Development & Communications Manager
Gateway School - Santa Cruz, CA
posted 1 day ago
About the position
Gateway School, in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA, is a California Association of Independent Schools accredited, independent K-8 day school of approximately 130 students that serves children with the intellectual curiosity and self-motivation to thrive in an academically challenging environment. Our school is notable for its innovative instruction and programs, close student-teacher relationships, supportive parent community, and small classes. We seek and strive to maintain a culturally and ethnically diverse community, and are committed to the principles that promote inclusive practices. We value the skills, knowledge, and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school. The Development & Communications Manager, under the direction of the Director of Enrollment & Marketing, is responsible for leadership in fundraising, donor and volunteer stewardship, special events, alumni relations, and designing, writing, editing, and supporting internal and external communications. The Development & Communications Manager will implement and work collaboratively on the school's fundraising and communications campaigns with the Director of Enrollment & Marketing, the Board Advancement Committee, the school's administrative team, Gateway Family Association, staff, and other key volunteers. With the Director of Enrollment & Marketing, the Development & Communications Manager manages the Advancement Office database. This role serves as a strategic thinker who contributes tactical advice to the Advancement Team and supports and participates in special and school-sponsored events and other activities.
Responsibilities
- Inspire and support the culture of philanthropy at Gateway
- Develop and nurture productive relationships with all constituencies
- Manage the Annual Fund
- Seek out and write grant proposals
- In partnership with the administrative team, develop and assist with executing communication strategies for philanthropy
- Develop and implement a strategic plan for alumni and alumni family engagement
- Oversee and implement alumni outreach and activities including alumni reunions and events
- Manage major philanthropic events
- Participate in and collaborate on schoolwide events
- Support and work with the Gateway Family's Association as needed
- Develop, document, and maintain data entry policies and procedures
- Maintain the Advancement Office fundraising database
- Partner with the school's Business Office to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent reporting of gifts, pledges, and other information
- Manage campaign and event-specific budgets
- Assess and evaluate the success of fundraising
- Oversee messaging across all channels to maintain a positive public image, build relationships with key stakeholders, and ensure all communications align with Gateway's goals and values
- Develop annual and long-term integrated communication plans and ensure continuity of Gateway brand, identity, and message in marketing plans, campaigns, and materials
- Manage production and distribution of all electronic newsletters
- Lead and manage social media campaigns, develop content, and post to social media feeds
- Assist in the design and production of materials for internal and external events including advertising and printed materials
- Assist with creating and updating website content and assets
- Attend weekend and/or evening functions as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Enrollment & Marketing
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree, with additional education preferred
- Strong fundraising generalist skill set, with 3-5 years of demonstrated success in development in non-profit organizations; experience in education preferred
- Three years of related experience in marketing, advertising, or communications
- Knowledge of marketing and communications processes, media and social media, advertising, and special events
- Exceptional communications and interpersonal skills; ability to thrive as part of a collaborative team and work effectively with volunteers
- Experience coordinating and/or assisting with the planning and production of special events and fundraisers
Nice-to-haves
- Proactive nature and attention to detail
- Professional manner and customer service focus. Must be able to handle confidential matters with discretion
- Technology skills include; fundraising database management, Google Suite, website development and maintenance, Google Adwords, Google Analytics, email marketing, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)
Benefits
- Exempt, 100% full-time, year-round position
