Associate Director of Advancement
Cotting School, Lexington, MA
Associate Director of Advancement
Bring your energy, creativity and analytic skills to the dynamic position of Associate Director of Advancement at Cotting School. Cotting sets the gold standard for special needs education, where innovation, collaboration and teamwork is in everything we do. You will be supported in your professional development, while you offer the team your valuable perspectives, insights and hard work. We need you to help us raise over one million dollars which will help each and every one of our remarkable students thrive.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, the Associate Director of Advancement (ADA) will serve as both a bold strategic thinker and hands-on executor to drive annual operating and special project support. Overseeing annual appeals, events and donor communication strategies they will help broaden the base of supporters and deepen the connections of Cotting donors to the school. The ADA will manage the Advancement Coordinator, helping strengthen relationships with alumni and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of donor stewardship. Together with staff, Board members and volunteers the ADA will help raise over one million dollars in contributed revenue each year.
Responsibilities
Fundraising (70%)
- Manage annual fund direct mail appeals including, but not limited to, Winter/Fall and Spring appeals
- Develop and implement a multi-channel approach to the annual fund including, appeals, e-appeals, social media, assets in Cotting publications, personal outreach, etc.
- Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 50 donors.
- Visit regularly with prospects to solicit gifts for Cotting.
- Identify new donors and cultivate relationships with existing ones.
- Plan, strategize and implement fundraising and stewardship events, including Cotting’s signature Play it Forward fundraiser.
- Develop engagement opportunities that help build the prospect pool, especially focused on younger donor demographic
- Maintain and grow a portfolio of foundation prospects.
Alumni Relations (20%)
- Plan, strategize and implement alumni events including the 125-person alumni reunion.
- Develop and implement an annual calendar of engagement touch points
- Solicit annual class dues
Other (10%)
- Helps prepare and present fundraising reports for the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees
- Oversee the recruitment, placement and engagement of volunteers.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of fundraising experience, ideally in a school setting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft office, Google and fundraising database software
- Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative working style, and an enthusiasm for building bridges between and among key constituents.
- An ability to translate Cotting’s mission and programs into fundraising initiatives that garner financial support.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with careful attention to detail.
- Solid financial, analytical and data management skills.
- A strong work ethic, reputation for integrity and high ethical standards, as well as an outgoing and positive personality.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing demands with grace and good humor.
- First aid/CPR certification (training will be provided), an approved Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I.) background check, fingerprint verification and drug test.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Research shows that many historically marginalized people are hesitant to apply for jobs if they don’t check every box. If you are excited about this position, and think you could have an impact here, please apply anyway. Even if you don’t meet every point on the job description. We’d love to hear from you.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is determined per individual employee agreement and is market-based and commensurate with experience. This position is a salaried, full-time, year-round position and is eligible for all employee benefits offered to similarly situated employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Cotting School is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran
or disabled status, or genetic information.