The Associate Director of Development plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the School Foundation through strategic resource development, alumni engagement, and comprehensive fundraising initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners while implementing effective fundraising strategies to support educational programs and initiatives. Key Responsibilities Resource Development & Fundraising Design and implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate partners, and foundation prospects Develop and manage the annual fund program, including direct mail, digital campaigns, and special events Research and write grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government entities Create compelling donor communications and case statements that articulate funding priorities Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals as established by the Foundation Board and Executive Director Alumni Engagement & Relations Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to build lifelong connections with graduates Plan and coordinate alumni events, reunions, and networking opportunities Create and maintain alumni database with current contact information and engagement metrics Develop communication strategies to keep alumni informed and engaged with district initiatives Identify and cultivate alumni as potential donors, volunteers, and advocates Establish alumni mentorship and career development programs connecting graduates with current students Donor Relations & Stewardship Manage portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with personalized cultivation strategies Coordinate donor recognition programs and stewardship activities Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress and impact for donors and stakeholders Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts Build and maintain strong relationships with Foundation Board members and key volunteers Strategic Planning & Collaboration Collaborate with district leadership to identify and prioritize funding needs Participate in Foundation strategic planning and board meetings Work with marketing and communications staff to develop promotional materials Maintain accurate records in donor database and prepare regular reports and analytics Stay current on fundraising best practices and emerging trends in educational philanthropy Qualifications Education & Experience Degree required, advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or related field preferred Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or advancement Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, and building donor relationships Experience with alumni relations or educational advancement preferred Knowledge of planned giving principles and practices a plus Skills & Competencies Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders Strong written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking Strategic thinker with ability to develop and implement comprehensive development plans Proficiency with donor database systems (Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, or similar) Project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital fundraising platforms Personal Characteristics Passion for education and commitment to the school district's mission Entrepreneurial spirit with creative problem-solving abilities Professional demeanor with strong business acumen Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic educational environment Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations Working Conditions Standard office environment with occasional evening and weekend work for events Local travel required for donor meetings, events, and alumni gatherings Some physical activity including event setup and attendance at school functions Compensation Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. The School Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Education:

Bachelor's (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Columbus, NE 68601 (Required)

Work Location:

In person