Job Title: Director of Annual Fund
Job Summary: About St. Agnes E lementary School and Arlington Catholic High School
Saint Agnes School and Arlington Catholic High School (SAS/AC) is a long-established school in Arlington center that welcomes students and families from diverse faiths and backgrounds who desire a college preparatory Catholic education. The school’s academic, artistic, athletic, and co-curricular programs, which serve infants through grade 12, cultivate strong relationships, and empower students to recognize their gifts, develop their potential, and communicate Christ in word and deed. Built on the long-time traditions of the sisters of Saint Joseph, SAS/ACHS takes pride in building community while nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of each student who enters our doors.
Position Summary
The Director of Annual Fund reports to the President and will focus on building ayear-round fundraising plan for the growing Annual Fund, the foundation of the school’s fundraising initiatives. The fundraising plan will include goals, strategies, and programming that aim to build and engage our donor base. This person will also work to ensure the effective administration of annual fund gifts through acknowledgment letters, recognition of donors in the Annual Report, and the delivery of any necessary reports and communications, such as pledge reminders, to appropriate constituents.
Through a variety of means, this individual will identify, cultivate, and steward meaningful relationships with established and potential donors, seeking and securing gifts for the Annual Fund and identify potential campaign and planned giving prospects for the President. The Director will have primary contact with and responsibility for key institutional partners.
This is a year-round, full-time position with supervisory responsibilities: Manager of Alumni Engagement, Alumni Ambassador, volunteers, and Admin as assigned.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the development team to create and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan and appeal schedule for The Annual Fund.
- Set dollar, participation, and qualitative goals for the annual giving program.
- Maintain good relations with the Catholic Schools Foundation and the Catholic Schools Support Network.
- Create and implement strategies to achieve Annual Fund goals.
- Create and manage a calendar/schedule of multidimensional appeals that leverages various media (e.g., electronic solicitation, direct mail appeals, face-to-face solicitations, and events) to communicate with potential and current donors.
- Spearhead special fundraisers working in collaboration with development, admissions, and communications staff.
- Assess the program at the end of the year and lead annual planning.
- Manage annual fund volunteer organization, including recruitment, management, and training.
- Organize fundraising events as needed, including volunteer recruitment, set-up and preparation.
- Update volunteers on a weekly basis regarding their prospects.
- Create a Solicitor’s Training Guide for volunteers and update it annually.
- Participate in the expansion of the school’s alumni program, including the development of a student ambassador program and Class Agent program
- Develop, maintain, and steward ongoing relationships with major donors in concert with the President (and Pastor as appropriate) and other key stake holders
- Build relationships with constituents and personally solicit an assigned pool of prospects as appropriate.
- Utilize Little Green Light to track visits, produce contact notes, and conduct appropriate constituent follow-up.
- Coordinate the gift entry and acknowledgment process with the Database Manager to ensure timely recognition of gifts.
- Draft and coordinate Annual Fund solicitation and acknowledgment letters.
- Provide notes for the President to personalize thank-you letters.
- Analyze results of the fund by tracking progress from year to year and generate reports and statistics for monthly Development Committee meetings.
- Attend monthly Development Committee meetings chaired by the President
- Provide reports bi-monthly to the Advisory Board and two times a year report in-person at an Advisory Board Meeting.
- Contribute content to school publications and social media as appropriate (i.e., Fidelitas)
- Attend on-campus and off-campus events as appropriate.
- Assist with prospect research.
- Partner with the Director of Enrollment to align strategy and communication to prospective and enrolled families.
- Work collaboratively with the Principal and School Leadership to ensure a comprehensive and coherent development plan.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the President or Pastor
Minimum Qualifications
- Deep respect for the mission of SAS/ACHS as the only pre-k to 12 Parish School in the Archdiocese of Boston.
- Strong moral character.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- At least three years of relevant experience in a development-related role in an educational environment.
- Strong knowledge of development software (Little Green Light).
- Direct experience managing volunteers.
- Proven track record managing an annual campaign.
- A strong sense of fundraising ethics and practices and respect for confidentiality of donor information.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and empathetic approach.
- Willingness to be part of a collaborative environment and work closely with colleagues and parents.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
- Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a sense of humor.
- Can sit for 8 hours and lift 12 pounds
If you are a strategic thinker passionate about driving results, we invite you to apply for the Director of Annual Fund position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Fundraising: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Arlington, MA 02474 (Required)
Work Location: In person