Job Abstract

The Assistant Director of Donor Engagement supports the planning, implementing, and managing the comprehensive recognition and stewardship program for donors at all levels. Reporting to the Director of Donor Engagement, this position facilitates thoughtful engagement opportunities to strengthen the schools relationships with its donor community. Working collaboratively to advance the goals of the department, the Assistant Director of Donor Engagement is a skilled special event planner, an organized project manager, a creative writer, and is dedicated to donor-centered philanthropy and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Assist in supporting a comprehensive recognition and stewardship program for donors at all levels
• Collaborate with the Director of Donor Engagement to advance personalized communication demonstrating impact and appreciation. Create compelling reports and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate with the Individual Giving team on the engagement strategy of the Sidwell Friends Fund leadership donors, Movers and Quakers, and Grandparents.
• Plan and execute three annual special events designed to support engagement, stewardship, and fundraising initiatives (Loyalty and Leadership, Founders Day for Scholars, and Grandparents and Special Friends Day).
• Support the Individual Giving team on personalized stewardship outreach to donors (calls, texts, note cards, etc.) and annual fund impact reporting.
• Plan and manage unique special gatherings including the annual Commencement speaker luncheon, select memorials and celebrations, among other high-level engagements.
• Develop and sustain productive cross-functional relationships (individual giving, development operations/analytics, and communications/brand marketing) to advance donor engagement goals.

Donor Communications

• Plan and execute the annual production of 180+ endowed fund reports and other specialized stewardship reporting. Develop and maintain working relationship with faculty members and business office staff to receive and manage information.
• Manage specialized communication including condolences, celebrations, and other milestone achievements as well as memorable donor recognition (first-time donation, etc).
• Support the production of key stewardship donor communications, including Report on Philanthropy (annual report) and Advancing Friends (philanthropy newsletter). Manage the preferences of donor recognition (salutation check) and presentation of donor lists.
• Collaborate with the Director of Donor Engagement on donor recognition signage across the campus including exterior and interior signs, donor plaques, and other recognition mediums.

Qualifications:

A bachelors degree is required with two to three years of experience in donor relations, stewardship or alumni engagement, preferably in a higher-education or independent school setting. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker who understands sustained relationship management, fundraising, stewardship, and engagement programming. Professionalism, discretion, creativity, and the ability to deal with confidential information are vital in this role.

Skills and Abilities:

Required

• Must be a self-motivated, highly dependable, independent worker with the ability to effectively prioritize work and problem solve
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize projects to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of fundraising principals and best practices in stewardship.

Skill in project and event management, both in-person and virtual.

Excellent research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex, multi-phase projects from inception to completion

Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively colleagues

Ability to represent the school with internal and external constituents in the community by attending events and social gatherings as needed.

Desired

Masters degree preferred.

Experience using The Raisers Edge NXT in a non-profit setting.

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?