What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Advancement position at Dunn School?
Associate Director of Advancement
2025-2026 Job Description
About Dunn School
Dunn School is committed to educating whole students to their fullest potential, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership. Our mission is guided by five core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage.
Founded in 1957, Dunn School fosters a vibrant community rooted in its motto, Ne Tentes Aut Perfice (“All or Nothing”), inspiring students and faculty alike to pursue their goals with passion and determination. As a Round Square School, Dunn emphasizes character development through the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Dunn offers an exceptional environment for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Position Overview
The Associate Director of Advancement is responsible for managing the school's advancement services while facilitating major gift fundraising efforts. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors (those giving or capable of giving $10,000 or more annually).
This position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and is a key member of the External Affairs Team.
Key Responsibilities
Advancement Services
- Serve as the primary database administrator, maintaining accurate and up-to-date constituent records.
- Process all gift entry, pledge tracking, and reconciliation with the Business Office.
- Manage donor stewardship, including sending donor acknowledgments, and creating personalized stewardship plans for a portfolio of Major Gifts donors. .
- Generate reports and donor lists to support fundraising, events, and constituent relations.
- Collaborate with advancement staff to execute the Annual Fund campaign.
- Play a lead role in the planning and execution of the Spring Gala & Auction.
- Assist with volunteer programs and key events such as Class Reunions, Graduation, and Founder’s Day.
- Support the overall success of the Advancement Office through a team-oriented approach and additional duties as assigned.
Major Gifts Program/Donor Engagement & Solicitation
- Manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects, including maintaining donor files and researching potential new donors.
- Create tailored cultivation and solicitation plans for major donor prospects, engaging school leadership as necessary.
- Develop and implement cultivation strategies to engage, solicit, and steward major donors, including securing planned gifts for the Anthony B. Dunn Heritage Society of 1957.
- Assist with endowment growth initiatives and planned giving strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with feasibility studies and capital projects, including research, planning, and donor engagement strategies.
- Travel on behalf of Dunn School for donor meetings and events.
- Represent Dunn School as a professional ambassador in the community and beyond.
- Support cross-departmental initiatives that align with the school's mission and strategic goals.
- Other duties as assigned based on school needs and applicant experience.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree Required.
- CFRE Preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in advancement services, major gifts, or nonprofit fundraising.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with CRM databases (Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, or similar), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace.
- Fundraising Knowledge: Strong understanding of moves management, donor stewardship, and planned giving.
- Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Team-Oriented: A collaborative approach with a commitment to advancing Dunn School’s mission.
- Travel: Willingness to travel for donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.
- Other Requirements: Successful completion of criminal background and driving record check.
- Employment reference checks, including with the current employer.
- Social media review.
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Dunn School’s full benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, retirement match up to 7.5%, life/AD&D, tuition remission, and free meals in our dining hall.
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - 90,000. Actual salary will be dependent upon experience.
How to Apply
Apply using the link below:
Dunn School Employment Opportunities
Dunn is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates. Dunn's background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior
Salary : $70,000 - $90,000
