversity of that community. At The Gregory School, we want students, parents, and faculty to know one another, support each other, and work together to create a nurturing community. The diversity of our students, who come from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, religious and educational backgrounds, enriches the educational opportunities for all of our students and is critical to the health of the school. Our community is the foundation for a high quality academic and social experience for all of our students.