Assistant Director of Donor Relations

Harvard-Westlake School seeks a hard-working, creative, detail-oriented, collaborative, organized, energetic, and dependable Assistant Director of Donor Relations to support a comprehensive stewardship program that appropriately recognizes Harvard-Westlake donors and demonstrates the impact of their support. This position contributes to donor impact communications, assists with event coordination, and provides support to frontline fundraisers.

This position will report to the Campaign Director within the Office of Advancement and work closely with the Director of Major and Planned Giving and other gift officers. This position will work primarily from our Upper School Campus located in Studio City, CA.

Stewardship Program Support

• Support and help maintain a systematic, office-wide stewardship program in coordination with the Campaign and Major and Planned Giving teams, helping to ensure transparency, gratitude, and impact are consistently communicated to donors
• Maintain and update the list of capital gifts and endowed funds—including lead donors, key documents, fund balances, chairholders, impact statements, and recognition—for use in reporting materials and the Annual Report
• Assist with stewardship processes for Harvard-Westlake's giving societies, including loyalty donors, young alumni leadership donors, and planned giving donors
• Support the creation and installation of physical naming opportunities, helping to ensure lists are accurate and up to date and that naming agreements align with school policy
• Draft and coordinate the distribution of signed seasonal correspondence to key advancement constituents, including holiday cards, gifts, and related materials
• Participate in Major Gifts and other Advancement team meetings, office retreats, and general school functions
• Attend regional and national conferences related to stewardship and donor relations as assigned

Donor Impact Communications

• Prepare donor engagement and stewardship communications including endowment reports, donor impact reports, special recognition pieces, and stewardship elements within the Annual Report, in coordination with gift officers and the Campaign Director

Event Coordination

• Assist with the coordination and execution of select Campaign and donor-related events (3–4 evening/weekend events annually), as well as broader advancement team events (10–15 evening/weekend events annually)
• Responsibilities include preparing guest lists, creating invitations, coordinating with vendors and campus facilities, tracking RSVPs, conducting follow-up, preparing nametags, coordinating seating assignments, and supporting event follow-up and acknowledgment

 Gift Officer Support

• Review the daily gift report and assist gift officers with providing timely, personalized recognition for their prospects
• Work with frontline fundraisers to support individualized stewardship for major gift prospects, including coordinating the use of gifts, engagement tools, and impact communications as directed

Equal Employment Opportunity

Harvard-Westlake School is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 2–4 years of stewardship, donor relations, or related advancement experience preferred
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines across varied projects
• Customer-service orientation in both skill and disposition
• Graphic design proficiency (Canva experience a plus) and print production experience
• Collaborative and inclusive working style
• Self-starter with a positive, energetic approach
• High emotional intelligence (EQ)
• Ability to work calmly under pressure with a sense of humor
• Excellent writing, storytelling, and communication skills
• Enthusiasm for building relationships with colleagues, alumni, and school families
• Computer fluency and comfort with Excel and relational/administrative databases
• Enthusiasm to become part of our vibrant, diverse, and inclusive school community

About Harvard-Westlake School

Harvard-Westlake is an independent school with two campuses in Los Angeles and approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades 7–12. Our students are curious, thoughtful, and inspiring young people who engage deeply with both academic and co-curricular life. We are dedicated to fostering a community of belonging and continually advancing diversity and inclusion across all aspects of school life. We do not discriminate on any basis. We seek candidates who bring sensitivity, understanding, and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds; who can work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic environment; and who exemplify professionalism, openness, and generosity in their interactions with students and colleagues. Benefits We are proud to offer a generous benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of our faculty and staff. Highlights include: High-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage with low or no premiums for you and your dependents 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer match and immediate vesting Cafeteria allowance — enjoy breakfast and lunch through our on-campus dining program Extensive professional development support... and continuing education opportunities Personal Growth Grants that foster continued growth and exploration Relocation assistance Employee Affinity and Resource Groups that foster connection and belonging Mental wellness resources and workshops Partially subsidized employee housing (when available) Complimentary tickets to local sporting and entertainment events Discount at the school bookstore — stock up on HW spirit wear

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