Director of Annual and Leadership Giving

The Benjamin School, an independent co?educational preparatory school serving students from Pre?K3 through 12th grade, is seeking a Director of Annual and Leadership Giving for its North Palm Beach campus. This role requires a relationship?driven, innovative, and goal?oriented fundraising professional with exceptional attention to detail.

The Director will oversee the daily operations of the Annual Fund and Major Gifts programs, supporting both the School’s capital campaign and its expanding culture of philanthropy. Success in this position includes effectively managing and building consensus among parent volunteer committees. A strong record of cultivating donor relationships and securing major gifts, beginning at the five?figure level and higher, is essential, along with the ability to advance fresh, strategic ideas to advance the Development Department’s work.

Essential Functions 

Annual Fund

• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to set annual giving goals and priorities consistent with the School’s operating needs

• Develop and implement a detailed operational action plan and calendar for the Annual Fund 

• Lead and create strategy, messaging, and timing for appeals via regular mail, email, and social media in conjunction with the Chief Development Officer and Director of Communications

• Meet regularly with Annual Fund chairs  
• Approves and oversees monthly Annual Fund progress reports (prepared by Development and Special Events Coordinator) sent to grade chairs, Development Committee Chairs, and Chief Development Officer
• Determine and cultivate Annual Fund volunteers in consultation with Annual Fund chairs
• Strategize and track the progress of the alumni Annual Fund campaign with the Alumni Relations Manager
• Closely coordinates the timing of all annual fund donor outreach with the Director of Special Events (for BASH)

Major Gifts

• Manage portfolio of 100 major gifts prospects in the $50,000 to $250,000 range, including current parents, alumni, grandparents, and parents of alumni

• Grow current donor portfolio through moves management:
• Focus on building the pool of capital campaign  prospects to secure support for campus-wide priorities, including new facilities/renovations and endowments for academic programs, endowed chairs, and financial assistance 
• Craft proposals, talking points, contact reports, and cultivation/stewardship correspondence as needed
• Work with the database administrator to maintain a log of campaign pledges and gifts received
• Assist the Chief Development Officer in recruiting, training, and guiding capital campaign steering committee members to conduct well-developed solicitation strategies
• Participate in development activities, including annual BASH Gala, Leadership receptions and dinners, and alumni events; attend school events like admission open houses, Grandest Friends Day, football games, etc

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize and work independently, and address several challenges simultaneously
• Possession of a pleasant and collaborative style in the workplace and with volunteers, including board members
• Knowledge of financial planning, tax and charitable gift laws, and planned giving vehicles and methods
• Well-versed in technology, various software suites, and office equipment related to the position
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Effective managerial techniques and approaches; positive leadership style