Assistant Head of School for Advancement

The Position: Assistant Head of School for Advancement

The Assistant Head of School for Advancement serves as the leader of the development, community relations, and communications aspects of the school.  He or she serves on the Senior Admin Team and works closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees’ Committee on Development to identify, cultivate, secure and steward philanthropy at Battle Ground Academy.

The position is supported by a team that includes nine full-time employees and additional ancillary staff in a variety of positions:

• Major Gifts Officer
• Director of Alumni and Annual Giving
• Donations Accountant
• Director of Community Relations
• Advancement & Alumni Services Coordinator
• Advancement & Alumni Engagement Officer
• Advancement Officer
• Director of Communications
• Communication Content Specialist

This team works closely together to coordinate all of the work of the school’s fundraising efforts.  The Assistant Head will have the opportunity to adjust and refine structures, systems, and teams in a manner to optimize performance of the Advancement Office within the context of the school’s mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

In addition to embracing BGA’s mission, supporting its Head of School and leadership, and representing the school at professional and public forums, the next Assistant Head of School for Advancement has several primary responsibilities:

• Leadership: Serves as a strategic partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees in identifying and spearheading the implementation of a robust and multifaceted fundraising program to support the school’s strategic vision, cultivating a culture of giving and gratitude across all constituencies and socio-economic strata.
• Strategic Fundraising: Establish and execute forward-thinking advancement and strategic programs that optimally grow the annual, major, and capital campaigns; legacy gifts; and planned giving in order to secure financial support for Battle Ground Academy’s programs, strategic priorities, and capital projects.
• Board Relations: Serve as a liaison to the Board of Trustees, providing updates on fundraising progress, strategies, and opportunities. Work closely with the Development Committee of the Board to coordinate fundraising activities and elicit their involvement in the school’s current and future campaigns and giving strategies.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, alumni, parents, and friends of BGA. Develop an accurate assessment and inventory of the capacity and willingness of BGA families to support the school. Acknowledge and appreciate donors, providing them with updates on the school’s progress, outcomes, and the impact of their contributions.
• Major Gift Solicitation: Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects. Develop tailored proposals and collaborate with the Head of School to secure leadership level support for the school. Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 leadership-level donors and prospects by forming authentic relationships and providing meaningful, ongoing stewardship.
• Alumni Engagement: Collaborate with the Alumni Relations team to foster a vibrant alumni community through events, communications, and outreach efforts.
• Campaign Management: Lead and manage capital campaigns for specific projects or initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams of the Head of School, Trustees, faculty, alumni and/or community members, to ensure successful outcomes.
• Database Management: Oversee the collection and organization of accurate donor records, track interactions, and utilize the school’s donor management system to support effective fundraising efforts.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor development staff, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment designed to achieve clear and measurable goals while ensuring regular feedback and accountability toward progress.
• Communications: Oversee the creation of regular, tailored communications (including direct messaging, social media, alumni magazine, etc.) in collaboration with internal constituents and enrollment personnel to produce messaging that expands and enhances the school’s visibility and reputation in all areas (school life, alumni news, major initiatives, etc.).
• Networking: Attend community and industry events to expand the school’s network and identify new fundraising opportunities. Be present and engaging at BGA events to promote enthusiasm among families

Candidate Requirements

• • Motivated, self-starter who enjoys developing relationships with donors, past and current, both on and off campus
  • Significant experience, including substantial responsibility in nonprofit fundraising, preferably within an independent school or university
  • Proven track record of fundraising success by personally securing or facilitating multiple major gifts
  • Demonstrated success in structuring and managing a capital campaign
  • Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including wills, charitable remainder trusts, and insurance bequests
  • Outstanding knowledge of fundraising data and database management software
  • Proven success in engaging and motivating trustee leadership and supporting all facets of the board’s financial goals for the school
  • Familiarity with the greater local community
  • Excellent communication skills, both in writing and in speaking
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities in a complex environment
  • Professional discretion, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence
  • Deep appreciation and understanding of the school’s mission and vision and the ability to inspire internal and external constituents
  • Excellent leadership skills, including previous work experience successfully managing a high-achieving team
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

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