About Woodstock Day School

Founded in 1973, Woodstock Day School (WDS) is a progressive, independent school set on a 40-acre campus in New York’s Hudson Valley. Located midway between the towns of Woodstock and Saugerties and roughly two hours north of Manhattan, WDS is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and offers a unique and inclusive educational experience to approximately 200 students from Nursery School through Grade 12.

WDS believes that there is no such thing as an “average” student, and our combination of purposefully small class sizes, intensely committed faculty, and a culture of individual respect empowers our students to aim high, shape and achieve their personal goals, and prepares them to make a positive difference in a complex world. Added to the program in 2003, our middle and upper schools offer outstanding programs for grades 6-12, helping students discover their passions, achieve academic and personal excellence and demonstrate a commitment to service. WDS actively seeks to build a diverse community of educators, staff, and families.

Summary

Under the strategic leadership of the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement assumes a pivotal role, overseeing and executing a wide array of responsibilities for fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni relations. This dynamic professional is tasked with not only meeting but surpassing ambitious fundraising targets. Objectives include: generating a minimum of $200,000 in annual unrestricted donations, securing restricted funds for specific programs and special initiatives, and spearheading a multi-year capital campaign to allow the school to transform its campus and facilities.

As a vital member of the Advancement Committee, the Director of Advancement actively contributes to shaping and enhancing the capacity of the Board of Trustees to fulfill and exceed its fundraising mandates and objectives. This role is instrumental in fortifying the organization's financial foundation and fostering enduring connections with donors and alumni, thereby propelling the institution towards sustained growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive annual, capital, and long-term fundraising plans and strategies for the school, continually evaluating the success of fundraising initiatives.
• Conceptualize and execute direct mail, email, and social media fundraising campaigns to effectively reach a diverse audience.
• Lead the organization and coordination of the annual auction and other school fundraising events, leveraging volunteer engagement to achieve event goals.
• Conduct research to identify and cultivate potential major donors.
• Explore and pursue funding opportunities from institutional, government, foundation, and corporate sources. Oversee the development and submission of letters of inquiry, grant proposals, sponsorship requests, and maintenance of grantee reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement a strategic communication and stewardship plan for donors and other stakeholders, fostering meaningful engagement.
• Maintain the donor database, accurately recording interactions with potential donors and tracking gifts. Manage constituency lists, files, and giving records.
• Prepare detailed reports and analyses on fundraising performance for the Executive Director, Advancement Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
• Provide guidance to school administrators, faculty, students, and parent volunteers involved in fundraising efforts.
• Offer financial oversight for development activities, including budgeting, planning, and expense tracking.
• Serve on the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees, actively supporting the Board in meeting and exceeding fundraising goals. Recruit, train, and lead Advancement Committee members and Trustees in major gift solicitations and overall fundraising and cultivation activities.
• Design, implement, and manage an alumni relations program, conducting outreach to alumni, updating and maintaining the alumni database, planning alumni events, and spearheading an alumni giving program.
• Advise staff, faculty, and the Board of Trustees on strategies to involve and engage alumni in support of the school’s mission.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

Desired Qualifications & Qualities

• Ambitious and determined, showcasing a drive to excel and succeed.
• Empathetic and thoughtful, demonstrating a genuine understanding and consideration for others.
• Entrepreneurial and solution-oriented, possessing a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Imaginative and creative, with the ability to think outside the box and contribute innovative ideas.
• Positive and optimistic, fostering a constructive and uplifting work environment.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Work calmly and thoughtfully under pressure, maintaining composure in challenging situations.
• Successfully collaborate with a passionate team of colleagues and stakeholders, contributing to a positive and productive work culture.
• Juggle multiple and competing priorities, showcasing excellent time management skills.
• Be an excellent, people-centered communicator, fostering open and effective dialogue.
• Embrace a growth mindset and willingness to embrace complex challenges.

Desired Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit development and fundraising.
• Prior experience working in a school or educational non-profit is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills.Superior organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring precision in tasks and projects.
• Proven experience using customer relationship management software, including running reports, analyzing data, and ensuring data integrity.
• Technologically savvy with a willingness to learn and embrace new technologies.

Compensation Package

WDS offers a competitive compensation package including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K plan
• Generous paid time off
• Life insurance
• Tuition discounts and remission for children of employees enrolled at the school
• Opportunities for professional development

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, explaining why you would succeed in this position, resume, a list of three references, and salary requirements, via e-mail to . Please include Director of Advancement in the subject line.

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The Woodstock Day School is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. WDS prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including behavior which targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics, such as but not limited to: race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship status, caregiver status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, status as a certified medical marijuana patient or any other legally protected classification.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Saugerties, NY 12477: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person