The mission of Trillium Academy is to empower twice-exceptional (2e) students in grades 4 through 12 by fostering their unique intellectual, ethical, and creative capabilities, while nurturing an appreciation for diversity and growth in others. As a newly formed independent school located in Seattle’s Central District, Trillium Academy celebrates the strengths of 2e learners and provides a flexible and strength-based educational environment tailored to their needs. Trillium Academy aims to prepare its students for successful and enriching lives by providing an inclusive and innovative learning experience.  

Trillium Academy seeks a Development and Communications Specialist to join our administrative team. This role is critical in advancing Trillium Academy’s mission by enhancing annual fundraising activities, managing marketing and communications efforts, and fostering community engagement. This new position offers an exciting opportunity to have a meaningful impact across the organization. The Specialist will collaborate closely with the Head of School, Director of Admissions and Business Operations, as well as the Development Team and Board. 

The Development and Communications Specialist will take the lead in planning some school-wide events, supporting school-wide communication initiatives, and ensuring accurate gift processing and acknowledgment. This is a full-time role with occasional evening or weekend commitments required for events.

General Responsibilities

• Engage actively in the daily life of the school, interacting with students, families, and staffulty (staff & faculty) to build meaningful relationships.
• Support school initiatives around program, enrollment management, and philanthropy by fostering strong connections with community stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage on-campus and off-campus special events.
• Provide back-up support at the Front Desk when needed.
• Recruit, guide, and support volunteers for school activities and events.

Communications and Marketing Responsibilities

• Produce and distribute weekly digital bulletins to community members.
• Oversee the production of print and electronic marketing materials.
• Manage and update the school website regularly.
• Organize and manage school photos and videos, including capturing images and creating visual content for school materials.
• Monitor and manage social media communications to enhance the school’s online presence.

Development Responsibilities

• Support cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship efforts for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Act as Project Manager for the Annual Fund and related events as appropriate.
• Perform timely and accurate gift entry, tracking, and acknowledgment of gifts and pledges, including corporate matching and in-kind gifts.
• Coordinate research and applications for grant opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong alignment with Trillium Academy’s mission and demonstrated ability to embody the values that define the school’s culture: inclusivity, creativity, personal responsibility, and respect.
• A warm, engaging personality with cultural competence and the ability to connect with a diverse community, including 2e students and their families.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience), with at least two years of professional experience; non-profit and/or independent school experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software and web-based applications.
• Familiarity with database management, including generating reports and queries from relational databases.
• Strong organizational skills with close attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, take initiative, and maintain flexibility while meeting deadlines.
• Familiarity with photography, video production, and/or graphic design tools.

Trillium Academy is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all individuals and does not discriminate based on any status protected under federal, state, or municipal law. This policy applies to all areas of student and family concerns (admissions, athletics, educational policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs) as well as all areas of employee and volunteer concerns. Trillium Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

About Trillium Academy

The mission of Trillium Academy is to break away from conventional schooling and celebrate the incredible capabilities of twice-exceptional (2e) students, providing them with the learning environment they need to discover and develop their talents and passions to live successful and enriching lives. Trillium Academy was founded by a dedicated group of parents with a vision to create a nurturing environment for 2e students in Seattle. Here, students are celebrated for their unique skills and interests and seen as capable individuals with much to contribute to the school community and the world. We value authenticity, positive self-awareness, open and honest communication, and trust built on the belief that everyone has the students’ best interest at the heart of what we do. Our school is designed to cater to the needs of our students, recognizing their exceptional talents alongside their learning differences. With teacher:student ratios lower than typical private and public schools and a focus on fostering positive relationships, we create an environment where students can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally in grades 4-12. This is a place for students to learn how to be productive, independent, civic-minded adults.

Connections working at Trillium Academy