Director of Advancement
About the role
The Advancement group encompasses SA teams responsible for all aspects of retaining and building a loyal and generous community of philanthropic supporters. This includes individual giving, corporate and foundation giving, events, data analytics/operations, donor engagement, online communications, business development, marketing, and strategic planning. The group's priorities encompass: securing critical financial support to undergird growth, scaling, and innovation priorities and capital projects; expanding SA's network of support (financial and influencer); and deploying sophisticated branding, digital, and marketing strategies to secure a segmented donor base and position SA externally as an organization that stewards philanthropic support at the highest level
Key responsibilities include
- Owns and drives day-to-day progress toward fundraising goals, grounded in industry best practices.
- Oversees staff responsible for individual giving, foundation and corporate giving, and ensures close collaboration and integration of their workstreams.
- Grows pipeline of major and principal gift donors and manages portfolio of individual and institutional donors, including direct solicitation of gifts.
- Operationalizes fundraising strategies for the organization’s most pressing needs and ensures fundraisers are equipped with resources they need to execute against strategy.
- Ensures the entire Advancement team is fully informed of all key Schooling and Network initiatives.
- Captures workflow, prioritizes operational efficiency, strengthens collaboration with partners and clients, and actively supports and develops direct reports.
- Uses data as a primary tool, including tracking performance measures, monitoring results, and continuously evaluating the efficacy of the development program.
- Develops strategy and execution plan for developing all affinity groups, including young professionals and individuals interested in planned giving.
- Supports the CEO and CAO in fundraising and other development-related initiatives as needed.
- Strengthens collaboration with other SA departments to maximize efficient workflow, ensure alignment, and reinforce a culture of philanthropy.
Required Qualifications
- Extensive experience (10+ years) as a fundraiser, with a proven track record of success in personally cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- A proven track record of success in leadership and people management, including:
- Ability to set and communicate clear priorities, strategies, and long-term vision
- Ability to support and develop high-performing teams and individuals.
- Deep experience in using data to inform strategies and drive decision-making in fundraising.
- Strong commitment to excellence and continuous improvement while achieving results.
Required Traits
- A strategic thinker with a strong focus on excellence and a change leader.
- An exemplary reputation with stature and credibility.
- Proven ability to influence and galvanize groups outside of reporting lines.
- Flexibility and a proven ability to innovate and find creative solutions to challenges.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- A passion for driving towards SA’s mission and commitment to our families and scholars, and a firm ideological commitment to excellence in K-12 education.
Preferred Qualifications & Traits
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge.
- A working knowledge of the New York City funding community, its leaders, and trends is a plus.
Exact compensation
Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.
Compensation Range
$250,000 - $275,000 USD
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