Director of Community Engagement

Build a Community. Advance a Mission. Create Lasting Impact.

The Franklin Academy is an independent, nonprofit K-8 STEM school in Bellingham, Washington. Our mission is to develop confident, capable students through strong academics, structured classrooms, and meaningful relationships.

As our school continues to grow, we are investing in the relationships, programs, and community partnerships that make Franklin a place where students and families thrive. We are seeking a collaborative and visionary Director of Community Engagement to lead these efforts and help shape the next chapter of our school.

This is more than a fundraising position. It is an opportunity to build community, strengthen partnerships, expand student opportunities, and help advance the mission of an organization committed to educational excellence.

Why Join The Franklin Academy?

At Franklin, relationships matter.

We believe that exceptional schools are built through strong leadership, engaged families, dedicated employees, and meaningful community partnerships. As a member of our Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to influence the future of the school while building programs that directly impact students, families, faculty, and the broader community.

You'll enjoy:

• A mission-driven nonprofit school focused on students
• A collaborative and supportive leadership team
• The opportunity to build and strengthen a growing department
• Professional autonomy with meaningful organizational impact
• A close-knit school community where ideas become action
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

The Role

The Director of Community Engagement serves as a member of the school's Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership for fundraising, donor relations, marketing, communications, community partnerships, school events, volunteer engagement, and auxiliary programs.

This position oversees the community engagement function for the school and works closely with the Head of School, faculty, staff, families, alumni, donors, and community partners to strengthen relationships, increase philanthropic support, and advance the mission of The Franklin Academy.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership

• Provide vision and leadership for the Community Engagement function at the school.
• Supervise and develop departmental staff, including the Event and Volunteer Coordinator and After School Programs Coordinator.
• Establish annual departmental goals aligned with the school's strategic plan.
• Collaborate with school leadership to support organizational initiatives.

Advancement & Fundraising

• Develop and execute annual fundraising strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Lead donor stewardship and recognition efforts.
• Partner with the Head of School and Board of Directors on advancement initiatives.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the school's marketing and communications strategy.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand identity.
• Oversee website content, social media, digital communications, and promotional campaigns.
• Support enrollment and retention through effective storytelling and outreach.

Community Engagement

• Provide oversight for all school events and fundraising initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships with parents, alumni, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations.
• Support volunteer engagement and parent involvement.
• Foster meaningful partnerships that enhance student opportunities.

Auxiliary Programs

• Provide strategic oversight and direction of after-school and extended-day programs.
• Monitor program quality, enrollment, staffing, and financial sustainability.
• Ensure programs align with the school's mission and student experience.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Is a collaborative and inspiring leader.
• Builds authentic relationships with donors, families, volunteers, and community partners.
• Enjoys creating systems while remaining hands-on when needed.
• Communicates with professionalism and warmth.
• Thinks strategically while managing multiple priorities.
• Believes deeply in the value of education and nonprofit service.
• Brings creativity, initiative, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience in advancement, fundraising, marketing, communications, nonprofit leadership, education, or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities

Preferred

• Master's degree
• Experience working in an independent school or nonprofit organization
• Experience with donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and community engagement initiatives

Compensation

Salary: $83,000-$90,000 annually

Placement within the range is based on experience, education, and demonstrated qualifications.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Join Our Team

If you're excited about building relationships, strengthening communities, and helping shape the future of an independent school, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us in creating meaningful experiences that support students, strengthen families, and advance the mission of The Franklin Academy.

Pay: $83,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Leadership or Supervisory: 3 years (Preferred)
• Fundraising: 1 year (Preferred)
• Nonprofit management: 1 year (Preferred)

Location:

• Bellingham, WA 98225 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $83,000 - $90,000