Director of Advancement

First Baptist School of Charleston is seeking a highly organized and strategic leader to serve as our Director of Advancement. The Director of Advancement plays a pivotal role in cultivating relationships with alumni, increasing participation in the school's annual fund, and leading efforts to establish and grow an endowment that ensures the institution's long-term financial sustainability. Additionally, this role is instrumental in planning and executing capital campaigns to secure major gifts and philanthropic investments that advance the school’s strategic priorities.

Primary Responsibilities
1. Alumni Relations

• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with alumni, fostering a sense of pride and engagement within the alumni community.
• Organize alumni events, reunions, and networking opportunities to strengthen connections between alumni and the school.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to effectively communicate with alumni through newsletters, social media, and other channels.

2. Loyalty Fund Management

• Lead efforts to increase participation in the school's annual Loyalty Fund, which supports various initiatives, including scholarships, faculty development, and campus enhancements.
• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising campaigns, utilizing multiple solicitation methods such as direct mail, email, phone calls, and personal meetings.
• Serve as the catalyst through which all school fundraising flows to ensure that all fundraising activities align with the school's mission and are appropriately planned to ensure success.
• Work closely with the finance department to track donations, manage donor databases, and ensure compliance with fundraising regulations.

3. Endowment Establishment

• Develop a strategic plan for establishing and growing an endowment fund to provide long-term financial support for the school’s mission and programs.
• Identify potential major donors, foundations, and corporate partners interested in contributing to the endowment fund.
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and engage them in discussions regarding planned giving opportunities and legacy gifts.

4. Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, demonstrating a deep understanding of their philanthropic interests and motivations.
• Collaborate with the school's leadership team and other key stakeholders to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
• Provide regular updates and reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement activities, and alumni relations initiatives to school leadership and relevant committees.

5. Capital Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic plans for capital campaigns, aligning efforts with the school’s long-term vision and growth initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure transformational gifts.
• Coordinate campaign committees, engage volunteers, and provide leadership in the planning and execution of fundraising events and initiatives.
• Collaborate with external consultants, board members, and school leadership to ensure the success of multi-year capital campaigns.
• Monitor campaign progress, prepare impact reports, and ensure transparency in financial stewardship and donor recognition.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or advancement in an educational or nonprofit setting.
• Proven track record in major gift fundraising, endowment development, and capital campaign management.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively engage donors, alumni, and key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in fundraising software, donor management systems, and digital communication platforms.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive advancement plans.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to the school’s mission and values.

This role is ideal for an experienced fundraising professional passionate about advancing the mission of First Baptist School through innovative and strategic philanthropy. The Director of Advancement will be able to make a lasting impact by building a strong culture of giving and engagement among alumni, donors, and the broader school community.

If you are interested in this position you can apply via Frontline using the link below.

https://www.applitrack.com/fbschool/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=269

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000