Assistant Director of The Pennington Fund

The Pennington School • Pennington, NJ

33d • $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pennington School is a coeducational, independent school committed to developing individual excellence in all of its students. Through rigorous academics, vibrant arts and athletics programs, and a strong sense of community, Pennington prepares students to lead lives of purpose, responsibility, and integrity. Reporting to the Director of the Pennington Fund, the Assistant Director of the Pennington Fund plays a key role in advancing the School's annual giving efforts. This position supports the planning and execution of the Pennington Fund, with particular emphasis on managing the five-year reunion fundraising program to increase both participation and dollars raised. As a member of the Advancement team, the Assistant Director proactively solicits gifts from assigned prospects and volunteers, manages a portfolio of donors, and works closely with alumni volunteers, student ambassadors, and colleagues across the Office of Advancement. The Assistant Director also supports mail, telephone, and digital appeals and helps strengthen donor stewardship and engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of three years of fundraising experience, preferably in an independent school or higher education setting
• Experience with fundraising databases, particularly Raiser's Edge and GiveCampus
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated understanding of annual giving operations and donor engagement strategies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a wide range of constituents
• This role requires occasional evening and weekend work to support alumni, parent, and donor events.
• This position requires occasional travel and a valid driver's license.
• This position is an exempt role working on campus, Monday through Friday, with additional hours required as needed.
• The ability to walk up and down stairs is required.
• Not all buildings on campus have elevators.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive appeal plan for the five-year reunion fundraising program, including goals, strategy, timelines, segmentation, and volunteer involvement
• Recruit, train, and support reunion class committee members in collaboration with the Director of the Pennington Fund and the Alumni Relations team
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75–100 prospects, including leadership donors and volunteers, with a focus on participation, retention, and increased giving
• Assist with Pennington Fund mail, phone, and digital campaigns, including data selection, drafting communications, coordinating production, and tracking gifts and pledges
• Support telephone and digital outreach efforts, including scripting and training student and parent callers
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to ensure coordination between reunion, individual, and broader annual giving strategies
• Steward donors through recognition programs and personalized acknowledgments, including leadership, first-time, matching, and tribute gifts
• Assist in the preparation of annual donor recognition lists for the School's annual report and other publications
• Support the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events for annual fund donors
• Manage the student ambassador program in partnership with Alumni Relations, including recruitment, training, and ongoing supervision
• Contribute occasional written content for Pennington Magazine and various Advancement publications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• The Pennington School offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as life, short-term, and long-term disability programs, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level