Director of Advancement Operations

The position provides critical, high-level administrative and programmatic support to the Director of Advancement and the Advancement Office, devising and executing efforts to best achieve the specific programmatic goals of the division. The Director of Advancement Operations must be comfortable providing cross-functional guidance and assistance to each of the Advancement team members. They will be responsible for managing the operational efficiency through effective communication with members of the office and the institution at-large. The position will ensure efficient coordination of duties and operation of Sayre’s advancement efforts including the strategic development plan. Additionally, they will act as an internal liaison for the Director of Advancement to ensure overall strategic goals and budget alignment are achieved.

Responsibilities

Office of Advancement

• Assist in coordinating all operational and administrative activities needed for the successful management of the Office of Advancement (budget, portfolios, timelines, metrics).
• Participate in the extrapolation and analysis of data from Raisers Edge for the purposes of benchmarking, tracking, and visualizing progress across multiple metrics involved with fundraising, enrollment, and communications.
• Manage the budgeting and purchasing processes for the Office of Advancement.
• Plan and execute training sessions for the Advancement team(s), coordinating with multiple departments/divisions across the School, working with external partners, and assisting with materials creation and distribution for learning purposes.
• Lead the onboarding process for newly hired members of the Advancement team and maintain development-related documents/templates for the purposes of training and ‘best practices.’
• Serve as liaison for Sayre Parent groups for ongoing guidance and connection to Advancement goals and development plan.
• Work closely with the Director of Advancement in their responsibility as staff liaison to the Board of Trustees, preparing board-level reports and philanthropy education (Board training, solicitation networks, call lists, etc.).
• Assist the Director of Communications in ensuring that branding and messaging are unified throughout the Advancement office.

Development Specific Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Advancement with the follow-up of principal and major gift pool of prospects, which will include execution of engagement and solicitation strategies, arranging meetings, and serving as a secondary interface with high-level prospects. This work will include but is not limited to drafting acknowledgment letters, administrative briefings, proposals, interoffice memos, and donor emails.
• Assist with special events coordination and/or special projects supporting the overall fundraising and engagement efforts. This could include staffing special events such as Homecoming and Reunion.
• Coordinate and manage projects that involve multiple teams within the larger Advancement team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience (development, sales, customer relations, financial services, and/or administrative).
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to conceive, propose, execute, and evaluate short- and long-term plans that support the activities of the Advancement team. The ability to handle and prioritize multiple concurrent tasks is essential.
• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to collaborate and build positive rapport with varied constituencies in a highly professional manner.
• Excellent written communication, strong editing skills, and great attention to detail.
• Must possess the ability to work independently as well as part of a close-knit team.
• Demonstrated mastery of computer software programs including but not limited to Google Docs and Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word, Raiser’s Edge and Blackbaud.
• Proficiency in creating engaging and informative presentations, with a demonstrated ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible and visually appealing manner.
• Ability to apply good judgment and responsible decision-making; tact and discretion are required to deal with highly confidential donor and prospect information.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
• In addition to honor and character, commitment to intellectual engagement, and appreciation for stewardship and sustainability. The candidate’s ease with diverse constituencies and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive school community are fundamental.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the position, as well as a resume with supporting material to include a list of three references with contact information (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s knowledge).

Sayre School actively seeks qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and talents who will make a positive contribution to school life. Sayre School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, uniform service member status, religion, handicap or disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all federal, state, or local law. This applies to its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, financial-aid policies, athletics, and other after-school programs.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Lexington, KY 40507: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person