Associate Director of Annual Giving (rev.03062026)

Job Posting Summary: 

The Associate Director of Annual Giving plays a critical leadership role in planning, executing, and growing the school’s annual giving program. This position drives participation and philanthropic support from parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends while strengthening a culture of philanthropy across the community.

The Associate Director partners closely with advancement leadership to develop strategy, manage volunteers, and implement targeted fundraising initiatives that increase both participation and total dollars raised.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth’s Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
• Adheres to the Essential Expectations of an Ensworth Faculty, Staff, or Administrator
• Partners with advancement leadership to design and implement a comprehensive annual fund strategy
• Develops and executes multi-channel solicitation plans including digital campaigns, direct mail and personal outreach
• Develops strategic, targeted appeals to increase participation and leadership-level giving.
• Monitors progress towards goals and proactively adjusts strategies to maximize results.
• Identifies, cultivates and solicits and stewards leadership annual fund donors.
• Manages a portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects and makes personal solicitations.
• Collaborates with major gift colleagues to identify and transition prospects as needed.
• Recruits, trains, and supports parent, alumni, and community volunteers.
• Provides volunteers with tools, messaging and data to support peer-to-peer outreach.
• Develops strategies to increase participation across all constituencies.
• Partners with other development team staff to deepen philanthropic involvement.
• Tracks and analyzes participation rates, donor retention and annual performance.
• Maintains accurate records of donor activity and volunteer outreach.
• Prepares progress reports and dashboards for leadership and volunteers.
• Ensures timely and meaningful donor acknowledgements and stewardship.
• Develops creative recognition strategies that strengthen donor loyalty.
• Supports impact reporting that demonstrates the value of annual support.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education – Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3-6 years of advancement, fundraising, non profit development or related experience
• Experience in annual giving and volunteer management is preferred.
• Independent school or higher education experience is a plus.
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills are a must.
• Ability to motivate and manage volunteers effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Data driven mindset with comfort using CRM systems and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud suite is a plus.
• Continued Education Programs (as required by Grade Level and/or position) – Periodically participate in different training sessions identified by you, the employee and/or Divisional Leadership/Supervisor with the goal of keeping our teachers and staff up to date with current teaching methods, practices and any new knowledge in their respective field. Dependent on the program, such training may need to take place outside of normal working hours and/or in the summer months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate; occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate.
• Regularly uses close vision and works at a computer screen.
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30 lbs. across the campuses/office
• Works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts; frequently requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
• Ability to regularly work flexible hours to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines and to support before and after-school or weekend activities.
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter and résumé. Contact marichk@ensworth.com or hubnerk@ensworth.com with any questions.

About Ensworth School:

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls approximately 1,250 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school’s challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.

Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.

It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.