Director of Advancement

Title: Director of Advancement
Date: January 9, 2024
FLSA Classification: Full time, exempt
Reports To: Head of School

Solebury School seeks an experienced Director of Advancement to lead our Advancement office. The Director of Advancement is a senior administrative position reporting directly to the Head of School, responsible for directing, strategizing and managing Solebury School’s philanthropic endeavors, including annual, capital and endowment funds, major gifts and planned giving programs; marketing and communications; advancement services; parent and alumni relations; and auction/special events, including the upcoming Centennial celebration (October 2025). Working closely with the Head of School, the Director of Advancement will develop and implement plans and set goals that are aligned with the priorities of the school, meet the school’s financial objectives, and sustain positive relationships with the various constituencies critical to a thriving independent school: alumni, current and past parents, faculty and staff, members of the Board of Trustees, and the local community. The expected start date of this position is flexible. The school has retained Big Back Pack to execute a national search for this key leadership position. For more information, contact Hacker Burr at hacker@bigbackpack.org.

Essential Functions

  • Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans and initiatives that meet the school’s current and future financial needs, in coordination with the Head of School and Board of Trustees
  • Launch and guide the School’s next capital campaign
  • Oversee all marketing and communications activities, in coordination with Admissions
  • Direct and oversee the annual fund and other internal, community, and special events fundraising activities
  • Direct and oversee parent and alumni relations programs
  • Work with the Director of Alumni Engagement to ensure that the planning and execution of the upcoming
  • Centennial celebration meet the goals of the School
  • Oversee advancement services activities to ensure the integrity, security, and accurate dissemination of all data that supports the advancement of the school, and  maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information, upholding the donor bill of rights and other ethical professional standards
  • Develop and cultivate potential new relationships for the school, and serve on behalf of the school with major donors, key community organizations, media, and others
  • Ensure that Solebury School’s advancement, data entry, and gift acceptance policies and procedures are in compliance with professional best practices and with local, state, and federal law
  • Lead and mentor the Advancement Team for success (currently a team of nine)
  • Serve as the staff liaison for Board and ad hoc committees, as required
  • Develop strategy and serve as the primary communications contact in crisis/emergency situations
  • Manage various budgets integral to the Advancement Office
  • Serve as a member of the Senior Staff
  • Serve as Weekend Duty staff member for four 6-hour shifts each year to supervise boarding students for weekend activities
  • Other duties as assigned by the Head of School

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business or related field 
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a non-profit environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, alumni, donors and representatives from the business community
  • Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively
  • Demonstrated ability to manage fundraising programs, including success with soliciting major philanthropic gifts
  • Previous experience leading successful multi-year fundraising campaigns is preferred
  • Proficiency with various technologies, including Google Suite and Raiser’s Edge NXT
  • Demonstrated ability to manage personnel
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute special events
  • Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

  • Generally works in standard office conditions and climate
  • Occasional work in outside weather conditions during special activities and fundraising events
  • Work in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts
  • May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time
  • Required to travel, including internationally
  • Lift occasionally up to 30 lbs.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Solebury School offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to all eligible employees, including:

  • Medical & Vision Insurance (free option for employees and employee plus children)
  • Dental Insurance
  • 403 (b) defined contribution retirement plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and School Holidays
  • Short and Long Term Disability insurance, life insurance

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Solebury School offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to all eligible employees, including: 

  • Medical & Vision Insurance (free option for employees and employee plus children)
  • Dental Insurance
  • 403 (b) defined contribution retirement plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and School Holidays
  • Short and Long Term Disability insurance, life insurance

As part of the terms for employment and in accordance with state law, all employees undergo national, state and local background checks before starting. Employment is also contingent on the ability to establish eligibility for employment in the United States by providing appropriate documentation to complete the I-9 form and required certifications. All employees must have reliable transportation to and from school, and a valid driver's license is required.


Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email, and as separate PDF documents, the following materials:

  • A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position
  • A current résumé
  • A one-page statement of professional philosophy and leadership practice
  • An annotated list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address (references will be contacted only with prior candidate approval). 

All materials should be sent via email to:
Hacker Bur
President and Managing Director
Big Back Pack LLC  
hacker@bigbackpack.org
843.478.3139 
 

Since its founding in 1925, Solebury School has been a leader in progressive education.  We are a coeducational boarding and day school serving more than 225 students in grades 9-12. 

Solebury is an Equal Opportunity Employer.