Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Associate Director of Development, Stewardship and Donor Relations, The Pingry School

The Organization

About Pingry

Founded in 1861, The Pingry School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Situated on two spacious campuses in Basking Ridge and Short Hills, New Jersey, the school draws students of varied talents and diverse backgrounds from nearly 100 communities in New Jersey and New York. Together, our two campuses in Short Hills (K-5) and Basking Ridge (6-12) serve more than 1,100 students. Pingry students participate in an engaging and challenging academic program, complemented by extensive co- and extracurricular opportunities, thriving in a community that is committed to intellectual engagement, diversity and inclusion, honor and character, and stewardship and sustainability. Pingry’s Office of Development strengthens relationships with the Pingry community to inspire philanthropic support and life-long engagement.

Position Summary

The Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations is responsible for the strategic vision, direction, and implementation of the stewardship and donor relations program. This position will collaborate with a broad range of colleagues to advance programs and projects that strengthen donor confidence, enhance the donor experience, and increase donor satisfaction and retention. This position will report directly to the Director of Development and will work closely with the Individual philanthropy and annual giving teams to develop strategy and execute stewardship and/or recognition plans for those constituents.

Responsibilities

  • Utilize a data-driven approach to identify, analyze and act on philanthropy trends and performance in regard to stewardship and donor relations, as well as drawing upon market-based research to anticipate, plan, and implement strategic improvements to the stewardship and donor relations program.
  • Lead the planning of and support the Associate Director of Special events in the execution of all donor-funded programs to further affinity among all constituents, including but not limited to lecture series, dedications, groundbreakings, and planned giving, loyalty, and leadership society events.
  • Manage, and support committees for endowed lectures series and awards.
  • Manage all components of endowed and named funds, prizes, and awards reporting, including partnering with the Controller’s Office to ensure accurate financial data.
  • Lead donor recognition projects, including plaquing, scrolls, awards, and digital recognition.
  • Provide writing and communication support, including drafting acknowledgments, impact reports, donor profiles, and other donor relations communications materials.
  • Create and manage content on digital and print platforms for all endowed and named funds, prizes, awards, and planned giving, loyalty, and leadership society.
  • Manage design, content, and production of annual report on giving.
  • Work directly with frontline fundraisers to implement proactive, strategic stewardship plans for principal and major gift donors and prospects and provide research about these constituents as needed.
  • Oversees donor recognition related to philanthropic naming of physical spaces and non-physical spaces in conjunction with the School’s Naming, ensures philanthropic naming meets all required approvals, including approvals by School administrators of the terms set forth in gift agreements, and maintains up-to-date knowledge and database of available naming opportunities related to physical and non-physical spaces.
  • Generate high-quality proposals, narratives, applications and supporting documents for government, corporate, foundation, and private funded grants; maintain grant calendar and track grants and financials; and serve as a liaison to funding agencies and organizations and plan and manage site visits for these funders.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
  • Commitment to embracing the mission of The Pingry School.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in a fast-paced fundraising organization with demonstrated success in donor relations and event planning, an in-depth knowledge of principles of donor-centered programs, and the ability to identify, measure, report, and act on best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability with computer software programs including but not limited to Google Docs, Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Fluency with financial documents, database creation and management, financial record- keeping.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, well-refined organizational skills, initiative, and creative energy.
  • Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and Veracross preferred, including ability to build reports; create and run queries and dashboards; develop analytics on various strategies; research trends; and improve ways of operation.
  • A valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
  • In addition to honor and character, commitment to intellectual engagement, and appreciation for stewardship and sustainability, especially important is the candidate’s ease with diverse constituencies and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive school community.

How To Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/about/employment.

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