Job Description
Job Description
The International School of Texas invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Director of Advancement to begin as soon as possible.
Reporting to the Head of School as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Director of Advancement will have responsibility for creating and implementing goals, strategies, and programs to attract financial support for the school Annual Fund, capital improvements, and other fundraising initiatives. He or she will provide leadership and guidance in cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and the strengthening of alumni and parent relations as part of the school’s fundraising efforts.
Job Description & Requirements
• Developing and strengthening the school’s current base of philanthropic support, particularly regarding the Annual Fund.
• Partnering with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in the identification of prospective donors and providing necessary support in cultivation and solicitation.
• Managing the day-to-day activities of the Advancement Office and ensuring that administrative systems and processes such as database management, stewardship, and prospect research function smoothly and efficiently.
• Working closely with the Advancement Committee to determine ways to increase the commitment and involvement of volunteers in fundraising efforts and programs.
• Maintaining close stewarding relationships with major donors.
• Keeping the Head of School and the Board’s Advancement Committee informed with accurate and timely information regarding fundraising activities and progress against established goals.
Candidate Qualities
Leadership
A service-oriented executive who is an active and visible presence in the life of school.
A proactive self-starter who has the ability to organize and implement.
An excellent communicator both on paper and in person.
A team-oriented colleague who promotes transparency, welcomes new ideas, embraces prudent change, and brings a positive and disciplined approach to all projects.
Experience
At least five years in a position of fundraising responsibility with an independent school or other nonprofit organization.
Significant personal involvement with Annual Fund programs, ideally in an independent school.
A successful track record of raising major gifts through direct solicitation.
Experience with Veracross is highly advantageous.
Skills and Knowledge
Broad and deep knowledge of fundraising principles, incorporating major gift solicitation, annual and capital campaigns.
The ability to cultivate and close major gifts directly as well as to support and lay the groundwork for solicitations by the Head of School and Trustees.
Skill in using technology and other resources to gather and analyze meaningful data, especially with regard to identifying donors and ensuring timely stewardship.
An understanding of the educational world and, preferably, of independent school dynamics and the needs and motivations of different constituencies.
Personal Attributes
A warm and engaging individual who develops rapport quickly and builds relationships with ease.
A person of unquestioned honesty and integrity who honors commitments and deals with others in an open and straightforward fashion.
A flexible and composed person who responds gracefully to changing priorities and unexpected challenges.
A responsive and diligent professional with a sense of urgency who appropriately balances timeliness and high-quality results.
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Applications should be addressed to Dr. David Watson, Head of School, and should consist of a letter of application, professional resume and the names and contact details of three professional referees.