Reports to:                              Director of Development

Schedule/travel:                    Full Time Calendar Year Non-Exempt Position. 40 hours a week. Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed, including evening/weekend hours. Domestic travel for Alumni & Development events may be required on occasion.

FLSA/Classification:            Staff

Housing:                                No

The Development Associate provides confidential executive level support to the Director of Development (DOD), and supports the administrative functions of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Donor Relations, and Advancement Services.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Alumni and Parent Engagement

• Serves as a knowledgeable and dependable resource for key technologies, including event registration platforms and the alumni database.
• Creates and edits event registration forms using existing templates and supports event communications through the event registration system.
• Demonstrates proficiency in creating new events in the alumni database, updating invitee lists, and tracking registrations and attendance.
• Oversees the production and distribution of event name tags.
• Assists the Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement with pre- and post-event logistics, including mailings and materials.
• Provides on-site registration support for major events such as Fall Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, Reunion Weekend, and others as assigned.
• Updates Raiser’s Edge with relevant information from class notes, LinkedIn, and event registration data.
• Compiles class notes, including obituaries, for the Kent Quarterly and ensures accurate data entry in the database. Collaborates with team members and volunteers to encourage the submission of class notes.
• Coordinates campus speaker visits related to the Alumni & Development Office, following a defined checklist of requirements.
• Supports the planning and execution of alumni volunteer activities.
• Working with Advancement Services and Marketing develops Memorial Eucharist Booklet for Reunion Weekend.

Donor Relations

• Collaborates with the Director of Donor Relations to develop and execute a comprehensive donor relations strategy aligned with industry best practices.
• Assists in implementing stewardship plans for key donor groups, including the Lions Club, 1906 Society, Bell Tower Society (planned giving), consecutive and monthly donors, first-time donors, and volunteers.
• Provides administrative support for donor cultivation events—both virtual and in-person—including managing invitation fulfillment, follow-up communications, and event logistics.
• Manages the acknowledgment process for “in honor of” and “in memory of” gifts.
• Gathers quotes from faculty, students, and stakeholders in partnership with the Director of Donor Relations, and coordinates with Marketing to secure photography for stewardship communications.
• Supports the production of various stewardship materials, including impact reports and the Annual Report of Donors.
• Maintains a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of proofreading and content review.
  
  

General Administrative Support

• Works in tandem with the other Development Associate to ensure seamless coverage of shared administrative responsibilities.
• Monitors the general alumni email account, triages incoming messages, and ensures timely and appropriate responses.
• Provides backup coverage for the main alumni phone line.
• Manages the Alumni & Development Google Calendar, ensuring accurate scheduling of events and programs.
• Collaborates with Marketing and Communications to update the school website with relevant Alumni & Development content.
• Assists with mail merges, printing, and fulfillment as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

Qualifications:         

• A bachelor’s degree
• Experience at an independent boarding school environment is preferred
• Proficiency with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and mail merge tools is essential for managing documents, data, and personalized communications effectively
• A proven track record of successful collaboration with internal and external stakeholders including, teammates, volunteers, and donors
• Committed to the mission of the School
• Possess a high degree of professional discretion, integrity, good judgment, and high standards of professional conduct
• Collaborate actively by soliciting and suggesting new ideas and improving upon the ideas of others
• Speak and communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies across the institution
• Demonstrate a high level of organization and attention to detail while keeping the big picture in focus

 Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of post-offer, pre-employment criminal background checks, and drug test
• Maintain punctual and regular attendance
• Work is performed on a smoke free campus

Additional information:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exclusive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

Kent School is committed to making equal employment opportunities available to all qualified persons. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all personnel without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, ancestry, citizen status, veteran status, physical or mental handicaps, sexual orientation, or any other factors protected by law. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

About Kent School

Kent School is a coeducational boarding school located in northwestern Connecticut, serving 570 students, grades 9-12.

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