Director of Family Engagement and Philanthrop

Director of Family Engagement and Philanthrop Nichols School•3.4 Buffalo, NY Job Details Full-time $40,000•$80,000 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Volunteer management Bachelor's degree Volunteer engagement program management

Full Job Description Director of Family Engagement and Philanthropy Role Details Department:

Advancement Reports To:

Director of Advancement Hours:

Monday•Friday, 8:00 AM•4:30 PM (additional hours required as needed)

Status:

Exempt, July•

June Position Summary:

Working in conjunction with the Nichols School Advancement Operational Plan, the Director is responsible for developing and executing strategic, sustainable family programs. This involves the annual solicitation of current families, parents, grandparents, and parents of alumni, as well as managing non-solicitation programs for these groups. The Director partners with the Director of Advancement to establish strategy, review prospective donors, determine solicitation processes, and oversee relevant programs and events. A core focus is working collaboratively with the Nichols community to cultivate long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with families.

Primary Duties:

Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan for assigned constituencies, which includes setting goals, targeting solicitation amounts, identifying volunteer assignments, and organizing appeal timelines. Utilize wealth screening and yield analysis to map engagement and visit plans. Implement strategies to increase Nichols Fund participation across all parent, grandparent, and alumni-parent groups. Manage all family records within the Raiser's Edge database. Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to create targeted family support materials and manage family-focused social media messaging. Recruit, train, and support family volunteers to serve as school ambassadors who facilitate communication and giving. Conduct personal, annual visits with donors and assigned prospects for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Write and prepare solicitation letters for initiatives such as the Grandparent and Friends Appeal, Senior Family Gift Appeal, and Alumni Parent Appeal. Coordinate relevant family events (e.g., networking gatherings, Alumni Family Event) alongside the Associate Director of Advancement Events and Marketing. Work collaboratively with Parent Council Leadership, Parent Reps, and At-Large members to promote events, plan social activities, and communicate with the broader parent community. Establish a working relationship with Parent Board committees and assist the Advancement team with department-wide initiatives. Maintain frequent in-person and written communication with family volunteers. Travel when necessary and attend meetings or events on nights and weekends. Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree is required. A minimum of four years of experience in parent relations and external affairs, with a proven track record of managing a fundraising program and developing volunteer leadership. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate courteously with colleagues, parents, other constituents, and the public. Demonstrated ability to strategize, build constituency programs, and motivate volunteers. Strong writing, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently while thriving in a team environment to achieve strategic goals. High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information. Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail. Extensive experience with the Microsoft Suite, the Google platform, and a constituent database such as Raiser's Edge. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.