Children’s Academy is a private, not-for-profit, special education school located in Manhattan.
Children’s Academy educates children with speech and language challenges and learning differences in an expansive social environment, through a collaborative evidence-based model recognizing the individuality of each child. We strive to develop a love of learning, friendships, expression, understanding and self-advocacy.
Children’s Academy is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations. This is an ideal opportunity for a dynamic and experienced individual to join a vibrant team and support the growth of a unique school.
Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Finance and Operations is a central member of the leadership team with responsibility for key financial and operational functions that support Children’s Academy’s mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Advancement at Children’s Academy leads and manages the schools fundraising, marketing, and communication efforts. This position reports directly to the Head of School and is responsible for strategically promoting the school’s brand, cultivating relationships with key constituent groups, and soliciting gifts that support the school’s mission. Additionally, the Director oversees all external communications ensuring that the school maintains a clear and consistent voice to its stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works closely with the Head of School, Senior Administrative Team, and other key members of the school community in executing the school's comprehensive strategic fundraising plan
- Meets established fundraising goals, understanding the critical role that donor participation plays in ensuring the success of the school's mission
- Develops an overarching strategy that includes appropriate donor cultivation, personal contact, effective solicitation, and ongoing relationship building
- Oversees the Alumni, Marketing, and Communications operations
- Directs major fundraising initiatives, major gifts, planned giving, and grants
- Initiates and maintains contact with major donors, building meaningful relationships
- Conducts independent research, to identify prospective donors from a variety of constituencies
- Supervises the database manager to ensures the proper receiving, allocating, recording, and acknowledging of all gifts
- Draft, with support, the annual budget for the Advancement office
- Serves on the Senior Administrative Team
QUALIFICATIONS
- An authentic desire to elevate Children’s Academy and advance its mission
- Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or other applicable field; master’s degree preferred
- Experience in development, marketing, or related field, preferably two to five years fundraising experience
- Demonstrated accomplishments in growing revenue, specifically relating to fundraising
- Fluency with donor tracking software and social media platforms
- Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written, and superior interpersonal skills, with a natural way of connecting with various constituents and audiences
- Experience in donor prospecting, in cultivating and developing relationships with key donors, and in achieving success with major gifts
- Understanding of how to build and expand the donor base through a variety of appropriate and effective strategies that are carefully shaped and uniquely targeted to various constituencies
- Ability to manage/oversee special events with an eye towards helping donors to connect at a deeper level with the school and especially the students
- Ability to provide meaningful, productive engagement opportunities for volunteers assisting with the advancement initiatives
- Skilled problem-solver and critical, strategic thinker who will meet challenges with creative and effective solutions
- A mature understanding of the critical role that Advancement plays in fulfilling the school’s mission, and a relentless commitment to achieving Advancement goals
- Resourceful, committed, self-directed, and goal-oriented with an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, and keen attention to detail
- Political savvy to appreciate and navigate a complex, challenging environment, using discretion, diplomacy, enthusiasm, and hospitality to build bridges and create connections among all partners who would support Children’s Academy
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Education:
Experience:
- Fundraising/Advancement/Development: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New York, NY 10022: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person