The Potomac School in McLean, Virgina has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Director of Annual Giving to start as soon as possible. Interested candidates should review the Opportunity Statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Zack Lehman, President at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com.   

The Director of Annual Giving reports to the Director of Advancement. This position joins a dynamic Advancement Office team that spearheads all facets of institutional advancement, including fundraising, constituent relations and engagement, events, alumni relations, stewardship, and communications. The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for developing and implementing an effective, comprehensive Annual Giving program that raises $3 million each year. Reporting to the Director of Advancement and partnering with staff, volunteers, and the Board Advancement Committee, the Director of Annual Giving develops and implements strategies and programs to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual gifts from trustees, alumni, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends, including personal solicitations, direct mail, and electronic communication.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Develops and implements a strategic plan of action with objectives, timelines, and evaluation plans for The Potomac Fund, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of constituents.
• Spearheads The Potomac Fund case for support, creating and executing donor-facing communications, including appeals, stewardship pieces, and targeted outreach to drive participation and giving.
• Identifies, recruits, manages, and motivates approximately 100 volunteers from various constituencies of the Potomac community
• Works closely with the Director of Advancement, Director of Alumni Relations, Director of Advancement Events, and Campaign Coordinator to ensure coordination with their respective fundraising efforts. 
• Performs comprehensive data analysis and manipulation related to all aspects of the Annual Giving program. Uses statistics to evaluate current Potomac Fund programs and to make recommendations for program changes.
• Oversees the acknowledgment and recognition of all Potomac Fund gifts, including donor stewardship events and the Annual Report.
• Provides comprehensive updates and reports of Potomac Fund programs and activities to the Advancement Committee and the Board of Trustees.
• Participate in identifying and soliciting major and planned-giving prospects.
• Collaborate across the Advancement team to support donor engagement and pipeline development, aligning Annual Fund efforts with events, alumni relations, and Growing Ever Greater campaign priorities to strengthen participation and long-term giving.
• Represents Potomac Fund and promotes community awareness and support for the program.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with five to seven years of professional Advancement experience, preferably in an independent school environment. 
• Strong, collaborative, flexible, and energetic individual with seasoned fundraising skills and excellent judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This position requires the personal presence to interact closely with board members, volunteers, school administration, faculty, and major donors. Assure discreet and confidential handling of all business.  
• Ability to articulate the case for Annual Giving, along with a desire to build lasting relationships with the School’s constituency.
• A proven track record of successful fundraising, leadership, and communication skills. Specifically, experience running an Annual Fund
• Expertise with Microsoft Office, the Google Suite, and CRM databases is essential. Experience with Veracross and GiveCampus is preferred.
• Willingness to develop an understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions of The Potomac School.

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks candidates of diverse backgrounds who embody our core values of courage, integrity, humility, perseverance, and respect.

About The Potomac School

The Potomac School is an independent K-12 day school located in McLean, Va. While we are a K-12 school, we are more accurately described as a K through lifetime experience. We nurture the development of our students as unique individuals and as contributing members of a vibrant learning community. Our school comprises four distinct yet interconnected divisions, joined through a shared mission, integrated curriculum, and deeply rooted communal ties. We enjoy the beauty and natural resources of our 90-acre campus, our athletic fields, woods, streams, and ponds providing a rare and wonderful setting for each student's educational journey. Mission: At The Potomac School, we believe that intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character are complementary, and equally essential, educational goals. With a firm commitment to our core values and a rigorous academic program, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement, and generosity of spirit.

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