Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer

Stuart Hall School, an independent Episcopal day and boarding school in Staunton, VA that serves students in grades 6-12, seeks its next Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer.

This is an opportunity for a development professional to assist with the advancement efforts during an important moment in the School’s history. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for supporting the School’s mission through philanthropy and engagement while being motivated by the opportunity to take on new challenges and further their career trajectory. 

About the School

Stuart Hall School is an Episcopal boarding and day school in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia that provides a college preparatory education for area day students in grades 6-12 and boarding students from around the world in grades 8-12. Founded in 1844, the school is a member of the Episcopal Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia, is fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. 

With roughly 130 students, a loyal alumni base, a commitment to mastery-based education, a vibrant community, and dedicated faculty and staff, Stuart Hall is committed to its mission to “prepare students of all faiths for success in universities worldwide and for engaged lives of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and contribution.” 

The school is located in Staunton, Virginia, a town that often ranks among the best small towns in the United States. In addition to being a great place to live, Staunton is a great place to learn. There are abundant opportunities for students to extend their learning and engage with the community through the school’s Staunton Is Our Campus initiative.

About the Position

The Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer reports to the Dean of Advancement and works with other members of Stuart Hall’s Development Office to implement the advancement plans of the school. The Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer’s responsibilities include:

Advancement and Fundraising

• Work with the Dean of Advancement to establish fundraising goals and to develop an operational plan that will meet goals annually;
• Work with the Dean of Advancement to identify and cultivate constituents who are capable of making leadership gifts to the Annual Fund and major gifts for other purposes;
• Plan and implement stewardship program for Annual Fund leadership and major gift donors;
• Assist in the revision and editing of annual giving documents, acknowledgment letters, surveys, etc. with the Enrollment and Advancement Operations Coordinator;
• Recruit, educate, and manage all volunteers and staff associated with the Annual Fund, Day of Giving, and related solicitations;
• Plan, coordinate, and design all direct mail pieces for Annual Fund prospects;
• Maintain a portfolio of donors and volunteers moving them through the pipeline of cultivation, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship;
• Establish a reunion giving program; set goals for giving and participation for each class, in coordination with the Dean of Advancement, and oversee reunion giving programs for assigned reunion classes;
• Create and manage a community culture of philanthropy including the Senior Gift Program, Parent Giving, and Faculty/Staff Support;
• Participate in all Advancement Office meetings and assist other members in the office as needed for special events and project deadlines.

Alumnae/i Relations

• Serve as staff liaison to the Alumnae/i Council, assist with committee management, meeting logistics, etc.;
• Identify, educate, and cultivate key alumnae/i about events, volunteer opportunities, and financial support on behalf of the school;
• Manage volunteers associated with all alumnae/i events and assist them by encouraging attendance, marketing, and staffing the event;
• Initiate, set priorities, and assist with the coordination of all Alumnae/i Office communications, activities, and special events (e.g. Alumnae/I and Reunion Weekend, regional receptions, and other strategic alumnae/i events, etc.);
• Draft and edit correspondence with alumnae/i volunteers and donors and promptly respond to alumnae/i who contact the school via phone and email.

Communications

• Oversee and provide content for online and electronic alumnae/i communications via the school website, Alumnae/i Portal, event registration forms, surveys, and social media sites;
• Assist with the planning and production of the Annual Report;
• Manage alumnae/i social networking sites (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn);
• Oversee the collection of milestones and class notes from the class correspondence for communications;
• Relay all pertinent news (jobs, marriages, births, illnesses, deaths) about members of the school community to the Dean of Advancement and any other appropriate individuals in a timely manner.

General 

• Participating in school-keeping responsibilities, such as serving as an administrator on duty, as assigned.
• Attending all major school events, and connecting with students, faculty, and staff in small and large groups to understand school life and be able to discuss it with constituents.
• Candidates who are interested in living on campus and being part of the School’s residential life program will receive strong consideration.

About the Candidates

Stuart Hall is committed to attracting an applicant pool with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests. Being aware that some individuals will not apply for a position unless they have all of the qualifications, this qualifications list has been written to encourage people with a range of experiences and backgrounds to apply.

• Required background and experience (you must have everything on this list):
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Minimum of three years of experience in development, constituent relations, or advancement
  • Experience with face to face cultivation of donors and solicitation of gifts
  • Experience in managing multiple tasks or projects under deadlines
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
• Additional background and experience: if you have any of the following skills or experiences, you are encouraged to highlight them in your application materials, but please know an absence of any of these will not negatively affect your candidacy.
  • Previous experience working in development in an independent school setting
  • Experience using Raiser’s Edge or another advancement database
  • Demonstrated experience taking initiative and working independently
  • Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and managing a program or initiative that involved leading others (this experience does not have to be advancement-related)
  • Critical listening skills
  • Experience or interest in developing an international alumnae/i and family engagement and donor program
  • Interest and enthusiasm for working with people and advancing the mission of an organization
  • An interest in being involved in other areas of school life, such as coaching, chaperoning weekend activities, or working with student groups

Stuart Hall welcomes candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work and their lives, and who will add to the diversity of our community.

Stuart Hall does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.  The School is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment. We actively engage students, families, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our school community respects the differences in ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

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