Director of Annual Giving & Engagement

Job description

Reports To: Assistant Head for Institutional Advancement

Status: Full Time, Exempt, Fiscal Year

Overview

Founded in 1931 and located on a stunning 800-acre campus in Dutchess County, New York, Millbrook School is known for its commitment to a rigorous, residential education emphasizing community, stewardship, curiosity, integrity, and service. The school’s motto,Non Sibi Sed Cunctis(not for oneself but for all), encapsulates the true spirit of the school where students and faculty strive not only to better themselves intellectually and emotionally but also to give back to the community through stewardship and service.

Mission

In a community where every student is known and needed, Millbrook prepares its students for college and lives of meaning and consequence by instilling the values of respect, integrity, service, stewardship of the natural world, and curiosity.

At a Glance

Established: 1931

Enrollment: 330

Students of color: 31%

States represented: 24

Countries represented: 16

Total faculty: 80

Total employees: 150

Faculty of color: 12%

Faculty with advanced degrees: 80%

Student/teacher ratio: 4:1

Financial aid budget: $5M

Students receiving aid: 28%

Endowment: $75M

Annual operating budget: $28M

Advanced/Honors courses: 35

Community service groups: 37

Athletic teams: 37

Campus size: 800 acres

The Opportunity

This position manages Millbrook’s Annual Fund program to increase participation and fundraising dollars for the school. This role will lead the Annual Fund (digital and print marketing, Annual Fund giving, and the Sixth Form Gift initiative) and build on the recent record-setting success of a $3M fund in .

The Director of Annual Giving & Engagement will manage a portfolio of top-level Annual Fund and campaign donors and develop and implement tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies. This position requires regular travel to meet with donors and strengthen relationships that drive leadership-level support for Millbrook.

This role will partner closely with the Director of Alumni Engagement and the Director of Parent Engagement & Leadership Giving to execute programs that enhance engagement (value-add events, networking, speaker series, parent luncheons, volunteer programs, contact-a-thons, reunions, etc.). These events will focus on serving alumni and parents to increase overall event and giving participation, and raise critical funds in support of the Annual Fund and the school’s comprehensive capital campaign,

In collaboration with the Assistant Head for Institutional Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving & Engagement will set and meet goals based on institutional priorities, including engagement and philanthropic support.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Assistant Head for Institutional Advancement to execute a dynamic, annual solicitation plan that inspires alumni, parents, past parents, and friends to give to the Annual Fund.

Collaborate with the Assistant Head for Institutional Advancement and Campaign Manager to execute a stewardship program that deepens and broadens donor engagement.

Manage all Annual Fund campaigns, direct mail, and Phone/Contact/Thank-A-Thon efforts in partnership with the Communications Office.

Manage all alumni volunteer fundraising committees and collaborate with the Director of Parent Engagement on parent volunteer fundraising committees.

Cultivate and solicit a prospect pool of top-level $25,000+ prospects.

Assist other Advancement staff, as needed, in the research, cultivation, and solicitation of leadership donors and work with other advancement staff on departmentwide events.

Develop an annual strategic outreach plan that includes networking, mentoring, regional, and affinity events to enhance the school’s relationships with its alumni and build a broader base of alumni engagement and philanthropic support.

Redesign and implement a more robust Alumni Association to better engage, cultivate, and steward top-level Millbrook alumni.

Design and implement VIth form student programming to better illustrate the value of staying involved and giving back to Millbrook after graduation.

Develop and maintain an active class agent program focused on alumni engagement and giving.

In partnership with the Director of Parent Engagement & Leadership Giving, grow the Sixth Form Gift initiative, a hallmark program that raises $400K+ each year in support of the Annual Fund, by helping manage volunteers and traveling to visit with key donors.

Lead and grow the reunion fundraising program so that each milestone reunion has a unique experience and strategic fundraising plan.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Personal Attributes

Millbrook seeks an experienced, energetic independent school fundraiser who can communicate the case for donor support with enthusiasm and knowledge and design and implement a strategic plan to reach annual goals. They should have strong integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to keep information confidential.

In addition, the successful candidate will be:

A strategic thinker who can both create plans for expanding the support for the school and deliver on those plans with strong fundraising performance.

A collaborative colleague who will work well within the entire Advancement and school community to garner support.

Facile with the collection and interpretation of data, using it to identify trends, areas of concern and success.

Warm and authentic, with the ability to develop deep connections with donors.

Experience & Skills

Education and Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

High proficiency with GiveCampus platform–setting up giving forms, campaigns, smart asks, and digital solicitations.

High proficiency in Raiser’s Edge, Google applications, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Demonstrated success setting expectations for professionalism, accountability, and collegiality.

Specific Requirements / Essential Functions

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must have the ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.

Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

Must be flexible and willing to adapt to new technology and schedules.

Must have patience, tact, and a cheerful disposition when dealing with personnel, students, & family members.

Must be proficient in composition of written communication.

Physical & Sensory Requirements (with or without the aide of a medical device)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Ability to work in person, on campus.

Must function independently.

Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., without restrictions.

Start date: September 2026

The full-time equivalent salary range for this position is $90,000-$110,000. The starting salary is based on, but not limited to, several factors, including years of experience, education level, and expertise. This is an in-person, full-time, 12-month position.

As an equal opportunity employer, Millbrook School does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Moreover, Millbrook School recognizes the value of a diverse faculty and staff, and actively seeks candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

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Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.