The Assistant Director of Advancement, Annual Campaign, is responsible for building and executing a year-round fundraising plan for the Annual Campaign, the foundation of the school’s philanthropic initiatives. This role focuses on securing $1,000,000 in the first year with a mission-critical goal of 100% participation from faculty and current families. This is a collaborative, year-round position focused on identifying, cultivating, and stewarding meaningful relationships with established and potential donors.
Staff Position
Founded in 1958, Sequoyah School is an independent progressive K-12 day school in Pasadena, California, built on the belief that diversity of all kinds is fundamental to a powerful education. Students find joy and deep learning as they navigate through curriculum while teachers guide problem-centered classrooms that foster curiosity through intellectual exploration and opportunities for application. The school’s mission to challenge the mind, nurture the heart, and celebrate human dignity is evidenced in its place-based program and signature experiences like Field Studies, the Social Innovation Program, Talking Leaves, and more.
Position Overview
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year.
Roles and Responsibilities
Annual Fund Leadership & Strategy
- Create and manage a comprehensive, multidimensional appeal schedule leveraging direct mail, electronic solicitation, and face-to-face meetings.
- Work with communications to develop Annual Campaign collateral and a comprehensive Giving Tuesday Campaign.
- Set specific dollar, participation, and qualitative goals for the annual giving program.
- Personally manage a pool of prospects, cultivating relationships and moving donors through the pipeline.
- Identify potential major gift and planned giving prospects.
Volunteer Coordination & Training
- Manage the Annual Campaign volunteers, including recruitment, management, and training of parent representatives.
- Create and update a Solicitor’s Training Guide annually to empower volunteers in their outreach.
- Update volunteers on a weekly basis regarding their prospects and progress toward the 100% participation goal.
- Organize phonathons and participation-based challenges as needed.
Database Management & Administration
- Utilize Raiser’s Edge NXT to track visits, produce contact notes, and conduct consistent constituent follow-up.
- Coordinate gift entry and acknowledgment with the Business Office to ensure timely recognition of gifts.
- Draft solicitation and acknowledgment letters, including providing notes for the Head of School to personalize thank-you letters. Acknowledge first-time donors.
- Analyze results by tracking progress year-over-year and generating reports for the quarterly Advancement Committee meetings.
Events & Community Collaboration
- Work with the advancement team to execute the annual Community Auction.
- Contribute content to school publications and social media to highlight donor impact.
- Participate in the expansion of the alum program.
- Attend on-campus and off-campus events to build community relationships.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Experience: Three to five years of relevant development experience, preferably in an independent school environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of Raiser’s Edge software, Google Suite, and AI tools.
- Fundraising Record: Proven track record managing annual campaigns, direct experience managing volunteers, and confidence in direct “asks”.
- Skills: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with a professional and empathetic approach.
- Attributes: Detail-oriented, collaborative, with a strong sense of fundraising ethics and confidentiality.
- Commitment: Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends for events and committee meetings.
Diversity is a founding value of Sequoyah School, and we seek candidates willing and interested in upholding an equitable, inclusive environment. Sequoyah School is also an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any phase of employment. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
Hiring Term
2026-27 Academic Year
Reports To
Director of Advancement
Campus Location
Administrative offices
Salary Range
$85,000 – $115,000, depending on experience and education
Benefits
Sequoyah offers competitive salary and benefits.