Director Of Advancement

The College Preparatory School

Director of Advancement

Full-time Position

The College Preparatory School, an independent high school in Oakland, California, seeks an experienced, dynamic leader to serve as the Director of Advancement beginning July 1, 2024. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of the School, the Director of Advancement will provide a clear vision, supervisory leadership and management, and strategic direction for all

aspects of the School's advancement program. As a member of the senior administrative team, the Director of Advancement will help develop priorities and strategies for the School, while maintaining comprehensive management of the advancement office and the School's larger philanthropic goals. The successful candidate will be both strategically and relationally oriented, working across the community to keep the School's culture and values central to all aspects of College Prep's advancement efforts.

Essential Task and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement both short- and long-term advancement plans to meet established goals and objectives;

• Serve on the senior administrative team that oversees all day to day operations and sets strategic goals and planning for the school;

• Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate members of a six-person advancement team.

• Support the philanthropic work of the Board of Trustees and its various committees, including the Alumni Advisory Council;

• Articulate and promote an effective case for the School's philanthropy needs, building opportunities to enhance and sustain a culture that understands the relationship between philanthropy and the unique quality of a College Prep education; Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders across the school, parent, and alumni communities, promoting a culture of inclusion within the philanthropy and marketing programs;

• Responsible for the budget goals for the Annual Fund and Senior Parent GIft each year;

• Oversee potential capital or endowment campaigns;

• Work collaboratively with Parents' Association with the goal of building a community amongst current families;

• Oversee communication and marketing efforts including website, the Prep Times magazine and annual report, social media, an array of digital communication, ensuring that all materials reflect the culture, mission, and strategic initiatives of the school;

• Collaborate with Admission staff on communication materials and marketing strategy;

• Collaborate with the Head of School and counsel on necessary crisis communications and other work.

Qualifications and Desired Characteristics

The ideal candidate will offer most, if not all, of these characteristics:

• Minimum of eight years of increasing responsibility in educational fundraising;

• Proven track record of fundraising success;

• Experience related to structuring and managing a capital campaign;

• Familiarity and comfort working with varying constituencies, including trustees;

• Familiarity with advancement best practices, preferably in an independent school, including fund development and alumni relations;

• Superlative written and speaking skills and the ability to inspire others;

• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a complex environment;

• Extreme discretion, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence;

• Deep appreciation and understanding of the School's mission and values;

• Excellent leadership skills, including at least four years of previous work experience, successfully managing employees;

Founded in 1960, The College Preparatory School is an independent coeducational secondary school created for intellectual risk-takers who want to pursue a purposeful education with kindred peers. College Prep's 370 students are engaged and motivated learners who help create a kind, intellectual and equitable community. The School's mission is to prepare students for productive, ethical lives in college and beyond by fostering a stimulating education within an atmosphere of consideration, trust, and mutual responsibility. The School prides itself on fostering students' intellectual resilience, a deep sense of interconnectedness, and an optimistic appreciation of possibility.

College Prep actively encourages life-long learning and supports the professional development of all of its members. Benefits include medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan for eligible employees, and most pleasantly and collegially, a prepared lunch every day.

As an equal opportunity employer, College Prep welcomes candidates representing diversity of all kinds. We celebrate the inclusivity of our community regarding race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.