Assistant Director of Advancement

Independence was founded in 1978 by parents seeking a challenging education that would be strong in the academic areas, arts, foreign languages, and athletics. Today, the school occupies a 90-acre campus in the Pike Creek Valley (near Hockessin, Newark, and Wilmington, Cecil County, MD, and Southeastern Chester County, PA), and features state of the art facilities and outdoor classrooms. 
The Independence School, an independent day school welcoming children age 3 through 8th Grade, provides an exceptionally strong academic foundation and so much more.  At Independence, students learn to think for themselves. They learn independence. Our school mission, beliefs, and core values guide us to ensure we offer students an unparalleled educational experience, opportunities for leadership and a welcoming community for the entire family.

We encourage you to learn more about our school. Please click the link below.
https://www.theindependenceschool.org/about-us/employment-opportunities

Assistant Director of Advancement 

Direct Supervisor: Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management
FLSA: Exempt
Type: Full-Time Staff Employee

The Assistant Director of Advancement is a passionate and dynamic member of the School's Advancement Team who plays a key role in advancing the culture of philanthropy and community support.  Working in close partnership with the Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management, this role helps lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy and builds meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and families.  The Assistant Director of Advancement supports the achievement of fundraising goals through donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and special events.

Professional Attributes

• High energy and enthusiasm with the ability to learn quickly, make an immediate impact, and implement new initiatives
• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of assignments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, displaying the ability to connect and build relationships with employees, students, and parents
• Confidence in professional aptitude with the ability to effectively convey skills and knowledge
• Positive team player with a strong desire to be an active, long-term participant in the growth of the School
• Supports and aligns with the School's mission, values, and policies
• Commitment to fostering and supporting a safe and healthy atmosphere and an inclusive community
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising program including The Fund for Independence, major gifts, planned gifts, and grants
• Set and monitor annual fundraising targets in collaboration with the Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management
• Build long-term donor relationships through stewardship programs, personalized engagement, and impact reporting
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit individuals and corporations with capacity to make significant gifts
• Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in the fundraising system and leverage data to inform strategy and outreach
• Assist with capital campaigns in collaboration with the Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management
• Coordinate fundraising events including an annual leadership donor event
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management to pursue multi-year donation commitments, strategic philanthropic alignments, and regular updates for board and committee reporting
• Partner with the Business Office to align fundraising priorities with institutional needs and funding capacity
• Support for alumni relations programs to foster engagement, community and lifelong connection to the School
• Member of Advancement Committee
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Demonstrated success in non-profit fundraising, including a proven record of donor cultivation, direct solicitation, and stewardship
• Experience with CRM-style systems; familiarity with Veracross preferred
• High degree of social intelligence and the ability to build authentic, lasting relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards in fundraising, including full compliance with regulations and best practices
• Aptitude to learn new systems, software, and platforms including student information systems
• Proficiency in a Windows environment and with Google Workspace/MS Office
• High level of confidentiality and discretion
  
  The Assistant Director of Advancement is a year-round position.  
  2/6/26

The Independence School prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.