Development Officer

Position Overview

We are seeking a seasoned, solutions-focused Development Officer to join our dynamic
team. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with members of the advancement team and the parent community to understand the School’s philanthropic priorities and to help advance fundraising goals. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this individual must be familiar with donor management and hold an appreciation for both the art and science of fundraising. The ideal candidate will be expected to work both independently and as part of a team, maintaining a high degree of communication and creating effective working relationships throughout the school community.

Key Responsibilities

● Work closely with the Director of Advancement and the Head of School to help the School achieve its strategic goals;

● In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, identify prospective donors capable of providing significant financial support of the School and implement solicitation strategies that will help grow annual revenue and meet campaign targets;

● Maintain a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, executing a minimum of four (4) personal visits per month and identifying necessary strategies for continued engagement and solicitation;

● Support all individual and broad-based appeal campaigns, including Annual Fund and any restricted fundraising efforts, to ensure a robust fundraising program;

● Conceptualize and implement donor programs and work closely with members of the advancement team to execute donor cultivation and stewardship events;

● Maintain accurate and detailed records of conversations with donors, trustees, alumni, and volunteers; and

● Adhere to confidentiality,and professionalism, particularly when engaging with donors.

Additional Responsibilities

● Build strong relationships with fellow members of the Advancement Team, supporting
department initiatives as assigned;

● Participate in school programs for purposes of understanding the value of education and engaging in the school community;

● Responsible for building and analyzing reports necessary to support annual and restricted fundraising efforts;

● Plan, attend, and work special events as needed; and

● Project-based work as assigned.

Requirements

● Bachelor’s degree

● 5+ years fundraising or related experience

● Demonstrated ability to make connections and communicate effectively with donors, students, parents, faculty, and staff

● Outgoing and engaging personality with strong interpersonal communication skills

● Comfortable with forward-facing communications and solicitations; initiates timely and organized follow-through

● Detail oriented and uses discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information

● Ability to operate with ease using G Suite and Microsoft Office

● Experience with fundraising database systems; familiarity with Veracross a plus

● This position is on-site, located in Ridgefield, CT