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Assistant Director, Stewardship and Special Events
Advancement Office
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Assistant Director, Stewardship and Special Events drives Whitby’s stewardship efforts in order to foster a culture of gratitude across our campus. As a member of a cohesive, collaborative team, the Assistant Director oversees and implements Whitby’s donor development and stewardship plan. S/he is responsible for all gift processing and acknowledgment as well as organizing and implementing a series of special events. In addition, the Assistant Director supports the Director of Institutional Advancement in the daily implementation of all fundraising efforts, including the Whitby Fund and Annual Benefit/Auction.
Working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are necessarily the same, the Assistant Director’s weekly schedule includes a plethora of opportunities to grow and develop as an advancement professional.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3+ years of experience in the nonprofit or education sectors, preferably with experience working within an independent day or boarding school advancement office;
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills; creative problem solver;
- BA degree in administration, non-profit or business management, marketing/communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed;
- Experience planning both small and large special events (ranging in size from 25 to 300 guests);
- Competency with the technology used within schools; and familiarity experience with fundraising/development software suites (Veracross preferred);
- Discerning and proactive communicator, comfortable working with donors and volunteers;
- High level of familiarity and comfort utilizing an array of social media platforms.
EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop meaningful relationships within the Whitby community, while recruiting and empowering effective volunteers; solicit financial support from parents, grandparents, alumni and friends
- Generate ways to meaningfully acknowledge Whitby’s donors and collaborate with colleagues and volunteers to set these initiatives into motion;
- Oversee the acknowledgement of all donations to Whitby, including database management, issuing of acknowledgement letters, implementation of Whitby’s stewardship action plan, and reconciling with Whitby’s Business Office;
- Work with Communications team to create Whitby’s Annual Report, solicitation emails, and mailings;
- Perform data management support for the Office of Institutional Advancement including gift entry, gift acknowledgement, reporting for the Whitby Fund, capital campaigns, and other advancement efforts;
- Maintain accurate data in Veracross database and generate monthly dashboards for various campaigns;
- Plan and execute development/alumni/donor focused events and celebrations at the school, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Donor Receptions, State of the School Celebration, Alumni Receptions, and other events as needed;
- Implement an alumni engagement strategy via social media, in partnership with Communications
- Proactively communicate with donors, volunteers, and colleagues to help foster a culture of gratitude;
- Research and implement best practices for the Office of Institutional Advancement, help model and establish structure of next capital campaign;
- Participate in front desk rotation with other administrative staff.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
A positive school environment requires the Assistant Director to establish effective communication patterns with all constituents (parents, staff, vendors, alumni, and friends of the Whitby community). As a member of the administrative staff, the Assistant Director is responsible for making an individual contribution to the overall climate of the school. He/she:
- Participates in the life of the school providing support for school related activities and events as requested by the Head of School or the Director of Institutional Advancement;
- Attends faculty/staff meetings, parent programs, alumni events, and any other special programs as requested by the Head of School or the Director of Institutional Advancement;
- Prepares goals and objectives annually and participates in staff evaluation;
- Actively engages in professional development activities in collaboration with other members of the staff and on an individual basis. Professional development opportunities include attendance at workshops, conferences, and peer dialogue;
- Works collaboratively within the Advancement Office and the greater Whitby community;
- Communicates and cooperates with the administration on schedule or program changes;
- Models effective communication and supports a welcoming and positive work environment through professional conduct and maintaining confidentiality;
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School and the Director of Institutional Advancement;
- Maintains a positive relationship with parents to create a secure environment for their children.
- Responds to phone calls or written communication in 48 hours;
- Maintains a sense of humor to establish a calm and effective work/school environment;
- Is a continuous learner; and fits well within Whitby’s innovative culture.
TO APPLY
Send cover letter and resume to Matt Honeycutt, Director of Institutional Advancement at mhoneycutt@whitbyschool.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted by email. Position is open until filled.
