Director of Advancement

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Co-create and implement key annual advancement plans, including:
  • Development Plan – focusing on large gifts, grants, and annual giving and corporate/partner sponsorships, in collaboration with the Director of Development and Development & Events Manager
  • Recruitment & Enrollment Plan – focused on pipeline growth and conversion, in partnership with the Director of Admissions and Enrollment
  • Marketing & Communications Plan – emphasizing Schechter’s value proposition and brand identity, in partnership with the Marketing and Communications Manager
• Design and manage systems for collaboration, documentation, and accountability across all advancement domains.
• Oversee CRM systems for donor relations and prospective family engagement, ensuring data integrity and meaningful tracking.
• Establish clear SMART goals and project management timelines for all advancement initiatives and events.
• Define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across fundraising, admissions, enrollment, communications, and engagement to measure progress and inform strategic decisions.
• Prepare and present regular reports on advancement metrics for the Head of School, Board, and relevant committees.
• Collaborate with the Head of School, Director of Development, and Board Development Committee on goal-setting, reporting, and progress metrics.
• Work in partnership with the Associate Head of School and senior leaders to translate shared vision into coordinated action, ensuring clarity, alignment, and collaboration across departments.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as a strategic partner and liaison between the Parent Organization (PO), the Development and Events Manager, and the Educational Leadership Team to maximize cross-departmental impact.
• Build and maintain authentic relationships with key stakeholders—major donors, alumni, ambassadors, and community partners in collaboration with members of the Advancement Team and Head of School.
• Co-create and oversee a family engagement calendar that strengthens community connection and showcases Schechter’s mission in action.
• Develop and execute strategies to amplify alumni voices and foster ongoing engagement through storytelling, events, and communications.
• Represent Schechter at community events, meetings, and gatherings as a visible ambassador of the school’s mission and values.

Team Leadership & Management

      Supervise the following positions:

• Director of Admissions and Enrollment
• Director of Development
• Development & Events Manager
• Marketing and Communications Manager
  
  Key leadership expectations:
• Establish clear goals, feedback loops, and growth plans for each team member.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and excellence.
• Encourage professional development and reflective practice across the team.
• Partner with the Head of School to align advancement goals with the school’s strategic plan.
• Cultivate a data-informed culture, ensuring that goals, strategies, and KPIs are transparent, regularly reviewed, and used to celebrate progress and refine strategy.
• Proven ability to lead with empathy and accountability, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared purpose across teams.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in advancement, development, communications, or related fields (school or nonprofit experience preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated success leading and motivating a team toward measurable goals
• Proven ability to set and execute strategic plans across multiple disciplines
• Experience hiring, mentoring, and retaining talented staff
• Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills
• Skilled project manager with excellent organizational, prioritization, and delegation abilities
• Technologically adept; experience with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Veracross)
• Deep commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive community
• Passionate about Jewish education and the mission of Solomon Schechter

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $120,000–$150,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Retirement plan
  • Generous professional development opportunities
• Supportive leadership, collaborative culture, and caring community

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to traci.kranz@schechter.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.