Associate Director of Development - Donor Relations

Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS); St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

MICDS is seeking an Associate Director of Development - Donor Relations to coordinate a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program. The role partners with the Development and Alumni Relations teams to cultivate donors at all levels and promote engagement among alumni and volunteers.

The role requires 3–5 years of fundraising success, strong communication, and project management, with occasional evenings/weekends. On-campus, in-person position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• 3–5 years of experience as an active, successful fundraiser.
• Affinity for the educational mission of MICDS.
• Well-organized and self-directed.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively while maintaining quality.
• Team player with collaboration skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and high social/emotional IQ.
• Creative thinker who connects donors’ interests with School priorities.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain a comprehensive donor recognition and stewardship program.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving, and Director of Alumni Relations on stewardship strategies.
• Oversee the MICDS International Board of Visitors Program and engage alumni abroad.
• Oversee research, writing, and production of annual endowment reports.
• Plan and participate in out-of-town School events and activities.
• Plan and execute major gift strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit donors.
• Develop understanding of School programs to communicate impact of gifts.
• Support alumni reunion giving program with Alumni Relations.
• Develop and monitor budgets for the stewardship program.
• Other projects may be added by School discretion.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Teamwork

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

MICDS has a rich and distinctive history spanning more than 150 years. A leader in independent education, MICDS is a college-prep, coeducational school for grades JK-12. Our mission is to help students discover their unique talents, preparing them for higher education and a life of purpose and service as engaged citizens in our ever-changing world.

Employee Benefits

MICDS offers employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan, including a generous 403(b) retirement plan where the School contributes 8% of salary with an employee’s 3% contribution; medical, dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts and long term care insurance; life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurances; tuition benefit; paid leaves; access to a fitness center; and free lunch.

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Development - Donor Relations partners with the Director of Development to coordinate a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that promotes interaction with and recognition of donors at all levels and that contributes to cultivation of future gifts; and partners with the Director of Alumni Relations to promote maximum alumni and volunteer engagement to the School.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage and maintain a comprehensive and systematic program of donor recognition and stewardship.
• Partner with the Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving, and Director of Alumni Relations to execute individualized stewardship strategies that strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued giving.
• Oversee the MICDS International Board of Visitors Program, planning its annual meeting, recruiting new members, and communicating with this board to keep out-of-town alumni engaged.
• Oversee the research, writing, and production of the annual endowment reports.
• Plan and participate in out-of-town School events and activities on an ongoing basis in partnership with the Director of Development and Director of Alumni Relations.
• Plan and execute major gift strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit donors for outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts in support of MICDS funding priorities.
• Develop a strong understanding of the School’s academic and extracurricular programs in order to effectively communicate to donors the impact of their gifts.
• Work with Director of Alumni Relations to support alumni reunion giving program.
• Develop and monitor all relevant budgets associated with the stewardship program.
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the School’s discretion.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University/College
• 3–5 years of experience as an active, successful fundraiser
• An affinity for the educational mission of MICDS
• Well-organized and self-directed
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively while maintaining a high standard of quality
• Team player, willingness to help others and work collaboratively
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, high social and emotional IQ
• Creative thinker with the ability to identify meaningful ways to connect donors’ interests with the School’s priorities
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends at key times of the year

OTHER INFORMATION

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history and background check.
• This is an on-campus, in-person position. The employee is expected to work from the School’s office; remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available.
• Generally, works in standard office conditions and climate.
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during special activities and fundraising events.
• Light physical activity. Work may involve occasional assistance of others in the manipulation of heavy objects and some standing or walking for extended periods of time.