The Canterbury Fund Director plays a pivotal role in the advancement and sustainability of the private school's mission by overseeing the annual fundraising efforts. This individual is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive strategies to cultivate relationships with donors, increase participation rates, and achieve fundraising goals. The Canterbury Fund Director collaborates closely with the development team, school leadership, volunteers, and stakeholders to foster a culture of philanthropy and secure financial support for the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Develop annual fundraising plans, setting clear objectives, timelines, and strategies to achieve fundraising goals aligned with the school's mission and financial needs.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, including alumni, parents, faculty, staff, board members, and community members. Utilize various communication channels to engage donors and recognize their contributions.

Annual Giving Campaign Management:

• Lead the annual giving campaign, coordinating solicitation efforts, creating compelling fundraising appeals, and executing targeted outreach initiatives to maximize donor participation and support.

Donor Recognition Programs:

• Develop and implement donor recognition programs to acknowledge and honor donors at various giving levels, ensuring timely and personalized recognition of contributions.

Volunteer Management:

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers, including alumni ambassadors, parent representatives, and fundraising committee members, to enhance fundraising efforts and expand the donor base.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize fundraising software and data analytics tools to track donor activity, analyze fundraising trends, and generate reports on campaign performance. Use insights to refine fundraising strategies and optimize donor engagement efforts.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including development staff, school administrators, faculty, and board members, to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities and effectively communicate fundraising impact and needs to the broader school community.

Event Planning and Management:

• Coordinate fundraising events, including donor receptions, alumni reunions, and giving days, to cultivate relationships, steward donors, and generate support for the annual fund.

Budget Oversight:

• Manage the annual fund budget, monitoring expenses, and allocating resources effectively to maximize fundraising ROI and achieve financial targets.

Compliance and Best Practices:

• Ensure compliance with relevant fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and best practices in philanthropy, maintaining accurate records and adhering to donor confidentiality protocols.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or donor relations, with demonstrated success in annual giving or similar fundraising campaigns.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising appeals, donor correspondence, and stewardship materials.

• Proficiency in fundraising software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Google Analytics).

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies, analyze data, and adapt tactics to achieve fundraising goals.

• Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Commitment to the mission and values of the school, with a passion for education and a dedication to advancing the institution's goals through philanthropy.