Job Summary 

The director of advancement works closely with the head of school, the board of directors, colleagues, and the Clariden Parent Organization to provide leadership for the development program as it builds a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the school and global community. The goal of the director of advancement is to design programs of giving that attract the maximum gift support possible to the institution. Please note, this is a part-time position with approximately 20-25 hours per week expected. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The director of advancement will: 

• Establish and execute forward-thinking development/ advancement and strategic programs that optimally grow the annual, major, and capital campaigns; legacy gifts; and planned giving. 

• Oversee all aspects of the advancement program, including fundraising, leading the annual giving program, guiding the capital campaign, soliciting corporate and foundation proposals; creating a strong alumni association, and special development events. 

• Identify, research, and spearhead the implementation of a diverse and multifaceted fundraising program to support the school’s strategic vision, cultivating a culture of giving and gratitude across all constituencies and socio-economic strata. 

• Collaborate with the admissions office on PR initiatives and the marketing and communications office to create/produce fund raising-related communication materials to expand and enhance the school’s visibility and reputation. 

• Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities and help draft grant applications. 

• Strengthen relationships with the school’s alumni and further develop alumni programming. 

• Personally solicit major donors. 

• Enhance existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the community. 

• Maintain a database of all contributors and provide development reports as required. 

• Manage the development budget. 

• Coordinate the school’s volunteerism efforts in partnership with the Clariden Parent Organization. 

• Nurture and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the head of school, the board chair, and individual board members, supporting them in all their fundraising responsibilities, and accompanying them on donor visits when appropriate. 

Other Duties 

This is a part-time position and flexibility with work hours may be possible, especially if travel, evening or weekend duties, public appearances, will occur.  

Qualification Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred 

• 5+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector and in fundraising 

• Independent school experience preferred 

• Proven success in directly soliciting and closing charitable gifts 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all the school’s constituents while maintaining strict confidentiality 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Strategic thinker with a “can-do” style 

• Passionate about working with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds 

• Outstanding knowledge of fundraising data software and database management software 

• Experience working with and motivating volunteers and staff members 

• Familiarity with the local community 

About The Clariden School

The Clariden School is a not-for-profit, private, fully-accredited, college-preparatory school serving students PreK – Grade 12 in North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area). Clariden works to ignite student curiosity and problem-solving skills by first providing a program that addresses the whole student. With a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), character-based kindness, and hands-on field study, our goal is to equip students for the jobs of tomorrow and to be contributing citizens in their local & global communities.

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