Director – Advancement & Communications

Job Description

Nativity Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free, private Catholic Middle School for grades 5 through 8 located in Rochester, NY. All students at Nativity are previously under-served but prepared to work hard and desire a successful academic future. Nativity utilizes the NativityMiquel model of an extended school day and school year to ensure that students are given the social and academic tools needed to succeed. In addition to academic goals, Nativity focuses on instilling values of respect and creating a positive, safe environment for students to grow and learn.

The school is entirely funded through the generosity of individuals, and grants from foundations, corporations and religious groups. The school is seeking an Associate Director of Development to manage its fundraising, marketing, and communication/public relations efforts. This position reports directly to the President and is responsible, in partnership with the President, for strategically cultivating relationships with key constituent groups, soliciting funds that support the school’s mission and with assuring the maintenance of the school’s marketing and PR efforts.

Responsibilities

  • Works closely with the President and Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees to develop and execute the school's comprehensive fundraising plan
  • Measures and meets established fundraising goals, understanding the critical role that donor participation plays in ensuring the success of the school's mission
  • Develops an overarching strategy that includes appropriate donor cultivation, personal contact, effective solicitation, and ongoing relationships
  • Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising events
  • Working with the President and Marketing Committee of the Board of Trustees develops and executes a marketing and PR plan that build the awareness of the school to prospective donors, students and the community including oversight of the school’s website and social media presence
  • In coordination with the President, initiates and maintains contact with major donors, building meaningful relationships
  • Oversees the use of the school’s donor database to assure the integrity of the information and the accurate receipt, allocation, recording, and acknowledging of all gifts

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or another applicable field
  • Experience in development, marketing, or related field, preferably one to three years fundraising experience
  • Demonstrated accomplishments in growing revenue, specifically relating to fundraising;
  • Fluency with donor tracking software and social media platforms; use of WordPress for web development preferred
  • Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written, and superior interpersonal skills, with a natural way of connecting with various constituents and audiences
  • Experience in donor prospecting, in cultivating and developing relationships with key donors, and in achieving success with major gifts
  • Understanding of how to build and expand the donor base through a variety of appropriate and effective strategies that are carefully shaped and uniquely targeted to various constituencies
  • Skilled problem-solver and critical, strategic thinker who will meet challenges with creative and effective solutions
  • A mature understanding of the critical role that Advancement plays in fulfilling the school’s mission, and a relentless commitment to achieving Advancement goals
  • Resourceful, committed, self-directed, and goal-oriented with an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, and keen attention to detail
  • Focused and disciplined administrator able to formulate an effective timeline, to establish and prioritize next steps, and to execute an effective strategy for success
  • An authentic commitment to Nativity Preparatory Academy and its mission.

Benefits

Nativity offers a full, competitive employee benefits program including:

  • Medical coverage with an employer contribution
  • Dental coverage
  • IRA plan with employer match
  • Paid time-off and holidays

Next Steps

For more information or to indicate your interest, please contact Paula Dolan, Director – Special Projects: [email protected]

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status or other characteristics.

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