Crane Country Day School is a co-educational Kindergarten-8th grade independent day school located on a beautiful 12-acre campus in Montecito, CA. Crane is dedicated to providing an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. We thrive as a community that builds character and confidence, while celebrating the joy in learning. At Crane, we understand that how we teach is just as important as what we teach. It is a welcoming and supportive place to work—a rich environment where you will find enthusiastic cooperation, healthy relationships with colleagues, and active professional development.

Crane Country Day School seeks a full-time Development Associate. The Development Associate is a critical member of a 3-person Development Team. In addition to being a contributor to a high-functioning and tight-knit team, this position works closely with parents, Staffulty (our hybrid word for staff and faculty), and Board members to meet the school’s strategic fundraising and engagement goals. The Development Associate is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Development Team, with an emphasis on event planning and execution, gift processing, and database management. 

The successful candidate will be a friendly, organized, and meticulous individual with an ability to collaborate and partner with other members of the Crane community. We are seeking an individual who enjoys working in a dynamic school environment, and has a willingness to live by Crane’s values, which are rooted in inclusion, kindness, community, growth mindset, and lifelong learning. We strive to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees, students, and families that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better school – a place that makes smarter decisions, drives innovation, and delivers a more powerful education and experience.

Core Responsibilities

Building Community Through Events

• Bring our community together by orchestrating beloved traditions like the Crane Country Fair, intimate donor gatherings, and joyful celebrations
• Create memorable experiences through thoughtful event planning, from selecting welcoming venues to coordinating delightful details
• Craft engaging communications that inspire participation
• Guide and empower parent volunteers, building meaningful relationships that strengthen our community
• Assist the Director with budget tracking 
• Manage logistics with care, ensuring resources are used thoughtfully
• Evaluate event impact and gather community feedback to continuously enhance our programs

Stewarding Donor Relationships

• Honor our donors' generosity through timely, personal gift acknowledgments
• Maintain the integrity of our Raiser's Edge database, ensuring each constituent's story and connection to Crane is carefully preserved
• Generate clear, accurate reports that help us understand and celebrate our community's impact
• Work closely with our Business Office to ensure precise gift recording
• Support thoughtful donor stewardship through detailed research and relationship management
• Create efficient systems for tracking and maintaining donor information

Nurturing Our School Community

• Embrace opportunities to participate in daily school life, from morning greetings to afternoon pick-up
• Support our development initiatives with enthusiasm and attention to detail
• Help create a warm, welcoming environment that encourages philanthropy
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to support school-wide initiatives
• Share in community responsibilities that help our school run smoothly

What We're Looking For

• A warm, engaging individual who believes in the power of education and community
• 2+ years professional experience (Bachelor’s Degree and/or non-profit or independent school experience is a plus!)
• Strong organizational abilities paired with genuine interpersonal skills
• Strong technology skills including Mac, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and database systems
• Flexibility to join in evening and weekend community events as needed
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive community where every voice is valued

About Crane Country Day School

Crane Country Day School, ideally located in the small seaside village of Montecito, is just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and 5 minutes south of Santa Barbara. Crane is the oldest independent school in the area, having just launched its 85th anniversary celebration. It is a co-educational day school serving 250 children. The Lower School (grades K-5) and the Upper School (grades 6-8) are both located on the same sprawling yet cozy 11-acre campus that is one of the school's best-known attributes. Honoring its founder's vision, Crane School is dedicated to providing an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. We thrive as a community that builds character and confidence, while celebrating the joy in learning.

Connections working at Crane Country Day School