2026-2027 | Senior Advisor for External Relations

Boston Prep•Hyde Park, MA

19h

About The Position

The Senior Advisor for External Relations is a strategic leader responsible for designing, executing, and growing Boston Prep’s fundraising and external engagement strategy. This role owns the school’s annual fundraising outcomes, manages key external relationships, and ensures that Boston Prep’s story is communicated with clarity, consistency, and impact. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Senior Advisor serves as the primary driver of philanthropic revenue, donor engagement, and external positioning, while managing and developing the Development & Communications Manager.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required.
10+ years of experience in development, fundraising, external relations, or nonprofit leadership.
Demonstrated success in leading fundraising strategy and meeting revenue goals
Strong track record managing major donors, grants, and/or campaigns
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to craft compelling, mission-driven narratives
Experience managing staff and building high-functioning teams and systems
Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Deep alignment with Boston Prep’s mission and commitment to educational equity

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in education or charter school environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute Boston Prep’s annual fundraising strategy, including setting revenue goals and driving progress toward those goals
Design and implement a multi-year development strategy to sustainably grow philanthropic support
Diversify revenue streams across individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and grants
Monitor and report on fundraising performance, ensuring strong pipeline development and goal attainment
Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Trustees, Development Committee, and Foundation stakeholders
Partner with the Executive Director to strategically engage board members in fundraising and external relations efforts
Build systems for donor stewardship, recognition, and long-term engagement
Oversee strategy and execution of major fundraising events, including The Toast, ensuring strong financial and engagement outcomes
Lead planning for campaigns, donor initiatives, and special projects tied to fundraising priorities
Set vision and strategy for Boston Prep’s external communications and storytelling, ensuring alignment with mission and strategic priorities in partnership with the Executive Director
Oversee development of key external-facing materials, including: Annual report, Donor communications, Press releases and external messaging
Ensure consistent and compelling brand identity across all platforms
Identify and elevate opportunities to increase Boston Prep’s visibility, reputation, and influence
Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director on external relations, fundraising strategy, and organizational positioning
Directly manage and develop the Development & Communications Manager, providing coaching, feedback, and clear priorities
Build team capacity to ensure strong execution across grants, communications, and donor engagement
Establish systems, workflows, and accountability structures to ensure high-quality, timely output
Contribute to broader organizational strategic planning, particularly as it relates to financial sustainability and growth
Collaborate with internal teams to surface student impact stories, data, and outcomes that strengthen fundraising and communications
Additional responsibilities, including but not limited to, may involve tasks such as supervising lunch periods or arrival/dismissals, and covering classes in the absence of other staff members.
Demonstrates flexibility and a commitment to the school's mission by undertaking additional responsibilities and contributing to school-wide initiatives as needed, even when not explicitly outlined in the job description, to support the overall success of the school community.
Engage in continuous learning and seek regular feedback.
Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance skills.
Adhere to all school policies, procedures, and state regulations, including maintaining accurate records and preparing required reports.