Job Posting

The Blake School | Hopkins, MN
Salary Range: Salary based on experience

Position Description
Title: Director of Annual Giving Date Revised: February 2021
Department: Institutional Advancement FLSA Classification: Exempt
Supervisor Title: Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) Schedule: Full-time
Supervisee: Advancement Associate Benefit Class: E-2
Position Category: Essential Personnel Position Group: Administrator

Recognized as one of the nation’s premier independent schools, The Blake School provides an excellent education in a diverse and supportive environment for over 1,300 PK-12 students on three unique campuses in the
Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Blake engages students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens.

Blake believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result, Blake actively seeks employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission.

The ideal candidate will be inspired by Blake’s mission and set of core values and be proud to join an institution which has, for 100+ years, produced thoughtful, well-prepared graduates who contribute leadership and service across professions and communities nationally and internationally.

Position Overview:
The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for increasing annual giving outcomes by inspiring donors to support Blake’s mission. The director uses data, industry best practices and knowledge of the Blake community to creatively educate and motivate alumni, parents and guardians, grandparents, staff and community donors towards annual giving. This position works collaboratively with other department directors, all members of IA and is manager to the advancement associate.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Solicitation

• Promote donor-centered practices and lead the annual giving strategy, work plan and tactics for messaging, timing, segmentation, upgrades, acquisition, renewal and other key elements in collaboration with CAO and IA staff.
• Utilize a comprehensive variety of creative channels and technologies, including mail, video, email, phone and social media.
• Lead the collaborative execution, tracking and evaluation of the Ivy Circle leadership society (annual giving donors $2,500+).
• Collaborate with key departments (outside of IA) on development, execution and evaluation of an introduction to philanthropy program for new constituents, including parents and guardians, grandparents, young alumni, Upper School students and staff.
• Collaborate with director of alumni engagement to execute reunion giving program.
• Manage an individual portfolio of Ivy Circle donors and prospects.

Volunteer & Staff Management

• Supervise advancement associate.
• With CAO, select annual giving priorities and goals and help to support work of the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee.
• Train, manage and support annual giving volunteers in peer-to-peer solicitation.

Analysis, Reporting & Stewardship

• Monitor progress toward annual giving goals through key performance indicators (e.g. participation, retention, average gift) and establish benchmarks, evaluate progress, adjust strategy and consistently communicate with leadership and key groups.
• Work with advancement services director, donor relations manager and special events manager to develop and incorporate meaningful stewardship tactics.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and best practices as well as participate in peer groups (online and in person) to identify opportunities, strategies, efficiencies and more to facilitate increased philanthropic support for Blake.

Minimum Qualifications:
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of three years fundraising experience
• Must be self-starter, highly organized and utilize a collaborative and collegial workstyle
• Ability to serve as a professional representative for The Blake School at the highest level
• Demonstrated experience initiating cold contacts with prospective donors and guiding contacts through cultivation, solicitation and documentation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to generate creative communications and events that motivate people to action, using marketing, social media, giving challenges, incentives, etc.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven ability to manage concurrent projects, set priorities and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to use, analyze and present data
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office tools, particularly Excel and Word
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgment while taking initiative
• Ability to travel and provide staff support for evening and weekend events
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record are required

Preferred:

• Annual giving experience in an educational setting
• Knowledge of independent schools
• Demonstrated passion for philanthropy
• Staff management experience
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or Veracross database systems
• Value for inter-cultural competency and preference to work inclusively

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Applicants should include a cover letter addressing their interest and qualifications along with a resume.