Director of Advancement Services

Columbus Academy, recognized as a premier independent school in the nation, is seeking its first Director of Advancement Services to establish and lead the operational and strategic infrastructure for the school’s development (fundraising), alumni engagement, and donor engagement efforts. As the school expands its philanthropic initiatives, this key leadership role will be responsible for developing and optimizing the systems, policies, and processes that support donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and data-driven decision-making.

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Development, the Director of Advancement Services will ensure the effective management of the school’s donor database, fundraising analytics, and prospect research while assisting in implementing industry best practices in Moves Management and the Donor Gift Cycle. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping the school's advancement strategy and ensuring sustainable growth in philanthropic revenue.

This inaugural role presents an exciting opportunity to build and shape a best-in-class development services operation driving philanthropic success for Columbus Academy’s future.

Position Description

Columbus Academy seeks an inaugural Director of Advancement Services. The individual selected for this position will be expected to carry out the following:

Key Responsibilities:

Database & Systems Management

• Oversee the design, functionality, and integrity of the school’s donor database, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT, ensuring seamless integration with other systems.
• Train and support the Development team and staff on the effective use of the database, to ensure accuracy, consistency, and proficiency in entering contact reports, recording actions, following moves management, prospect tracking, and gift counting.
• Develop and maintain database policies to ensure compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA) and the school's donor privacy standards.

Data Analysis, Reporting & Stewardship

• Develop real-time financial and donor analytics reports, including a metrics dashboard, to inform fundraising strategy and progress.
• Create segmentation strategies for donor outreach, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Conduct audits to enhance reporting accuracy and optimize fundraising performance.
• Generate detailed reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and performance, for multiple constituencies.

Portfolio and Donor Management

• Work with frontline fundraisers to develop and manage portfolios and to design and implement prospect management plans.
• Conduct prospect research and pipeline analysis to support frontline fundraisers in cultivating new gift opportunities.
• Work with internal partners in refining policies for gift acceptance and campaign counting standards.

Leadership & Team Collaboration

• Partner with the Development and Communications teams to enhance stewardship and donor engagement initiatives.
• Work closely with the Business Office to reconcile donor gift records and to prepare for the School’s annual audit and tax return.
• Ongoing education on industry trends and best practices in advancement services, ensuring continuous improvement in fundraising operations.
• Manage vendor relationships for the Advancement Office technology resource.
• Manage the Advancement Services Coordinator and ensure their timely and accurate completion of projects.

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7 years of professional experience in advancement services, fundraising operations, or related, preferably in an independent school, college, university, or nonprofit organization.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of fundraising across constituencies, including Parent and Family giving, Annual Fund, and Alumni Engagement and at all levels, including annual giving, major giving, and planned giving.
• Expertise in donor database management.
• Prior management experience, preferably in an independent school, college, university, or nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and reporting tools.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management skills with a commitment to data integrity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling donor information.
• Willingness to travel locally within the state of Ohio and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Conditions

Candidates must be able to manage the following conditions:

• A fast-paced office environment requiring a high level of accuracy, a commitment to outstanding service, and the ability to effectively multitask
• Occasional additional hours as needed to meet required deadlines
• A non-smoking environment