Jobs

Founded in 1922, Concord Academy is a mission-driven boarding and day school with a rich history and a bright future; as a social-profit organization, CA relies on philanthropy and volunteerism from various stakeholders across generations and around the world. CA recently completed a multi-year $50 million Centennial Campaign in service of the school’s aspirations for its students and the greater community. Highlights include a vital infusion of endowment dollars in support of students and faculty and the redesign of 40% of CA’s campus and the building of the Centennial Arts Center. Alums, families, and friends of the school consistently step forward to lead the school into the future.

A full-time, year-round position, the Assistant Director of the Annual Fund plays an integral role on the Advancement and Engagement team, working to support near-term and long-range fundraising goals. The successful candidate will have an interest in learning and mastering the fundamentals of fundraising and constituent engagement, combined with a creative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative spirit.

In partnership with the Director of Constituent Engagement and Leadership Giving (DCELG) the Assistant Director of the Annual Fund will oversee the annual giving strategy and activities, and sustain a high-caliber program to support CA’s operating budget, mission, goals, and forward-looking strategic plan. The Annual Fund Officer will work collaboratively with the A&E team, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and alums. They will build upon strong systems and structure for sustainable annual fundraising, championing an ongoing institution-wide conversation about the importance of the Annual Fund as a pillar of the school’s operating plan.

Volunteer management and Annual Fund execution and support are the centerpieces of this important work. The successful candidate will demonstrate proven people skills and have an interest in working with a variety of constituencies to grow the Annual Fund and develop and strengthen individual connections to CA. As the incumbent proves proficient in the position’s primary responsibilities, this role offers growth opportunities (e.g., managing a portfolio of annual giving prospects).

Key Responsibilities:

• The CA Annual Fund is the main focus of this role. The incumbent will work closely with the DCELG to assist with fundraising efforts for the school, including coordinating with frontline staff, parent and alum fundraising volunteers, creating Direct Marketing Annual Fund appeals and related project management tools and dashboards, propelling reunion giving, and supporting other activities to meet the school’s $3.1M annual fund goal representing 8% of the school’s operating budget.
• Collaborate with colleagues to manage the CAYAC (Concord Academy Young Alum Community) program, educating young alums about the CA network, engaging CAYAC in fundraising and programming efforts, recruiting and managing volunteers
• Nurture a culture of philanthropy by recruiting, educating and engaging current students and student volunteers in the importance of supporting the school through campus campaigns, thank-a-thons, and other related programs.
• Develop strategies and implement a creative and forward-looking process to sustain an inspiring and personalized Annual Fund program that will grow results through segmentation, volunteer outreach, social media, and other channels.
• Partner with the Advancement and Engagement Communications Project Manager and the Marketing and Communications Office to develop and maintain regular, meaningful stewardship communications with all constituents via email, CA’s website, print communications, and social media; primary liaison between the school and outside vendors.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of events and programs related to philanthropy at CA supporting the school’s Circles of Recognition program.
• Provide analytical support to determine annual goal setting and appeal segmentation, inform marketing and appeal coordination, and produce metric and performance reporting for staff and leadership.
• Provide support for volunteer fundraising committee meetings and events by assisting with the preparation, research and gathering of materials and information, and drafting, editing, and proofreading correspondence.
• Establish and build productive working relationships with constituents locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Skill and Competency Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience.
• Understanding of CA’s mission and goals, and the ability to articulate the school’s values and importance in the independent school landscape; be a visible member of the community.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience with a keen understanding of best practices in annual giving.
• Proven ability to work strategically, thoughtfully, and purposely with volunteers.
• Customer service-oriented with superb interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with all stakeholders in support of shared goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Attention to detail with strong time management, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proven administrative skills include the ability to organize and prioritize tasks with initiative, sound judgment, independent thought, precise attention to detail, and a high degree of integrity, dependability, and professionalism.
• Proven resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to complex problems (operational and administrative); takes initiative in implementing solutions or making recommendations;
• High degree of integrity, dependability, use of sound judgment, diplomacy, and resourcefulness, with a strong work ethic combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, and creative thinking; flexibility and ability to adjust to a dynamic environment with grace and positivity; ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters, including those related to sensitive donor relations.
• Ability to travel, and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Database experience, proficiency in MS Access, Excel, and Word; and ability to learn new software. Raiser’s Edge/NXT experience preferred.

But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values: 

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member’s contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
• Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
• Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
• Continuous growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
• Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.

If this resonates with you and you want to help us in our ambitious plans – and maybe do some of your best work as an advancement professional – we encourage you to apply. If you are hesitant to apply because you have not previously performed every responsibility listed in the description, but you do possess transferable skills, our values, and the defined qualifications, we still want to hear from you and welcome your application.

Interested candidates are asked to send a cover letter, resume, and transcripts via the ADP portal addressed to:  Christine Flashner, Interim Director of Advancement and Engagement.

Application materials for this position are preferred by 30 June 2024. If you are considering applying after this date, please contact the school to inquire as to the status of this search.

To learn more about Concord Academy, the Advancement and Engagement office, and other job opportunities at Concord Academy, please visit www.concordacademy.org