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The Director of Development is a crucial member of the school’s leadership team and is pivotal in advancing the school's mission. Reporting directly to the Head of School, they should be an experienced fundraiser with a deep-seated passion for progressive and project-based education.
The position necessitates close collaboration with The Saklan School’s Board of Directors, major donors, community leaders, current and alumni parents, and volunteers. The Director of Development is an integral part of a collaborative environment, working closely with other senior leadership team members, staff, and faculty. The role demands the ability to exercise a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and diplomacy.
Roles And Responsibilities
Mission Advancement:
The Director of Development is pivotal in advancing The Saklan School's mission. This involves creating a sustainable fundraising stream that engages a diverse group of stakeholders, including individual donors, faculty, staff, alumni, grandparents, volunteers, corporations, and foundations. The goal is to build a network of support that mirrors the school's values and fosters its project-based educational approach.
Fundraising Leadership
Overseeing all aspects of the development program, the Director leads the annual giving program auction, guides capital campaigns, and solicits corporate and foundation proposals. A critical part of this role is creating compelling fundraising materials that enhance the school’s visibility and reputation. This includes everything from solicitation letters to persuasive funding proposals and annual reports.
Community Engagement
A significant aspect of the role is building and maintaining relationships within the school community and beyond. This includes coordinating all fundraising activities, planning special events to recognize donors, and fostering ongoing relationships. The Director also works closely with the Board of Directors, major donors, community leaders, and volunteer leadership, ensuring a cohesive approach to development.
Collaboration And Communication
The Director collaborates with admissions, communications, and marketing to produce fundraising-related communication materials. Additionally, the Director oversees the administration of the donor database, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis of development efforts.
Prospective Donor Cultivation
Identifying and cultivating relationships with prospective new and past donors is a key responsibility. This entrepreneurial approach is crucial for maintaining an active pool of donors, which the Director manages in collaboration with the Head of School and the Saklan Development Committee.
Performance Analysis
Regular analysis of the development program’s effectiveness is essential. The Director produces informative reports that illustrate performance, helping to make necessary improvements and ensuring alignment with the school's goals.
Alumni Relations
Strengthening relationships with alumni and developing alumni programming is another critical aspect. It involves maintaining a lifelong connection with former students and encouraging their ongoing support and involvement.
Budget Management
The Director manages the development budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support the school’s initiatives.
Volunteerism
Support the school’s volunteer efforts, which include guiding the PA, nurturing relationships with volunteers, and ensuring they feel connected to Saklan.
Qualifications And Traits
A bachelor's degree (master’s preferred).
Genuine enthusiasm for The Saklan School’s mission and project-based learning approach.
Proven success in a development role, with a proven track record of success in major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and special events.
Ability to work closely with a board and head of school.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with donors
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers
Experience in launching and sustaining a capital campaign.
Capacity to build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Experience with fundraising software and donor databases.
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About The Saklan School
The Saklan School, founded in 1954, offers an outstanding coeducational Preschool-8 program to over 130 students. The school community embraces the ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the Lamorinda area and well beyond. The school's educational program is driven by its mission of Thinking Creatively, Acting Compassionately Living Courageously and fosters all of the skills of 21st Century pedagogy. Our small class size and project-based learning approach cultivates confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills. The Saklan School places much emphasis on the arts, a strong sense of community, responsibility, personal growth and balance. The Saklan School is located in Moraga, California, with easy access to many points in the East Bay area.