Associate Director of Development

Forsyth School•Saint Louis, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Forsyth School is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organized, and detail-oriented Associate Director of Development to lead advancement events and strengthen engagement among alumni, grandparents, families, and volunteers. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this position is responsible for planning and executing high-impact fundraising, cultivation, community events, and stewardship events; developing meaningful alumni and grandparent engagement programs; and cultivating and coordinating volunteer leadership. As a key member of the Advancement team, the Associate Director of Development collaborates across departments and with community volunteers to create engaging experiences that deepen relationships with Forsyth School. The position also supports donor stewardship, event marketing and communications, data management, and broader fundraising initiatives that advance the school’s mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
3–5+ years of experience in development, fundraising, or event management within an independent school, university, or nonprofit setting.
Solid understanding of nonprofit fundraising operations, stewardship practices, donor engagement strategies, and 1+ years of experience producing newsletters, social media, or other communication content is preferred.
Proven track record of planning and executing large-scale events and auctions, including managing event budgets, sponsorship tracking, and promotional outreach.
Demonstrated experience recruiting, organizing, and inspiring volunteer committees and community groups.
Hands-on experience with donor databases (e.g., Bloomerang, Raiser’s Edge), event platforms (e.g., OneCause, Bloomerang Fundraising), and standard office suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).
Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), design applications (e.g., Canva), and social media content creation.
Exceptional oral, written, proofreading, and interpersonal communication skills with high attention to detail.
Proven ability to manage confidential donor and family information with absolute discretion, tact, and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

1+ years of experience producing newsletters, social media, or other communication content is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive annual calendar of advancement, cultivation, stewardship, and community events, including the Biennial Auction, grandparent events, donor recognition, and alumni gatherings.
Plan, develop, and execute all school fundraising events, including the Forsyth Golf Classic, Biennial Auction, Sign-Up Parties, and Trivia Night.
Plan and oversee sponsorship levels and recognition opportunities.
Partner with Division Directors, Admissions, and Facilities to coordinate and execute engaging events that support development goals and broader school programs.
Oversee end-to-end event logistics including a run of show for each event, venues, catering, parking, A/V, signage, invitations, program materials, and facilities coordination.
Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and the Director of Marketing & Communications to drive marketing, branding, content creation, and outreach strategies for all advancement events and recognition opportunities.
When applicable, lead and partner with the Forsyth Family Organization (FFO) and volunteer committees to conceptualize, staff, and execute successful community events.
Track attendance, donations, ticket sales, and RSVPs in Bloomerang Fundraising to ensure accurate record-keeping and prompt donor recognition.
Build, energize, and manage structured programs to cultivate and steward alumni and grandparent stakeholder groups.
Design and execute targeted multichannel communications, including newsletters, direct mail appeals, stewardship emails, impact stories, and social media engagement to support engagement, cultivation, and fundraising.
Manage a suite of events specifically designed for alumni and grandparents.
Partner with the Forsyth Family Organization (FFO) Leadership Chairs and volunteer committees to plan annual initiatives that support school engagement, including but not limited to the Spirit Shop, Room Parents, and Faculty and Staff Appreciation.
Identify, recruit, and cultivate emerging volunteer leaders within the parent community and FFO committees.
Partnering with the Director of Advancement, plan and execute multichannel promotional campaigns (email, flyers, posters) that drive community volunteerism.
Guide and oversee FFO operations by partnering with Chairs, establishing clear volunteer job descriptions, and managing committee meeting schedules to ensure comprehensive volunteer support.
With the Director of Advancement and Director of Marketing & Communications, help to build and execute marketing, branding, and outreach strategies across all advancement events.
Design, draft, and oversee event collateral—including invitations, printed programs, signage, and handouts—while managing outreach across newsletters, direct mail appeals, stewardship emails, impact stories, and social media content.
Drive alumni, grandparent, and donor engagement by utilizing tools like the Bloomerang Communication module for email campaigns and takes responsibility for drafting, designing, and sending emails.
Create content for Facebook, including impact stories.
Produce executive briefs, scripts, run-of-show schedules, and attendee profiles to prepare school leaders and trustees for engagement events.
Work closely with the Database Manager to accurately record and document all donor contacts, prospective donor interactions, and special event attendees, auction items and utilization of mobile bidding software using database best practices.