Sep 6th, 2024
Sayre School
About the Organization
Sayre School promotes intellectual, emotional, physical, social and aesthetic growth in each of its students. Founded in 1854, we honor our rich heritage and embrace change as we continually strive to achieve academic excellence. As a community, we are bound by the shared responsibility to foster a spirit of mutual respect and kindness. We value equity, justice, and the diverse perspectives of our world.
Job Description
Position salary range: excellent compensation/benefits
Position reports to: Head of School
Organization:Sayre School
Job Title:Director of Advancement
Department:Advancement
Reports To:Head of School
Status:Leadership Team
Location:Lexington, KY
Salary:Excellent compensation and benefits package
Full Time/12 months
Primary Function
The Director of Advancement manages all advancement and fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual fund, grants, alumni relations, communications, and marketing. Along with the Head of School and other staff, faculty, volunteer leadership, the Director of Advancement will aggressively seek out, cultivate, and solicit donor prospects to support the Sayre School in its stated goals and mission. The Director of Advancement will support the Head
of School’s fund-raising activities, create institutional strategy development, help set fundraising priorities and goals, evaluate, and equip the development staff, and manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects. Implement the growth plans for the Advancement Office and overarching initiative to enhance the culture of philanthropy at Sayre.
Annual Fund
Develop an effective annual giving strategy aimed to meet and surpass present goals by
• Assessing current systems, strengthening the base of support, and identifying areas for
improvement
• Developing the case for support and relative solicitation materials
• Overseeing the Sayre Day of Giving efforts
• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting results
Fundraising
• Strategize with Head of School regarding fundraising priorities including the endowment, Annual Fund, and special projects
• Partner with Trustees to identify, motivate, cultivate, and solicit donor prospects
• Assist in the development and execution of capital campaigns
• Advance Sayre’s estate planning initiatives
• Participate in grant-writing efforts as needed
Communications
• Identify, develop, and maintain collaborative relationships
• Function as a resource for Sayre students, faculty, and staff in promoting the Sayre educational experience to the community at large
Alumni Affairs
• Oversee the programs and functions of the Office of Alumni Affairs
• Assist in growing Alumni involvement and participation in the Sayre Annual Fund
Special Events
• Assist in the development and implementation of special events that enhance the experience of the Sayre community, including the Sayre Spectacular, Grandparents Day, and Reunion Weekend.
Office of Development
• Manage a current staff of four (Director of Annual Giving and Alumni, Director of
Advancement Operations, Director of Communications, and Advancement Associate)
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge and Blackbaud databases to support advancement services
• Act as an ambassador of goodwill throughout the Sayre campus and community
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree, excellent written and oral communication skills, and an ability to speak compellingly on behalf of the school.
•Experience in all areas of a comprehensive fundraising program.
•A proven ability in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding leadership gifts.
•Strong and demonstrated success in leading, managing and communicating diplomatically and comfortably with a diverse community of parents, trustees, students, alumni, volunteers, partners, and colleagues.
•Prior experience managing development professionals.
•Prior experience working in a comprehensive campaign structure and alumni programming.
•Strong understanding of current digital communications, social media, fundraising software, and email solicitations.
•Strong technological skills, including fluency with spreadsheets, presentations, and databases such as Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud and Google Docs.
•An understanding of the key principles of branding.
•A willingness to maintain a visible presence in the daily life of the school.
Sayre School actively seeks qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and talents who will make a positive contribution to school life. Sayre School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, uniform service member status, religion, handicap or disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all federal, state, or local law. This applies to its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, financial-aid policies, athletics, and other after-school programs.
To submit an application for this position, submit your resume and cover letter to https://ourfundraisingsearch.welcomekit.co/
Contact email for applicants ourfundraisingsearch@gmail.com