DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Department: Alumnae and Development Office Job Status: Full-time, calendar year, including some weekends & evenings. Reports to: Director of Development Travel Required: Yes
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Development Officer advances Miss Porter’s School’s campaign fundraising efforts by securing major gift commitments from graduates, parents, grandparents, and friends of the school. They are responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and in partnership with donor relations, stewardship of individual prospects/donors at the five, six, and seven-figure level with the goal of helping to meet the alumnae and development office's fundraising goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Initiate and maintain relationships with an assigned pool of approximately 150 major gift prospects and donors, with a significant focus on qualifying new major gift prospects primarily through face-to-face visits. The ideal candidate must be able to travel up to 30% of the time.
- Manage prospects in all aspects of the gift cycle including initiating contact with potential donors, developing appropriate strategies including working with volunteers, moving donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure and stewarding donors.
- Focus on securing support for a set of school wide campaign priorities that include but are not limited to academic programs, scholarships, facility renovations, campus improvements, and unrestricted support. Work with the Alumnae and Development Office colleagues to meet goals in all areas.
- Meet annual metrics, donor and volunteer engagement and fundraising goals.
- Manage reunion class volunteers or other volunteers related to the development and advancement work of Miss Porter’s School.
- Commitment to the mission and Community Call to Action of Miss Porter’s School and dedication to our ongoing efforts of inclusion, belonging and to support the development of women and girls. Demonstrated ability to work with and respect a diverse population of donors and colleagues across a dynamic educational campus.
- Interact with the Porter’s community with a broad understanding of the goals and objectives of the school and the office. Foster and maintain productive relationships with other offices on campus with an active role in school life.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of successful professional fundraising experience. Demonstrated ability to personally cultivate, solicit and secure five and six-figure gifts.
- Proven track record of resourcefulness, persistence, and tenacity.
- Candidates with a background in marketing, sales, or law would be considered.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a team, even when traveling and working remotely.
- Ability to interact with all levels of the school community: Head, senior administrators, faculty, staff, trustees, alumnae, volunteers, and friends of the school.
- Strategic thinker and problem solver.
- Flexibility and appreciation of humor.
- A strong commitment to education generally and boarding schools specifically.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
- Ability to work required school event weekends (Reunion, Family Weekend, Graduation).
- Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge and Google Suite is preferred.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
- Sitting at a desk and using a computer much of the time.
- At events, time spent standing/walking.
- Domestic travel required.
The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
We offer a traditional health and wellness package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Vacation, sick and personal days as well as holidays. In addition to a robust 403(b) retirement plan that includes a Roth option with a generous contribution by school. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter with their application.
We offer a traditional health and wellness package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Vacation, sick and personal days as well as holidays. In addition to a robust 403(b) retirement plan that includes a Roth option with a generous contribution by school. On-campus housing may be available.