Chatham Day School is a coeducational preschool through grade eight independent school in Chatham, New Jersey.  We encourage you to visit our website, www.chathamdayschool.org, to learn more about our mission and educational goals.

The Director of Development and Communications is a senior leadership position at Chatham Day School. The Director will be responsible for the design and implementation of all fundraising activities at the school, most notably the Green and White Annual Fund and the school’s yearly Gala. They will serve as a primary creative force behind all internal and external communications, taking the lead on guiding and interpreting institutional identity and brand. The Director will work closely with the Head of School, the Associate Head of School, the Director of Admission, and the Advancement Associate to make connections with and build a strong culture of philanthropy within the community.  They will run the school’s next capital campaign, and turn conversations and moments into compelling marketing, fundraising, and community-building narratives conveyed visually through printed materials, web content, dynamic photographs, inspiring and/or humorous videos, and engaging social media. This is a full-time, 12 month position, beginning July 1, 2023.  

Development:

• Responsible for the design and implementation of all fundraising activities at the school, including leading the Annual Fund, the school’s yearly Gala, the school’s capital campaign, legacy gifts, and planned giving.
• Oversee other aspects of the development program, including soliciting corporate and foundation proposals; creating a strong alumni association, and running special development events.

• Collaborate with the Admission Office on communications and marketing initiatives and to create/produce fund raising-related communication materials to expand and enhance the school’s visibility and reputation.
• Enhance existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the community. This includes personally soliciting major donors.

• Supervise and nurture the Advancement Associate.
• Help the Associate maintain a database of all contributors and provide development reports as required.
• Coordinate all Development volunteers (mostly Parents’ Association members).

 Communications:

• Design and manage our weekly all-school e-newsletters - Hawks' Nest and Henry’s Highlights (including creation of content and writing of individual articles). 
• Social Media: Manage multiple social channels including daily content creation and community engagement.
• Print Design:  Work with others to design logos, invitations, programs, banners, and brochures, from conceptualization to distribution; must have an understanding of printing processes (exporting files for print, paper selection, etc.) and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (inDesign and Illustrator) or similar application. 
• Email Marketing: Design and create written and visual content for fundraising and marketing emails; must have strong writing skills.
• Video: Produce videos for social media, website and email, including scripting, filming, lighting, audio and editing; must have a basic understanding of iMovie or Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere or similar application.
• Photo: Shoot and edit photos for print and digital publication, including social media and website; must have understanding of Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
• Web: Front-end management of the website including creation of visual and written content; must have a basic understanding of user experience.

A successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An engaging, warm demeanor -- someone who connects well with families, teachers, and students, and who exudes enthusiasm, compassion, and positivity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, as well as leadership experience.
• Commitment to bringing the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the school’s communications and into the school overall.
• Experience in Development, Communication, and in running a Capital Campaign.
• Technical skills, including experience with databases and school information systems.
• Independence, and the ability to initiate work proactively and function well in a team.
• Flexibility, creativity, patience, energy, a desire to work in a collaborative, collegial, “all-in" community, a sense of humor, and a love of working with families are musts. Experience in independent schools is a huge plus, and expertise in 80s trivia and side two of Abbey Road is always a boon (these last two are not actually necessary).

About Chatham Day School

Chatham Day School is a co-educational, preschool to eighth grade independent school in Chatham, New Jersey.

Connections working at Chatham Day School