Posted: 15-Jan-26
Location: Englewood, New Jersey
Type: Full Time
Salary: $75,000 - $120,000
Categories:
Required Education:
The Elisabeth Morrow School, a leader in education from early childhood through middle school, seeks a Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement to provide strategic leadership for the Apple Tree Fund (annual fund) and to strengthen alumni engagement in support of the school’s philanthropic priorities.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, data-driven advancement professional with a strong record of success in annual giving and constituent engagement. They will bring deep experience leveraging donor data to inform strategy, crafting compelling donor communications and partnering across teams to build participation, retention, and long-term relationships. This individual is both a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader who can effectively translate vision into action.
This position reports to the Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer and works closely with the Advancement, Communications, and Admissions teams to advance annual giving, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship efforts that support the school’s mission and long-term institutional goals.
Primary Responsibilities
Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Strategy
- Lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive annual giving program, including alumni and other key constituencies, with clear goals for dollars raised, participation, and engagement.
- Design and implement integrated strategies that align donor and alumni engagement initiatives with fundraising outcomes.
- Oversee engagement efforts — including communications, select events, and volunteer structures — that support annual giving and long-term donor relationships, including working with the Advancement team on alumni engagement efforts such as reunions, young alumni initiatives, and other related events.
- Work with the Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, with particular attention to strengthening participation and retention.
- Monitor progress, analyze results, and provide regular reporting and strategic insights to Advancement leadership and the Advancement Committee.
- Provide support to the Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer as needed.
Data, Reporting & Systems
- Serve as a user of Raiser’s Edge, with deep expertise in donor segmentation, reporting, data integrity, and analysis.
- Manage the online giving backend (e.g., BoostMySchool), including creating and maintaining giving pages, leaderboards, and participation challenges.
- Leverage donor and alumni data to inform strategy, personalize outreach, and improve fundraising effectiveness.
- Ensure accurate donor recognition and alumni reporting across Advancement materials.
Communications, Publications & Vendors
- Lead the development of key annual giving publications, including the Annual Report and Guide to Giving, in collaboration with Advancement and Communications colleagues.
- Translate fundraising strategy into clear, compelling donor-facing content across print and digital channels.
- Manage and collaborate with external vendors (e.g., designers, printers, mailing houses, digital platforms) to support annual giving and alumni initiatives.
Advancement Events & Engagement Support
- Support Advancement events and initiatives by leading or contributing to donor-facing communications, collateral, and engagement materials.
- Assist with communications and fundraising support for key events such as the Spring Benefit, Grandparents Day, alumni events, and other Advancement or community-engagement programs.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, development, or fundraising, with demonstrated success in annual giving and/or alumni engagement.
- Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge, including donor segmentation, reporting, data analysis, and data integrity management.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising and engagement plans that increase participation, donor retention, and philanthropic support.
- Experience leading donor-facing communications and publications, including annual reports and fundraising collateral.
- Demonstrated success collaborating with internal partners and managing relationships with external vendors.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate strategy into compelling donor-facing messaging.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment; ability to build trust with donors, volunteers, and senior leadership.
- Willingness and availability to attend on-campus and off-campus events as needed.
Compensation and Incentives
The annual salary for this position is expected to range from $75,000 to $120,000, commensurate with experience.
We aren’t just a school; we are a community. Feeling supported in your professional development and growth is one of the greatest benefits we offer our staff. Of course, we provide traditional benefits, too:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
- Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Coverage
- Tuition Remission for Employee’s Children (EMS’ School and/or Camps)
- Generous Vacation Policy
How to Apply
We are looking for a partner in our mission. Along with your resume, please share a cover letter that highlights a specific annual giving campaign or engagement initiative you are particularly proud of leading. The start date is July 1, 2026.
Please email your resume and cover letter to Hanita Walia, Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer, at hwalia@elisabethmorrow.org.
Who We Are
At The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, N.J. — just minutes from the George Washington Bridge — a child’s natural curiosity is transformed into a lifelong passion for discovery. Our exemplary curriculum integrates innovative STEAM programming and a nationally renowned instrumental music program with a deep commitment to social-emotional learning and shared core values.
Proud to be one of the most diverse independent schools in the country, we seek qualified candidates who will add to this legacy. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees.
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a member of the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). For more information, visit elisabethmorrow.org.