Details
Posted: 14-Apr-22
Location: Forest Hills, New York
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Alumni Relations
Development/Fund Raising
The Kew-Forest School, a Preschool through 12th grade, co-educational day school in Forest Hills, New York, seeks an experienced and dynamic Director of Development & Alumni Relations (DDAR). The DDAR reports directly to the Head of School, works closely with the Board of Trustees, and serves on the School’s ten-member senior leadership team. The DDAR oversees all aspects of the stewardship and fundraising program, including the annual fund, leadership giving, capital campaigns, special events, planned giving, and alumni relations to support the School’s strategic vision, cultivating a culture of philanthropy and gratitude across all constituencies.
Essential Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage all aspects of the Development & Alumni Relations Office with focus on fundraising, event planning (both in-person and virtual), and alumni relations. This includes oversight of gift processing and information systems, ensuring that internal systems and state-of-the-art technology are in place to support development efforts.
- Manage the Development & Alumni Relations Associate.
- Formulate a comprehensive development program in consultation with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.
- Cultivate and solicit leadership gift prospects personally and work closely with the Head of School, various trustees, and volunteers, supporting them in all their fundraising responsibilities and accompanying them on donor visits when appropriate.
- Act as the staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees, including the organization of fundraising and stewardship training for the Board.
- Oversee the Alumni Council and collaborate with the Parent Association.
- Collaborate on marketing and communication initiatives to expand and enhance the school’s visibility and reputation, including collaborative work on the School’s publications.
- Work closely and collaboratively with the senior leadership team in order to advance the mission and priorities of the School.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
- At least four years of relevant experience in a development-related role, in an educational environment preferred
- Direct experience and proven success in directly soliciting and closing large gifts, individually and as part of a team
- Leadership experience with managing and motivating staff members and volunteers
- Willingness to be part of a collaborative environment and work closely with colleagues, board members, alumni/alumnae, and parents
- Strategic thinker with a “can-do” style
- Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a sense of humor
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work with all the School’s constituents with a professional and empathetic approach while maintaining strict confidentiality
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively; verbally, in writing, and on social media
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Commitment to the diversity, equity, and inclusion work at the School
- Strong knowledge of fundraising data software and database management software
- Experience with grant writing preferred
To apply for this position: Please send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter, resume, and name/contact information for three professional references to adminopening@kewforest.org. Please include the position title, Director of Development & Alumni Relations (DDAR), in the subject line.
To learn more about The Kew-Forest School, please visit our website: www.kewforest.org.
MISSION
We are The Kew-Forest School.
Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.
Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.
Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The Kew-Forest School believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, culture, background, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected classes or classifications. No employee or job applicant will be discriminated against in recruitment, compensation, promotion, or termination practices.