Philanthropy Officer

Job Description

Summary

The Albuquerque Academy Advancement Office is seeking an individual for the position of Philanthropy Officer. This position is responsible for working under the general direction of the Director of Advancement and as a collaborative member of the Advancement team. The Philanthropy Officer serves as an experienced development professional for the school, managing the solicitation of major gift prospects and donors. They will manage a portfolio of donor prospects with an estimated capacity for gifts between $10,000 and $100,000.  

All employees at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic staff to work on campus. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. The position is open until filled, and applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application. Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail your passion for the position.

Essential Functions

• Work with the director and other staff to ensure the coordination and development of the total advancement fundraising effort. 
• Research and grow relationships with major gifts prospects and donors.  
• Develop strategies for the solicitation of major gifts prospects. 
• Know and employ best practices for independent school fundraising. 
• Organize regular communication with major gift donors. 
• Draft major gift proposal documents. 
• Manage major gift fundraising activities. 
• Create appropriate marketing materials. 
• Manage cash gifts between $10,000 and $100,000. 
• Hold a minimum of 250 annual external meetings and document with written action report in the school database. 
• With the team, help plan, execute, and support the Academy’s advancement events, including (but not limited to): days of giving, alumni weekend, trustee recognition, etc. 
• Support the Academy and its mission, always maintaining a high degree of professionalism. 
• Foster and maintain a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy.  
• Demonstrate cultural competence and communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend employee meetings and school events as needed, participating in the life of the broader school.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience

• A minimum of two years in fundraising, sales communications, or equivalent work is required. 
• Proven track record of working with donors or prospects through a pipeline from initial contact to formal agreement. 
• Previous experience in a non-profit business or communications is preferred. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of development and advancement concepts, methods, and procedures as related to a school environment. 
• Ability to make decisions independently and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. 
• Willingness and excitement for working with donors to give philanthropically to Albuquerque Academy.   
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a broad range of constituencies, including the team, faculty, staff, administration, trustees, parents, students, and alumni. 
• Organization skills and attention to detail. 
• Skills in writing, proofreading, and editing. 
• Knowledge of PC, Mac, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Knowledge of database management, Adobe, Publisher, or other creative design applications is preferred. 
• Ability to learn and implement new technologies quickly and as required. 
• Knowledge of and involvement in the Albuquerque Academy community or a willingness to develop an in-depth understanding.

Special Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Working Environment

• Majority of work is performed in an indoor office setting in the campus library. 
• Work hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• Overtime, including weekend, hours are periodically required for advancement and other school events.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged sitting and computer use

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.