POSITION SUMMARY:

The Leadership Gifts Officer maintains responsibility for managing a pool of leadership giving prospects and for working with select volunteers to engage, solicit, and steward gifts of $100,000 and above from an assigned prospect pool (approximately 150-200 prospective donors).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages, solicits, closes, and stewards a portfolio of rated prospects/donors across the country
  • Assists with major reunion solicitations, volunteers, and committees
• Visits prospective donors on their own, and with volunteers and administrators/colleagues
  • Conducts 5-10+ in-person and or virtual meetings per month
• Develops long-term fundraising strategies for each assigned/identified donor
• Develops gift ideas, fosters engagement, and solicits and stewards gifts
  • Involves senior administrators, faculty, trustees, and others in approaching potential donors
  • Prepares detailed meeting briefings, strategy documents, solicitation proposals, and stewardship reports both independently and with colleagues
• Secures support for School priorities as defined by Kent’s leadership on prospects that can give at least $100,000, garners membership in the School’s Bell Tower Society (planned giving), and leadership level of $1,906+ for the Kent Fund
  • Partners with the Director of the Alumni Fund and the Director of the Parents Fund to develop a strategy for highly rated donors and potential donors
• Involves and engages potential new donors, prospects, and donors in the life of the School
• Presents Kent’s mission and needs, effectively and articulately, to a variety of constituencies
• Attends local, regional, and national events as necessary and as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and social skills, as well as be a team player and collaborator, eager to support the work of others and to pitch in when needed, even if outside this job description. 

This position is a full-time, full-year position. The successful candidate will engage fully in the life of the School and be able to represent the School with credibility, positivity, and energy to the external world. The successful candidate will also have the maturity to deal respectfully with dissonance and challenges to the School. Top communication skills and good personal judgment are requirements.

The successful candidate will have the ability to develop effective relationships and excellent rapport with all members of the Kent School community to include Advancement team members, and to interact with them on a professional and social basis with ease and comfort. Above all, the successful candidate must be earnestly dedicated to the mission of Kent School.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of fundraising and a record of success in closing six and seven-figure gifts
  • Successful experience working with volunteers and advisory boards to engage and solicit alumni and other constituents
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills; ability to present complex information in a clear, and compelling manner, in writing and in person; ability to document meetings and write briefings
• Ability to synthesize and analyze data (primary and secondary sources) to analyze information and develop effective strategies
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (25-35% of working days)
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with empathy and tact
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships
• Demonstrated ability to create, foster, and work within a collaborative environment
• A passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality
• Initiative, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit
• Strict adherence to policies regarding confidentiality is required
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Proficient in Google Suites. Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed, e.g. Raisers Edge
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy
• Always maintains a professional demeanor and restraint, including in stressful situations

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years of development or related experience, with a preference for education, alumni relations and/or volunteer management preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with Blackbaud products preferred.

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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