Pacific Palisades, California
Concord, Massachusetts
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pacific Palisades, California
Posted: 06-Apr-23
Location: Bellevue, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $90,000 - $125,000 DOE
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
Director of Development & Communications
The Little School has a full-time Director of Development & Communications position open beginning Summer 2023. We are looking for individuals with experience in strategic philanthropy design and implementation with a proven track record of successful fundraising.
Position Overview:
The Director of Development and Communications is a strategic thought partner, relationship builder and cultural steward for The Little School. The position directs and manages an integrated program for fundraising, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, public relations, and communications in a manner that is consistent and aligned with The Little School’s vision, values and mission. This is a highly collaborative position that supports every constituent of the school, seeking to help community members feel seen, appreciated and respected in authentic and meaningful ways. The Director of Development & Communications is a member of an Advancement Team that includes the Director of Enrollment Management, the Advancement & Data Manager, the Technology Integration and Innovation Specialist and the Community Events & Alumni Coordinator. All members of the Advancement Team collaborate with and report to the Head of School. The Director of Development & Communications partners with the TLS Advancement Team and the Board’s Advancement Committee to strategically shepherd and elevate a culture of philanthropy, gratitude, communication and connection that is central to a healthy independent school community.
The Director of Development & Communications:
Cultivates Philanthropy & Executes Strategic Fundraising
- Designs and implements a multi-year development plan that diversifies and expands fundraising channels through innovation and partnerships.
- Cultivates and maintains relationships with volunteers, trustees, staff, families, alumni, friends, prospects, donors, foundations and others to increase support of and involvement in the school.
- Plans and manages the fundraising activities and events of the school to attract maximum support, involving trustees and volunteers, preparing materials, promoting participation and communicating progress.
- Oversees and meets the school’s annual fundraising goals which are to raise approximately 11% of the school’s annual operating budget for operations and financial aid. For the 2023-24 school year, this number will be around $700,000.
- Cultivates and sustains healthy donor relations through individual connection and donor recognition events.
- Oversees the administrative tasks in the development office including database maintenance, gift acknowledgement, pledge reminders, monthly giving reports for the Board of Trustees and monthly reconciliation for charitable contributions with the Business Office.
- Researches and submits grant requests to support existing and new funds and projects.
Supports Internal & Community Communications
- Establishes and executes communication plan to promote connection and understanding in TLS’ community.
- Demonstrates strong written communication for multiple audiences and purposes.
- Oversees and organizes Annual Report and other regular publications.
- Coordinates TLS Happenings weekly e-newsletter.
- Designs printed calendar and supports understanding of school year cadence of events.
- Maintains database and compiles mailing lists for all mailings, including Annual Report.
- Coordinates graphic design/production for all school branding, signage, materials and publications.
- Other duties as assigned by Head of School
Desired Skills and Experience:
- 5+ years of fundraising experience, including with annual funds and major gifts, ideally in an independent school.
- A passion for independent schools and a belief in their public purpose.
- Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, access and justice.
- A desire to partner with an international community of families and to learn actively about culture.
- A sense of humor and the ability to delight in a community centered around children and childhood.
- Highly professional team-player with a strong sense of integrity.
- Strong work ethic and success meeting goals.
- Excellent communication, human relations, supervisory, and management skills.
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge software and Blackbaud.
- Knowledge of budget preparation and control, and the ability to work within budget constraints.
Compensation:
12-month, exempt position with health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Annual salary of $90,000 - $125,000 depending on experience.
Submit:
Resume, letter of interest and three references to employment@thelittleschool.org as soon as possible.
About The Little School:
The Little School is an independent preschool-5th grade elementary school in Bellevue, WA. Nestled in 12.5 acres of woods and meadows, The Little School provides a natural setting to nurture children’s curiosity and potential. We build upon the inherent strengths of each child and support them as they expand their intellect, build foundational skills and deepen their connections to friends and teachers. Each student knows and is known in our community, and children here learn to develop the interpersonal skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and for others. Our commitment to community includes advocacy and stewardship of our surroundings as well. The classroom extends to the outdoors, providing plenty of opportunities for children to study and appreciate the natural world.
Our Mission:
The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.
Our Vision:
We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy.
Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
To further our children’s understanding of the world in which we live, The Little School seeks to purposefully build an environment that reflects and honors its rich diversity. The school welcomes a wide range of people and respects their personal identities, including socioeconomics, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and family composition. Our community is committed to ongoing dialogue, education, and reflection to develop understanding and inclusion of every member.
DEI Mission:
We will reflect on our own identities, be curious about the experiences and perspectives of others and seek to understand how our identities intersect. We strive to create an educational culture where struggle and discomfort are embraced as necessary for increased understanding and a community whose members are humble, curious, kind and committed to social justice.
DEI Vision:
The Little School creates innovative learning communities committed to equity, intentionality and continuous inquiry and growth.
Community Values:
The Little School is a community committed to children and learning. Each member of our school faculty and staff are expected to:
- Demonstrate a deep respect for childhood.
- Engage and nurture each child as a learner and valued member of the community.
- Honor and show respect for the identity of others.
- Anchor learning in a sense of place that demonstrates care and stewardship for the school and the environment.
- Use evidence, scientific facts and research to inform beliefs and practices.
- Promote ongoing learning about equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism.
- Celebrate creativity, innovation, kindness and curiosity.
- Strive for continuous improvement and excellence.
- Foster a sense of belonging among all members of our community.
- Create and embrace joy.
Non-discrimination Statement:
The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- 5+ years of fundraising experience, including with annual funds and major gifts, ideally in an independent school.
- A passion for independent schools and a belief in their public purpose.
- Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, access and justice.
- A desire to partner with an international community of families and to learn actively about culture.
- A sense of humor and the ability to delight in a community centered around children and childhood.
- Highly professional team-player with a strong sense of integrity.
- Strong work ethic and success meeting goals.
- Excellent communication, human relations, supervisory, and management skills.
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge software and Blackbaud.
- Knowledge of budget preparation and control, and the ability to work within budget constraints.