Job Abstract

Sidwell Friends, a co-educational Quaker day school with campuses in Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, M.D., seeks an Individual Gifts Officer to build and enhance relationships with all constituents to increase philanthropic support to Sidwell Friends School. The Individual Gifts Officer is responsible for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting support from Annual Fund leadership ($5,000-$50,000), and Mid-Major gifts ($10,000 - $100,000), seeking commitments in support of a comprehensive capital campaign and for specific initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Individual Giving, the Individual Gifts Officer will also be responsible for supporting the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Senior Director of Individual Giving with volunteer solicitor management and engagement, including affinity interests and campaign committees, as well as other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Director of Individual Giving to determine strategies and action steps needed to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit mid-major gift ($5,000 - $100,000) donors.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and Advancement Team colleagues on targeted campaign strategies to accelerate sustainable philanthropic growth.
• Manage and engage the volunteer solicitor engagement for assigned affinity/constituent groups.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-125 prospective donors (current parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and alumni) to ensure timely steps are taken toward qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gift proposals.
• Plan and execute a target of 75+ prospective donor visits per year.
• Develop and implement individual strategies for cultivating and soliciting mid-major gift prospects.
• Create inspiring gift proposals through a working knowledge of Sidwell Friends Schools educational programs to effectively articulate the Schools priorities and fundraising objectives to donors.
• Document all activity in the database and prepare and submit moves management goals that contain specific timelines, projected results, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Engagement Team to oversee prospect stewardship through correspondence, donor engagement, professional proposals, mailings, and acknowledgments.
• Achieve personal fundraising and activity goals monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Attend all appropriate Advancement meetings as well as other school-related events as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the School Advancement staff to ensure appropriate coordination and communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required. Masters preferred.
• Two years experience working in a fast-paced environment with campaigns, fundraising, or sales in metrics-focused, relationship-building positions with required measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrate integrity and experience with highly confidential information and exercise discretion in a complex and evolving environment.
• Interest in development, fundraising, public relations/marketing, and/or independent education, as well as previous campaign experience, is preferred.
• Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Asana. Database experience is preferred.
• Experience engaging and managing volunteer partners with volunteer management software. GiveCampus is preffered.
• Knowledge of educational fundraising culture is an asset, and experience with higher education moves management systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of a CRM database, preferably RE NXT.
• Ability to make good decisions and work independently and in a team in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing and managing multiple tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Demonstrate self-motivation, collaboration, a positive team-player attitude, and willingness to support all advancement partners in a multitasking environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Local travel is required.

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?