Career Center

The Summit Preparatory School of Southwest Missouri is seeking a professional in the following area:

Development Officer 

The Summit, located in Springfield, MO, is a fully accredited, independent, non-profit, co-educational day school meeting the learning needs of 160+ students, Early Learners through High School. It is characterized by its progressive, student-centered philosophy, academically challenging curriculum, personalized, “deeper  learning” approach, motivated students, small class sizes, close-knit community of parents, and talented, dedicated faculty and staff.

The Summit is seeking a dedicated, dynamic person with a versatile fundraising skill set to join a growing, collaborative advancement team and administrative staff as Development Officer. This experienced, mission-driven fundraising professional will oversee and implement strategies and tasks in all areas of fundraising and community engagement to take the development program to the next level. The Development Officer  will report to the Head of School and work closely with Finance and Operations, Admissions, Communications/Marketing, the Board of Trustees, and other administration to execute a major capital campaign and continually raise operating funds to support the growth and strategic vision of the only full-time, fully-accredited independent school in Springfield, MO. The Summit offers a regionally competitive salary and benefits package for this full-time position. 

Candidate Profile:

• Embraces high ethical standards, integrity, and respect for others
• Enjoys working with families and children
• Possesses strong organizational and time management skills with an acute attention to detail
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Confident meeting new people and establishing community relationships
• Maintains absolute confidentiality and professionalism at all times

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Nonprofit fundraising and capital campaign experience 

Interested candidates should send a current résumé and letter of interest to Dr. Katie Heet, Head of School, at kheet@thesummitprep.org.  Application is open until the position is filled. The Summit reserves the right to close the application process at any time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability/handicap, or religion, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the school’s employment opportunities.

Overview of Job Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Cultivation

• Develop and manage a fundraising program designed to attract the maximum gift support possible for the institution; this program will include community engagement, annual fund appeals, planned giving programs, major gifts, alumni, business, corporate, and foundation proposals.
• Oversee and implement The Summit’s fundraising program at all levels, including events, sponsorships, and all other major fundraising initiatives.
• Work with administration, parent organization, Board members, and event committees to lead, plan, organize, coordinate, and execute fundraising events.
• Grow, manage, and secure grant activities, including research, proposal writing, tracking, and reporting.
• Streamline donor database and management systems, including all giving records.
• Provide tax receipts and acknowledgement letters to donors.
• Identify, prioritize, cultivate, and secure financial support from new and prospective donors.
• Further develop and maintain relationships with existing donors (individuals, foundations, and corporations) at all levels.
• Provide a monthly report of development goals, strategies, and outcomes to the Board of Trustees and Development Committee.
• Develop a plan to increase alumni and parental support of, and involvement in, the institution.  
• Collaborate in establishing operational budget and  in defining future financial needs.
• To serve as lead staff support for the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees, The Summit Parent Organization, and alumni families.  
• To keep the Head of School informed on a weekly basis of fundraising activities and outcomes.  

Marketing and Communications

• Seek unique opportunities to promote The Summit’s mission, vision, and values to internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a public liaison between the school and the local community to advance the School’s mission and strategic goals.
• Develops informational and promotional content congruent with the organization's communications and marketing plan including, but not limited to, the annual report, direct mail campaigns, newsletter publications, email, website, and social media campaigns.
• Provide brand management for volunteer program, development, and outreach communications.
• Maintains positive public profile, serving as a brand ambassador, spokesperson and advocate for The Summit in the community.
• Adheres to professional, fundraising ethics of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
• Build strong relationships with staff, community volunteers, media contacts, and community leaders to increase awareness and ensure strong advocacy and fundraising success.

Volunteer Coordination

• Develops and executes The Summit’s volunteer program plan in collaboration with the Guidance Counselor.
• Manages the recruitment, screening, and onboarding of volunteers.
• Develops training programs for all volunteers.
• Collaborates with staff and committee to implement volunteer recognition program.
• Oversees volunteer program evaluation, making recommendations for improvements to the program, seeking best practices.

Other responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Attend and participate in administrative team meetings.
• Educate staff, faculty, volunteers, and parents on development office procedures.
• Support the school and its leadership in advancing the School’s mission and strategic goals.
• Support administration efforts in crisis management.
• Support all other administrative areas as needed and available, including but not limited to: offering advice as it relates to development, cross-training and working with other departments, addressing general parent inquiries.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.