Director of External Relations

Director of External Relations

The Director of External Relations will manage the external facing endeavors that support the mission of Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School and promote a connectedness among graduates, alumni parents, and the entire school community. The person in this crucial administrative role oversees events and initiatives that help to draw the necessary funds which enable the school to be financially sustainable in the short- and long-term. Importantly, this person will increase and expand the base of financial support from a broad range of sources.  The Director of External Relations reports directly to the school President and works collaboratively with the entire administrative team. The successful candidate will join the school as it begins a new chapter in its 30-year history.

Duties and primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Alumni Engagement
  • Oversee and maintain the digital alumni platform, which includes sending monthly newsletters, updating news and information, promoting events, creating affinity groups, stocking digital photo albums, celebrating alumni achievements, and increasing overall traffic on the platform.
  • Plan and execute alumni events, including receptions, reunions, Cavalier Hall of Fame, and similar initiatives, as well as encouraging attendance at school community events such as the spring fundraiser, concerts, assemblies, the McCollum Speaker Series, and Commencement.
  • Partner to establish the TJ Alumni Advisory Council and oversee ongoing efforts and recruitment of new alumni as terms expire.
  • Attend TJ community events to meet and greet alumni visitors, develop and foster relationships, and solicit feedback for new ways to engage with graduates.
  • Work with the Head of School to select the alumni speaker for graduation and plan a reception for the speaker’s respective TJ class
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
• Identify and develop relationships with potential donors
• Maintain relationships with current donors through personal interactions
• Solicit gifts from members of all constituent groups through personal meetings, phone calls, emails, direct mail, and personal letters
• Timely and proper acknowledgement for donations
• Prepare, send, and monitor letters of solicitation for donations and gifts
• Engage in personal meetings, phone calls, and gestures of goodwill in appreciation for gifts
• Annual Giving Campaign
• Plan and execute the school’s Annual Giving Campaign each fall
• Increase funds raised and constituent participation levels annually
• Manage production and distribution of all materials linked with the campaign
• Special Events & Volunteer Management
• Coordinate and facilitate fundraising events
• Recruit and manage volunteers
• Develop innovative ideas for events and/or evolution of current events
• Grant Writing
• Perform grant opportunity research
• Write grants
• Cultivate relationships with grant makers
• Follow up and track grants written and results received
• Database Management
• Set goals for all fundraising initiatives
• Oversee database of donors and lifetime giving
• Prepare and maintain an annual development calendar and budget
• Create reports for the administrative team and Board of Trustees
• Work with the Communications Associate and Business Manager to create the Annual Report publication

This position manages one direct report, the Communications Associate.

This is a full-time administrative team position with flexible hours as off-campus meetings and engagements are expected. Qualifications:

• Bachelor's plus a track record of 5+ years of success in a similar role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with a donor database platform, like Raiser’s Edge.
• Expertise with social media platforms and best practices in fundraising and alumni relations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• A passion for education and a commitment to TJ’s mission and values.

 For immediate consideration for this position please send your resume and cover letter describing your fit for the role to: jobs@tjeffschool.org. Please use the email subject line “Director Position.”