Director of Development and Community Relations

CalWest's client school in the Greater San Diego Area is seeking a Director of Development & Community Engagement to begin July 1, 2023.

• Develop, coordinate, and execute the School's two major fundraising initiatives
• Manage the School’s foundation-relations program, including writing grant proposals, arranging site visits, and preparing annual reports to funders.
• Ensure that all gifts are entered, processed, and reconciled correctly.
• Create and implement a comprehensive stewardship program that thanks and recognizes donors and volunteers for their investment of time, talent, and treasure.
• Develop and oversee the Alumni, Alumni Parent, and Grandparent Programs.
• Provide staff support for the Board's Development and Community Relations Committees.
• Plan and execute all friend- and fundraising events and community relations activities.
• Contribute to marketing and communications efforts to expand and enhance the School’s visibility, image, and reputation and to develop an appreciation of the School’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Work closely with the Business Office in forecasting donor revenue for budgeting purposes and have proficiency using development software.
• Coordinate with the Business Office to oversee the accurate processing of all gift income.
• Oversee and coordinate community service initiatives and community relations efforts, in partnership with the Community Relations Committee.
• Keep the Head of School abreast of plans for and the status of development and community relations initiatives.
• Become and remain actively engaged in school life.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications:

• A generative thinker who possesses vision and practicality in moving fundraising initiatives from concept into action
• A collaborative team leader who empowers staff and volunteers to feel ownership of their projects and a sense of camaraderie in the community
• At least five years in the field of institutional development, preferably with an education-related organization, that includes leadership roles in annual and major gift programs, capital and endowment campaigns, communications, special events, and constituent relations
• Successful experience in, and enthusiasm for, donor cultivation, vendor solicitation, and major gift solicitation and completion
• History of recruiting, training, motivating, and working with volunteers in leadership roles
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Ability to conceptualize, plan, and implement a cohesive strategy for development and marketing/communications
• Natural networking instincts that make one adept at developing meaningful relationships with donors and understanding their individual motivations to give
• An understanding of independent school culture that allows one to perceive and to capitalize on the connections between people, programs, and development goals
• A willingness to understand the School's mission and conduct oneself in keeping with the School values and culture
• An interest in designing and promoting community service opportunities for students and families
• Proven ability to balance multiple priorities and meet frequent deadlines in a complex environment
• A commitment to seek best practice professional growth experiences that augments development work
• Ability to use technology (e.g. databases and other giving platforms) to support development goals
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to be a vocal and visible advocate both internally and externally
• Personality and disposition characterized by collaboration, collegiality, excellent follow-through, discretion, openness to suggestions, and a kind sense of humor