Director of Advancement

About Frankford Friends School:

Since 1833, Frankford Friends School has offered a values-based Quaker education in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. FFS students explore, problem-solve, and work together to expand their understanding of themselves and the world beyond. Frankford Friends School students are members of a community that is highly diverse and inclusive and the racial composition of the school closely mirrors that of the City of Philadelphia. Frankford Friends School`s curriculum emphasizes the 21st century skills of critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving and uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework to engage students in understanding issues that affect people and the planet. An important aspect of this initiative is the formation of partnerships with people and organizations who are working on the same issues that students explore in class. Not only do students see what action might look like, but they understand the connection between what they learn and local action and service, and become true protagonists for change in their own communities.

Frankford Friends School has campuses in Frankford (200 students; 3 yrs through 8th grade) and Fishtown (50 students; 2.5 through Prekindergarten). The School has seen considerable increases in enrollment, giving, tuition assistance, and campus size over the last ten years. Our graduates attend selective public and private high schools.

General Position Description:

The Director of Advancement plays a key role in Frankford Friends School, reporting to, collaborating with, and advising the Head of School and Board of Trustees. In this role, they will provide materials, collateral, strategy, and support around all of the Head of School's donor prospect meetings, lead donor meetings as appropriate, and serve as liaison to Board members as donor stewards and solicitors.

The Director of Advancement will create and administer strategies for the FFS Annual Fund, EITC/OSTC solicitation, family involvement, and major gifts, to include multi-year fundraising plans that focus on renewals and increased gifts, and collaborate with the Associate Director of Development to implement these plans. They will research and prepare grant applications and required stewardship reports for foundations as needed and contribute development content to the School’s website, blog, and publications.

The current development program focuses on annual giving, financial aid, a spring fundraiser, and targeted outreach via publications, direct mailing, social channels, and occasional one-on-one meetings. Over the next three years, the Director of Advancement will take the lead in addressing the following opportunities:

• Develop and implement appropriate donor recognition programs;
• Increase volunteerism and engagement;
• Identify top prospects and solicit lead gifts;
• Develop, launch, and oversee an alumni program;
• Liaise with the Board of Trustees, in particular its development, finance, and strategic planning committees, to formulate and monitor goals and increase Board member engagement;
• Take a lead role in strategic planning to include the groundwork and launching of a capital campaign.

The Director of Advancement will collaborate closely with the Associate Director of Development, the Coordinator of Admissions, the Marketing and Communications Team, the Coordinator of Special Projects, and other Administrators to ensure consistent messaging of the School’s narrative and to expand and enhance its visibility and reputation across social media, printed communications, and the website. Additionally, they will serve as a leader within the school community, actively participating in daily operations and engaging in hands-on involvement in the school's activities.

The position requires flexibility and the ability to evolve with the position, the current priorities of the Head of School, and the School’s strategic initiatives, which will change from time to time based on the Head of School, Board of Trustees and Frankford Friends School’s vision and goals. The Director of Advancement is a champion for the school, its teachers, students, programs, and leadership and leads with initiative and passion for the School and its mission.

Reports to: Head of School

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• Outstanding written, verbal, and emotional IQ skills;
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to organize self and others to meet immediate and long-term timelines in a fast-paced environment;
• A proven ability to work with minimum supervision while managing multiple projects and deadlines, and collaboratively with a team;
• A warm and welcoming demeanor and the ability to communicate with students, staff, donors, Friends/friends and families from a wide variety of backgrounds in a friendly, open, positive and professional manner;
• An understanding of and commitment to living the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community and stewardship;
• Tact, discretion, and the ability to sustain long-term reciprocal relationships;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the school’s mission, culture and values;
• Understanding of the School’s approach to socio-economic diversity and a commitment to promoting it;
• A positive attitude towards feedback, the willingness to make changes when required, and the ability to learn and grow as the role evolves.

Educational Requirements:

• BA in Fundraising, Marketing, Administration or Education; Masters Degree preferred

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• This position requires significant flexibility and the capacity to work in a variety of settings: office, classroom, community meeting spaces, outdoors, etc. It may require the ability to sit, stand, walk up and down up to three flights of stairs and through the campus, for the entirety of the school day and to occasionally lift up to 35 lbs.
• Be able to pass all criminal record checks, background checks, and child abuse clearances.

The School believes that children benefit most from in-person classes and activities as well as from relationships with faculty and staff who engage with them in all areas of school life. The School encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and reserves the right to require its employees to receive the COVID-19 primary series and booster vaccinations, subject to the limitations of federal and state law, employee eligibility, and the availability of the vaccine.

FFS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender. In addition to federal law requirements, FFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Type:

• Exempt | Full-time, 12 month | On campus

Hours:

• 7:45 -4:15
• Representing the School at weekend and evening events attended by students and families is expected.
• Summer Hours may be in effect when school is not in session.

Salary Range and Benefits:

• Salary is based on education and years of experience and is anticipated to be in the $100,000-$140,000 range.
• Benefits to include: paid parental leave; tuition remission and free after care for children who attend FFS; health care; professional development; 5% match on retirement contributions; and 25 days PTO/vacation.

This description is subject to change by Frankford Friends School as the needs and requirements of the position change.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Philadelphia, PA 19124: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person