Associate Director of Development (5051)

Job Summary 

As a member of the Development team, the Associate Director of Development plays a  pivotal part in advancing Gould’s mission through strategic fundraising and community engagement initiatives. In partnership with Admissions, the Associate Director works closely with the Gould Parents Association and the Blue Key Club, fostering a supportive and vibrant community. Also, they collaborate with the Communications team to produce the GAzette and share compelling stories with our stakeholders and the Yearbook coordinator on the production of the Yearbook. 

As a key player in securing funding, they assist in grant applications and manage scholarship awards, and faculty development awards. From project managing Giving Tuesday and the annual Spring Fundraiser, to designing impactful email campaigns and appeals, creativity and organizational skills are critical. The Associate director is also responsible for event management and execution for multiple alumni and parent engagement events held each year.

Dedication to prompt and heartfelt gift acknowledgments will further strengthen donor relationships, while data and vendor relationship management will ensure smooth operations. As the Community Engagement Liaison, the Associate Director of Development connects with the greater Bethel Community,  alumni, parents, and donors, fostering a sense of belonging and involvement in our mission.

Essential Qualities of Employment

• Team Building and Culture Shaping Mindset
• Ethical and Responsible Decision Making
• Effective and Culturally Responsive Communication
• Collaborative Framework for Innovation and Results

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Participate in the Development team projects, including regular gift acknowledgment, event planning and donor stewardship: Collaborate with the Development team on various projects aimed at acknowledging gifts promptly and expressing gratitude to donors for their generous support. 
•  Gould Parents Association: Serve as the liaison for the Gould Parents Association, working closely with parents to foster a vibrant and supportive community.
• Works closely with the International Family Coordinator to steward our International Families.
• The GAzette: Work closely with the Communications team to contribute content to the GAzette, our platform for sharing updates, stories, and news with the Gould community.
• Assist in applications for Foundations/Grants: Play a vital role in preparing and submitting applications for grants and foundations, seeking financial support to bolster our programs and initiatives.
• Co-chair Blue Key Club w/ admissions: Collaborating with the Admissions team, you will co-chair the Blue Key Club, a group of passionate students dedicated to welcoming and engaging prospective students and their families during campus visits and events.
• Event Planning: Manages a schedule of parent engagement events, and assists with other Advancement events throughout the year. 
• Parents Weekends: Coordinate and execute special Parents Weekend events, creating memorable experiences for parents to connect with their children's educational journey.
• Giving Tuesday: Project manage all aspects of this campaign, driving participation and maximizing the impact of donations.
• Gould’s Annual Spring Fundraiser: As the project manager, oversees the planning, organization, and execution of this exciting event, bringing together donors, supporters, and community members in support of our school.
• Email Campaigns/Appeals: Help design and implement compelling email campaigns and appeals to engage donors and encourage philanthropic contributions.
• Scholarship Awards: Facilitate the scholarship award process, working to recognize and celebrate recipients and thank donors. 
• Giving Society Management: Coordinate and Facilitate the annual Giving Society mailings and updates along with the Associate Director of Alumni Relations. 
• Facilitate the communication with the winners and donors of the Faculty Development Awards. 
• Data/Vendor Relationship Management: Ensure the integrity of our donor database and cultivate positive relationships with vendors to optimize our fundraising efforts.
• Community Engagement Liaison: Foster strong connections with alumni, parents, donors, and other stakeholders, keeping them informed and engaged in our mission and initiatives.
• Weekly/Monthly Gift Acknowledgment lists and letters: Collaborates with the Admissions coordinator to run and manage weekly and monthly gift acknowledgment processes, ensuring donors feel appreciated and valued for their contributions.

Community Life Role

• Help supervise students one night a week in an academic or residential space
• Participate in a weekend duty team
• Engage in community activities
• Communicate and seek to reduce scheduling conflicts

Professionalism

• Attendance and participation in team and community meetings, special events, school functions, and  Four Point program, as needed
• Maintenance of prompt and frequent communication with advisors and employees
• Pursue annual professional development
• Meet general daily professional standards regarding attendance, timeliness, and deadlines
• Support the mission and philosophy of Gould acting as a positive contributor to the school community, actively participating in the life of the school as a role model of appropriate behavior with students, parents, colleagues, and other members of the school community, and enforcing school rules
• Adherence to policies in the Employee Handbook and Community Guide

Qualification Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree and several years of fundraising and/or alumni relations experience, preferably at a secondary or higher education institution
• Well-developed social skills and fearlessness in meeting new people
• Entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness to take risks
• High-level organizational skills 
• Prepare presentations and possess strong oral communication skills; ability to present in front of an audience ranging  from 10 to 100
• Strong event planning skills
• Ability to motivate others
• Ability to travel extensively 
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and to work well on deadline
• Stamina
• Comfort with database technology (experience with Blackbaud  a plus) and standard computer programs
• Ability to work well in and between teams is highly valued
• Appreciation for and comfort with adolescents
• Alignment with the mission and values of Gould Academy

Qualifications General

• Obtain CHRC clear status from Maine Department of Education
• Successfully pass a criminal and sexual offender background check
• Possess a valid  US driver’s license

Other Duties

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisor(s) and/or the Head of School

Physical and Environmental Conditions

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added to these by individuals on an as needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling, sitting
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours
• Occasional lifting up to 10 lb  
• Occasional driving a motor vehicle
• Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions 
• Ability to visit and move around on and off campus,  must be able to travel to all campus locations and to appropriate training and/or meetings as required