Carney, Sandoe & Associates, has been retained by a school to find their next Director of Advancement at a private, all girls 5-8 grade school offering an exceptional education in a supportive environment in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The Director of Advancement will lead the development, implementation, and fulfillment of school's strategic initiatives and philanthropic goals. Someone who is a strategic thinker, seasoned fundraiser, inspiring leader, and community builder. The Director reports to the Head of School and is assisted by a committed team of staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all fundraising activities including major gift giving, annual appeal, grants, special events, corporate partnerships, and other giving programs.
• Build on existing relationships, initiate new relationships, and improve donor engagement and retention through meaningful cultivation and stewardship.
• Design and implement a strategic multi-year advancement plan to increase support from individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations through focused annual goals and activities.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, alumni, parents, community organizations and other stakeholders, fostering a culture of giving and appreciation.
• Lead and actively participate in prospective and major donor meetings.
• Act as a spokesperson for OSS at external meetings, receptions, and other events to engage current and prospective donors and spread good news about the impact of an OSS education.
• Partner and strategize with the Advancement Committee chair and the Board of Trustees to maximize board engagement and fund raising for the annual appeal, planned giving, and other programs.
• Create board reports and materials illustrating development plans, forecasts, and progress.
• Attend Governance Committee meetings. Work with the committee to develop and implement a Board engagement plan to harness their ideas, talents, and further connection with donors and community members.
• Implement a comprehensive advancement communications strategy aligned with overall school messaging and fundraising goals.
• Lead the conceptualization and creation of a suite of compelling communications, marketing materials, messaging tools, and content to inform and engage our community about OSS mission, programs, successes, and impact.
• Design metrics to measure advancement results which will enable OSS to make strategic decisions and enhancements in its advancement goals and activities.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 6-8 years’ experience in fundraising, management, preferably in an academic institution.
• Comprehensive understanding of nonprofit development principles and practices, ideally with a background in independent schools.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and oversee staff and operations.
• Competence in handling multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while balancing various priorities.
• Capability to clearly convey the mission, values, and needs of Emery.
• Skill in establishing a strong professional and social presence to effectively represent Emery to donors and board members.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with school administrators in a team setting.
• Strong ability to build and maintain positive working relationships both within the school and with external partners.
• Required experience in managing, organizing, and executing annual fundraising campaigns and events.
• Bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Must demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and quick learning ability.
• Experience in database management is required, preferably Raiser’s Edge.

Potential Benefits:

Competitive pay