Director of Annual Giving

AIM Academy is a college preparatory independent school dedicated to empowering students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and executive function challenges. Through a research-based curriculum and a deeply supportive environment, AIM helps students discover their strengths and achieve their full potential. The Advancement team plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding this mission through philanthropic support.

AIM Academy seeks a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Annual Giving to lead and grow the Academy’s annual giving program -  The AIM Fund. The Director of Annual Giving leads the strategy, execution, and growth of the Academy’s fundraising program to increase unrestricted and restricted philanthropic support. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive annual fund strategy that strengthens donor engagement and stewardship and helps to build a sustainable pipeline for major gifts.

The Director works collaboratively with the Advancement Team, Communications, institutional leadership, and volunteers to achieve annual revenue goals and deepen donor participation. This role is critical in fostering a culture of philanthropy across AIM’s diverse community, including current and alumni parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.

Because AIM is dedicated to creating a culture of equity and inclusion, candidates should value engaging in open dialogue, questioning, confronting assumptions, and attuning to all voices.  Please review AIM’s Equity and Diversity Statement online.

At AIM Academy, our hiring process reflects our culture, ethics, and core values: Care for Others, Creative Problem Solving, Commitment to Excellence, and a Can-Do Attitude. 

Come join our growing Advancement Team and this exciting and diverse community dedicated to education!

Annual Fund Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute a strategic, data-informed annual fund plan to increase participation and revenue raised.
• Analyze fundraising performance and donor trends across key constituencies.
• Oversee all aspects of the AIM Fund, including digital campaigns, social media, phone outreach, personal solicitation, and assist with annual gala sponsorships.
• Manage the annual giving calendar, ensuring timely execution of campaigns, appeals, and stewardship efforts.

Donor Engagement & Participation

• Create targeted, segmented engagement strategies for various constituencies (parents, alumni parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff).
• Build and maintain relationships with annual fund donors and prospects.
• Partner with advancement leadership to identify and qualify major gift prospects.
• Partner with Academy leadership and volunteers to build a strong culture of giving and participation.
• Work closely with the Communications team to develop compelling messaging and materials that communicate the impact of the AIM Fund.
• Lead Annual Report of Gifts planning and execution; oversee content and data.
• Lead stewardship efforts to ensure donors are thanked, recognized, and retained.

Major Gifts Pipeline Development

• Identify, qualify, and help cultivate annual fund donors with potential for major gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of up to 75 annual giving prospects, providing ongoing solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship. 
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Development and the Director of Major Gifts to transition qualified prospects into the major gifts pipeline.
• Support moves management strategies through research, engagement, and relationship-building.

Data, Analysis & Reporting

• Track and analyze annual fund performance KPI metrics, including participation rates, donor retention, and gift size.
• Utilize CRM systems to manage donor data, segmentation, and reporting.
• Provide regular updates and reports to Advancement leadership on progress toward goals.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Advancement Team, Marketing/Communications, and school leadership to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.
• Partner with admissions and other departments to integrate philanthropy into the broader AIM community experience
• Identify and support volunteers (e.g, parent ambassadors, alumni leaders) to assist in annual fund outreach.
• Foster strong relationships with volunteers to maximize their effectiveness and engagement.
• Manage and regularly update annual giving content on the website. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications a plus.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, preferably in annual giving within an independent school, higher education, or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated success in increasing donor participation and annual fund revenue.
• Experience with donor cultivation and contributing to a major gifts pipeline.
• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, including segmentation, stewardship, and donor lifecycle management.

• Relationship Building & Donor Engagement: Ability to cultivate authentic, long-term relationships with donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Strategic Fundraising: Skilled at developing and executing annual giving strategies that drive participation, retention, and philanthropic growth.
• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate impact and inspire charitable support.
• Data Analysis & Results Orientation: Comfortable using donor data, performance metrics, and CRM tools to inform strategy and measure success.
• Collaboration & Initiative: Demonstrates a proactive, team-oriented approach while effectively managing projects and priorities independently.

• Full-time position.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and donor engagement.
• Participation in school events and community-building activities is expected.

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to our Human Resources Manager, Cheryl Ferst at cferst@aimpa.org.