Director of Advancement

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

CLOSING DATE : UNTIL FILLED

REV : 12 / 18 / 2024

POST : 12 / 18 / 2024

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

ASD is at a pivotal moment. Over the past five years, we have experienced remarkable growth, now serving over 550 students worldwide. Building on this momentum, we have charted a bold vision for our future in our strategic plan-aiming to strengthen our impact as a leader in the field of Deaf Education and expand our global footprint. Core initiatives in the strategic plan include rapidly growing the presence of our Online Academy, building premiere facilities for our PACES Residential Treatment Program and Autism Expansion, and continuing to pilot innovative programming to serve as models for educators worldwide. To fuel this ambitious plan for our future, ASD leadership has partnered with external consultants and key institutional stakeholders to evaluate fundraising capacity and build a runway for growth. Over the next several years, ASD will continue to invest in the growth our regional and national network of donor support towards executing our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date and ensuring ASD's mission and vision is furthered by philanthropy for generations to come.

Position Summary :

ASD is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated senior fundraising professional to join our team as the new Director of Advancement. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement will collaborate closely with external consultants and institutional leadership to continue to build and execute ASD's strategic philanthropic growth strategy. This role will lead a growing advancement team to meet annual fundraising goals, establish a robust major gifts program, engage donors, foster impactful community relationships, and execute future campaigns. The ideal candidate will model a culture of philanthropy, ensuring all stakeholders understand the role philanthropy plays in sustaining and growing the institution. This individual must be deeply committed to ASD's values of equity and inclusion and foster meaningful connections that advance ASD's mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Responsibilities :

• Serve as a key leader at ASD, partnering with the Executive Leadership Team to align fundraising strategies with organizational goals and ensuring the advancement department is equipped to provide practical resources across ASD.
• Inspire and cultivate a culture of philanthropy at ASD, ensuring that every member of the ASD community recognizes and embraces the transformative power of philanthropy in advancing our mission.
• In partnership with the CFO, forecast expected revenues from fundraising activities throughout the fiscal year and regularly report fundraising progress to the Executive Director and Board Members.
• Staff the Advancement Committee of the Board of Directors, providing meaningful engagement opportunities in fundraising activities and effective support.
• Collaborate with external consultants and the newly formed Philanthropic Strategy Committee, composed of Board leadership, to drive an ambitious growth plan.

Management Responsibilities :

Fundraising Responsibilities :

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES :

SALARY AND BENEFITS :

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation for applying to this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.