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Job description
The River School
Director of Annual Giving and Engagement
Washington, DC
The Opportunity
Some fundraising positions help organizations grow. Others help transform lives. At The River School, you'll have the opportunity to do both.
About The River School
For more than 25 years, The River School has been redefining what inclusive education can look like. River brings together children with hearing loss and hearing peers in a language-rich educational environment where every child learns, communicates, and grows together. Through its innovative educational model, nationally recognized clinical programs, and commitment to family engagement, River has become a national leader in inclusive early childhood and elementary education.
More than a school, River serves as a vibrant community where education, clinical expertise, research, and family support come together to help children reach their fullest potential. The organization is entering an exciting period of growth, including a transformational new campus and expanded opportunities to deepen its impact through philanthropy.
The Position
Annual Giving
Lead the strategy, planning, execution, and evaluation of The River School's annual giving program.
Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to develop annual fundraising plans, goals, calendars, appeals, and donor engagement strategies.
Manage annual fund identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to strengthen donor participation and long‑term support.
Develop compelling donor communications, appeals, impact reports, and stewardship materials that inspire generosity and deepen engagement.
Monitor annual giving performance, analyze results, and recommend strategies to maximize participation and philanthropic support.
Identify, qualify, and cultivate new philanthropic relationships to expand River's donor community.
Support major gift, campaign, foundation, and corporate fundraising initiatives in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy.
Collaborate with Board members, volunteers, and school leadership to advance fundraising priorities and strengthen donor engagement.
Advancement Events & Community Engagement
Lead the planning and execution of signature advancement events, including the scholarship auction, donor recognition events, alumni programs, and other engagement activities.
Develop event goals, budgets, timelines, work plans, and measures of success.
Build authentic relationships with parents, alumni, trustees, volunteers, donors, and community partners to strengthen long‑term engagement.
Recruit, organize, and support volunteers who help advance River's fundraising and community engagement efforts.
Evaluate event performance and recommend improvements based on participation, engagement, fundraising results, and organizational capacity.
Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for The River School, representing its mission at school functions, donor events, and community gatherings.
Advancement Strategy & Operations
Maintain accurate donor and prospect information within the CRM to support effective relationship management and fundraising strategy.
Monitor fundraising activity and prepare regular reports on annual giving, alumni engagement, and event performance.
Partner on fundraising communications, stewardship initiatives, and donor recognition efforts that strengthen relationships and inspire continued support.
Help strengthen advancement systems, processes, and operational efficiencies that support a high‑performing fundraising program.
Utilize data and performance metrics to inform decision‑making and support continuous improvement across advancement initiatives.
Organizational Leadership
Partner closely with the Director of Philanthropy to help strengthen and grow River's overall advancement program.
Collaborate across departments to ensure a consistent donor experience and unified advancement strategy.
Foster a collaborative, positive, and mission‑driven culture by building strong relationships across the organization.
Perform additional responsibilities as needed in support of organizational priorities and River's continued growth.
Who You Are
Relationship Builder
You genuinely enjoy connecting with people and earning their trust. Whether engaging a first‑time donor, welcoming a new family, partnering with volunteers, or working alongside colleagues, you build authentic relationships that inspire long‑term engagement and generosity.
Five+ years of progressive fundraising experience.
Exceptional relationship‑building and interpersonal skills.
Warm, authentic, and naturally curious communicator.
Demonstrated success cultivating meaningful philanthropic partnerships.
Annual Giving Leader
You understand that successful annual giving is about more than appeals, it's about creating meaningful experiences that encourage lasting support. You enjoy balancing strategy with execution and take pride in seeing ideas become results.
Experience leading annual giving, donor engagement, alumni relations, events, or comprehensive fundraising programs.
Ability to develop thoughtful fundraising strategies and execute them with excellence.
Comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Collaborative Partner
You believe the best work happens together. You value collaboration, communicate openly, and enjoy supporting shared goals while taking ownership of your own responsibilities.
Thrives in highly collaborative environments.
Builds strong partnerships with leadership, trustees, volunteers, and colleagues.
Exercises sound judgment and communicates proactively.
Mission-Driven Communicator
You believe stories have the power to inspire generosity. You enjoy connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful difference and can communicate a mission with authenticity and enthusiasm.
Passion for education, inclusion, healthcare, disability services, or other mission‑driven work.
Ability to communicate compelling, donor‑centered stories that inspire philanthropic investment.
Organized Project Manager
You enjoy bringing structure to complex projects. Whether coordinating an event, managing donor information, or tracking fundraising progress, you stay organized, anticipate needs, and follow through on the details that matter.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Comfortable utilizing CRM systems and fundraising analytics.
Balances strategic thinking with exceptional execution.
Adaptable Self-Starter
You're energized by growth and new opportunities. You embrace change, approach challenges with creativity, and are comfortable wearing multiple hats while helping build something meaningful.
Flexible, resourceful, and solutions‑oriented.
Self‑directed while remaining highly collaborative.
Thrives in a dynamic organization that continues to grow and evolve.
Why You'll Love Working Here
Transform Lives
Every gift you help inspire directly supports children with hearing loss and their hearing peers as they learn, communicate, and grow together. Your work will have a lasting impact on students, families, and one of the nation's most innovative models of inclusive education.
Help Shape River's Future
Join The River School during an exciting period of growth, including a
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Worksite address
washington, DC, 20022, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.