Director of Advancement and External Affairs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops the annual advancement plan, providing counsel and working in concert with the Head of School and current Strategic Plan
• Develops a culture of philanthropy at the School, fostering good will with constituents at every level, cultivates connections with the School community, and develops new relations with those outside the School
• Works in concert with the Head of School in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting a portfolio of major donors, including donors making planned gifts to the School
• Devises and manages a fundraising program to attract maximum gift support through an annual fund, planned giving, corporate and foundation grants, and endowment giving
• Develops, implements and manages the annual giving program
• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with key business, community, academic and philanthropic organizations
• Identifies opportunities to increase the visibility of Congressional School among AISGW, VAIS and NAIS schools, and build the School's reputation and presence as a mission-driven, engaged, strong community player and employer
• Develops, implements and manages a strong alumni base with a goal toward increasing fundraising initiatives
• Works in concert with the Head of School to develop and manage a major gifts program, and partners with Head of School in cultivating and soliciting major gifts
• Designs, organizes, manages, and implements all capital and endowment campaigns
• Identifies and solicits corporate and foundation grants
• Serves as a member of the School's Leadership Team
• Develops an annual budget that is directly linked to the priorities of the department and the institution and works with the CFO/COO to ensure prudent budget expenses
• Supervises, sets direction and supports goals for the Advancement team (consisting of the Advancement Associate) in order to maximize their individual talents and encourage professional growth
• Assists the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications with the planning and implementation of the School's long-range marketing plan
• Works closely with the Congressional School Parent Organization (CSPO)
• Maintains a regular presence in the School community
• Performs other initiatives, special programs and duties as assigned by the Head of School

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field
• Five or more years of experience in development, preferably in an independent school
• Ease in working with donors, parents, board members, community members and other stakeholders and can work independently
• Broad and deep knowledge of fundraising, communications, and marketing, and the ways in which these three functional areas must integrate seamlessly in order to form a successful, comprehensive advancement effort
• Previous experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge; proficiency in basic data management systems, and basic computer applications; willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed
• Proven track record in all key advancement areas
• Experience with grants/grant writing
• Knowledge of current best practices in development and external affairs
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a high capacity for accuracy, attention to detail, and analysis
• Excellent judgment and ability to work in a changing environment
• Outstanding relationship building and collaboration skills to work with a diverse constituency.
• Strong results-orientation and highly collaborative style
• Management skills that allow one to oversee, motivate, and delegate effectively to a team while retaining ultimate responsibility for the activities of the department
• An ability to work in a joyful, collegial and collaborative environment
• A sense of humor, warm personality, and growth-mindset