Posted: 01-Jun-26
Location: Menlo Park, California
Type: Full Time
Categories:
About Synapse
Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, is an innovative TK–8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley and dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education. Synapse seeks a full-time Advancement Associate.
Synapse educates a community of Change Makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We believe deeply in the capacity of children and create integrated academic, social, and creative experiences that spark curiosity, discovery, and a lifelong love of learning. Synapse draws students from across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Synapse is a place for people who enjoy being in schools and who bring energy, perspective, and a collaborative spirit to their work with students, families, and colleagues. As a lab school, we actively explore the use of AI and emerging technologies across teaching, learning, and operations. Strong candidates will be open to experimentation, continuous learning, and using technology as a tool for innovation and growth.
About the Role
Synapse School is seeking an Advancement Associate to manage the day-to-day operational backbone of our fundraising and donor relations efforts for the 2026–27 school year. This role is designed for a detail-oriented, reliable executor who takes pride in keeping a development operation running smoothly — processing gifts, maintaining donor records, supporting cultivation logistics, and ensuring no relationship falls through the cracks. This position reports to the Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Gift Processing & Database Management
- Process all incoming gifts and donations, including data entry and database updates in Blackbaud RENXT
- Generate timely and accurate donor receipts and acknowledgment letters
- Maintain clean, accurate, and up-to-date donor and prospect records
- Track and log donor interactions, relationship notes, and stewardship touchpoints as directed
- Produce standard reports and data pulls to support fundraising and board reporting
Donor Research Support
- Pull and compile background information on prospects and donors as requested
Assist in preparing materials for cultivation meetings, roundtables, and donor events - Help draft thank-you notes, donor outreach, and stewardship communications from templates or provided direction
Events & Stewardship Support
- Support all annual school fundraising efforts, including the Annual Fund, Benefit, Auction, and related initiatives
- Support logistics before and after fundraising and cultivation events
- Send thank-you outreach and stewardship follow-up to donors following events and gifts, within established timelines
- Maintain stewardship tracking to ensure consistent and timely follow-up
- Work with parent volunteers supporting fundraising events and help keep committees organized and coordinated
Advancement Team Support
- Support school leadership and the advancement team with planning and production for fundraising events
- Coordinate solicitations, communications, and stewardship efforts for alumni donors
- Produce Annual Fund solicitations and communications
- Create print and digital materials for events and community engagement
- Support capital campaign projects, including campaign reports and solicitation materials
Additional Responsibilities
- Attend Synapse School events and support special projects as identified by the Director of Strategic Initiatives
- Perform general administrative and operational tasks as needed
Qualifications
- Experience with Blackbaud RENXT or a comparable fundraising CRM strongly preferred
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
- Strong written communication skills for donor correspondence
- Ability to handle confidential donor information with discretion
- Organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit operations preferred
- Genuine interest in Synapse School’s mission and community
Compensation
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $65,000–$80,000. Synapse offers a generous benefits package for eligible employees, including health, dental, and retirement benefits, as well as additional lifestyle perks.
Application Process
Applicants should email a cover letter, résumé, and three references with contact information to Isha Jain, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Technology, at isha.jain@synapseschool.org with the subject line “Advancement Associate.” This position will remain open until filled.
Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
