Director of Advancement - Abiqua School

Another Source•Salem, OR

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Abiqua School is seeking a Director of Advancement to establish its fundraising strategy and build donor relationships. This inaugural role will partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to create a culture of philanthropy and support the school's growth. Abiqua School, founded in 1993, is a nonprofit, independent PK–8 school in Salem, Oregon, serving approximately 225 students. It is known for its progressive, relationship-centered educational experience emphasizing whole-child development, emotional intelligence, individualized learning, and community connection, guided by its H.E.A.R.T. values (Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). The school's programs focus on arts, music, language instruction, outdoor education, and social-emotional development. This is a career-defining opportunity for a fundraising professional to build an advancement program from the ground up, shape organizational strategy, and establish systems and donor engagement practices. The Director of Advancement will serve as the architect of Abiqua's advancement efforts, creating the framework for annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship, community engagement, and future fundraising initiatives. This role offers the chance to expand leadership experience, gain visibility with executive and board leadership, and build a department reflecting personal vision and expertise.

Requirements

Five (5) or more years of successful fundraising experience within a nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through both individual solicitation and broad-based fundraising programs.
Experience engaging, recruiting, managing, and stewarding volunteers in support of fundraising initiatives.
Strong relationship-building, communication, and writing skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a donor-centered approach.
Experience utilizing donor databases and fundraising technology to track activity and measure results.
Ability to travel locally and meet with donors, community partners, and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Planned giving experience.
Experience building, launching, or scaling fundraising programs.
Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups.
Passion for education and a commitment to Abiqua School's mission and values.

Responsibilities

Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows support from individuals, businesses, and foundations.
Build and scale Abiqua's advancement infrastructure, processes, and donor engagement programs.
Lead annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, donor stewardship, gala fundraising, and online giving initiatives.
Develop fundraising goals, monitor progress, and communicate results to leadership and board stakeholders.
Oversee donor communications, recognition programs, fundraising events, and donor engagement strategies.
Manage advancement budgets, revenue projections, and fundraising performance metrics.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 35 major donor prospects and supporters.
Build and strengthen relationships with families, alumni, community members, businesses, and foundations.
Partner with the Head of School, board members, and volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
Coach and support staff and volunteer leaders in donor engagement efforts.
Serve as a member of the school's leadership team and help shape organizational priorities.
Advise leadership on fundraising strategy and donor engagement opportunities.
Represent Abiqua School throughout the community and at external events.
Collaborate on communications and engagement initiatives that support advancement goals.
Help establish a long-term vision for philanthropy and advancement at the school.
Establish and grow Abiqua's planned giving efforts.
Develop outreach strategies, stewardship plans, and donor education resources.
Respond to inquiries and guide prospective planned giving donors through the process.
Partner with the Advancement Committee and Board of Trustees to advance fundraising and engagement goals.
Collaborate with the Abiqua Families Organization to strengthen community involvement.
Recruit, train, and support volunteers who contribute to advancement initiatives.