Mission - The Meridian School cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities.

Vision - The Meridian School’s experiential learning environment redefines excellence in primary education as empowering, innovative, collaborative changemakers for our diverse world.

Visit our website at:  https://www.meridianschool.edu/

The Director of Advancement role is a broad-based celebration of the powerful educational experience for Meridian School students and families. This includes communications, fundraising, community engagement, collaborations with the Family Association, the Board Advancement and Committee on Trustees, the Director of Enrollment, Advancement Associate, Leadership Team, Faculty/Staff, alums, and Head of School. 

The Director of Advancement has a unique set of responsibilities that are behind the scenes in support of events and volunteers and out in front designing and championing efforts to raise critical funds in support of the program and endowments. 

We need a dynamic community builder, a strong communicator, and a creative innovator. A background in communications and/or marketing is a plus.

We seek a leader and colleague who is a fun partner as we build a culture of philanthropy focused on the ideals embedded in Meridian’s Mission:

Mission…The Meridian School cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities.

Sound interesting? Want to get to know us and learn more? Tell us why in a statement of interest and a resume documenting your development and advancement experience.

Job Summary

The Director of Advancement oversees the institutional advancement of the school, including planning and managing all fundraising activities, alumni relations, communications strategy. The Director of Advancement, in collaboration with the Director of Enrollment, will work with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, Leadership Team colleagues, Family Association, key volunteers, and others to build community, identify prospective donors, nurture relationships, and secure contributions to the School.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Development program, including Annual Giving and fundraising events as well as ongoing major gift cultivation and stewardship.
• Develops and drafts the Annual Report in partnership with the business office, enrollment, Advancement Associate, and Head of School.
• Plans and executes a spring fundraising event.
• Develops relationships with the whole school community, staff, students, parents, grandparents, and alumni, and fully participates in the life of the school.
• Identifies strategic growth philanthropic priorities and benchmarks.
• Plan and execute strategic school events that promote community relationships and engagement, including occasional evening and weekend events, such as Grandparents and Special Friends Day, milestone ceremonies such as graduation, and the Spring Picnic.
• Manages fundraising database, analyzes data, and produces reports for the Board and Head of School.
• Manages communication calendar with a keen eye for community engagement and supports Advancement Associate in sending and scheduling school-wide communications.
• In partnership with the Director of Enrollment, supervises and supports the Advancement Associate.
• Partner and guide the Advancement Associate on the execution of events.
• Participate in the Board Advancement Committee and Committee on Trustees and Board meetings as needed.
• Engages in cultural competency work and supports the school's equity and inclusion values and policies. 
• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Engages in professional development; demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning by enhancing skills and embracing innovative technologies and creative thinking.
• Is familiar with and complying with all policies and regulations in the school’s documents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
• 3 or more years of development and fundraising experience
• 3-5 years of management experience preferred
• Independent school experience preferred
• A proven track record developing and implementing strategies to grow the organization's donor base, increase contributions, and communicate the organization's case for support
• Experience as a contributing member of a collaborative, dynamic team
• Experience supporting institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion practices 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Characteristics:

• Brings enthusiasm and joy in support of the school’s Mission.
• Demonstrated success with annual fundraising, including capital campaigns, strategic planning, communication, and major gifts cultivation
• Experience planning and executing events from conception to completion
• Experience working with fundraising database software such as NXT, Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, and Excel
• Experience planning and executing communications for an organization
• An ability to work collaboratively with a small administrative team
• Ability to handle multiple priorities.
• An appreciation for working with children, families, and alumni 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding problem-solving and improvisation skills
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
• Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
• Ability to meet goals independently and with the support of colleagues
• Proficient at working in Microsoft Windows and Google; ability to master common automated systems for record-keeping and confidently learn new technology
• Ability to sit and keyboard up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Ability to travel locally

About The Meridian School

ABOUT MERIDIAN Founded in 1976, The Meridian School is an independent, co-ed elementary school (Pre-K-5), located in the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. The Meridian School is a place where the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning. By integrating curriculum, citizenship, and community, we provide the foundation for well-rounded students. Committed to developing global citizens in an equitable and inclusive culture, Meridian promotes diversity of thought and identity and actively seeks dedicated and engaged culturally competent faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. OUR MISSION The Meridian School cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities. The Meridian School is an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a tra...ined service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.

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