Assistant Director of Development

The Northwest School is a college-preparatory, co-educational independent school near the heart of downtown Seattle. We offer a rich and challenging program to 482 students in grades 6 through 12, including 86 international students.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Development who will support the mission and philosophy of The Northwest School by managing the Annual Fund, volunteer program, fundraising, and community events. This position works closely with the Director of Development to develop and execute strategies for all Development-related school activities. The successful candidate will have the poise and professionalism to work with a broad range of faculty, students, alumni, parents, grandparents, and community members, and be able to execute all essential duties at a high level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Manage the Annual Fund

Revitalize current Annual Fund efforts, developing strategy and exploring creative ways to increase support and
reach annual goal.
Manage the Annual Fund process, including volunteers and prospect research.
Manage all solicitation efforts, including writing solicitation letters, printing of collateral materials, and organizing the Phonathon.
Manage all stewardship efforts, including writing acknowledgment letters, tracking follow-up, and organizing the annual Leadership Giving Recognition Dinner.
Develop cultivation initiatives and oversee translation of Annual Fund materials for parents of international students to reach this important constituency.
Attend monthly Board Development Committee meetings, present fundraising updates, and work with committee members to develop strategies to reach goals.
Manage all school fundraising and community events

Plan, organize, and manage fundraising events, including our current spring fundraising event Pizazz! Schedule and run all Pizazz! Committee meetings.
Plan, organize, and manage community events, including our current fall community event, "Holiday in the 'Hood," and spring event, "Grandparents & Special Friends Day."
Provide logistical lead for school events as needed.
Support Alumni Relations Manager with alumni events as needed.
Serve as the school's Volunteer Coordinator

Recruit and train volunteers for all school events including, but not limited to: Admissions Open Houses, "Holiday in the 'Hood," Graduation, etc.
Communicate volunteer opportunities to the school community.
Coordinate volunteer recognition program, including annual Volunteer Recognition Event.




Provide support for Parent Association


For Parent Forum evenings, order and set up refreshments, ensure that technology needs, and speaker's needs are met.
Assist with finding volunteers for Bistro Night.
Attend Parent Rep Meetings.
Provide support for the Director of Development

Work in collaboration all of the school's Development programs.
Provide updated information about Annual Fund and events for the Director to present at monthly Board of Trustees meetings.
Support Director in planning annual trip to Asia, including organizing Parent Association meetings.
Competencies:

Oral Communication. Speaks clearly in positive and challenging situations; listens carefully and seeks clarification; responds effectively to questions; participates in meetings.
Written Communication. Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; is able to read and interpret written information.
Initiative. Volunteers readily; self-starter; critical thinker; capable of working with limited direction; asks for and offers help when needed.
Customer Service. Manages difficult situations with poise and professionalism; responds to requests for service and assistance in a timely manner; meets commitments and deadlines.
Teamwork. Shares appropriate information readily; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts to succeed; recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
Leadership. Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires respect and trust; displays passion and optimism.
Diversity. Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
Ethics. Works with integrity to uphold the school's values.
Adaptability. Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree
Five or more years of successful Development office experience
Familiarity with independent schools preferred
Excellent written, verbal and phone communication skills
Demonstrated strategic thinking and planning skills
Volunteer management and strategic goal-setting experience
Computer literacy in MS Office Suite, database (Senior Systems experience preferred), social media and online communications
Ability to relate to a wide range of people in a positive, mature, and professional manner
Discretion and maturity in handling confidential information



MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY
Application process:

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references and include job title in the subject line to:

Mail: Tracey Lyman, Human Resources Manager

The Northwest School

1415 Summit Avenue

Seattle, WA 98122

(no phone calls please)

Email: hr@northwestschool.org (preferred)

or
Fax: (206) 328-1776

Our compensation and benefits are competitive with other Seattle area independent schools.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.