The Pennington School is an independent coeducational school for students in grades 6 through 12, in both day and boarding programs. The curriculum is college preparatory, with an emphasis on individual excellence, fostering the development of the whole student through academics, athletics, community service, and the creative and performing arts. Pennington is dedicated to providing our students with a global perspective, an emphasis on character, an appreciation for diversity and inclusion of all types.

Reporting to the Assistant Headmaster for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, the Director of the Pennington Fund will assist in carrying out the designated duties and responsibilities for the development and alumni relations program.  The Director facilitates the day-to-day planning, coordination, and management of all aspects of donor and volunteer relations for The Pennington the Fund, working to increase both the amount raised and the number of donors participating. The Director will work closely with the Assistant Headmaster for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives in executing the Pennington Fund with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. 

The Pennington Fund is the School’s annual fund for unrestricted gifts. The Director of the Pennington Fund manages the mailed, telephone, and electronic appeals to alumni, parents, and staff. S/he works closely with other development colleagues and with volunteers to create and implement the fundraising program to achieve the goal for unrestricted funds each year, and develops the materials required to support the program.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Create a detailed appeal plan for the Pennington Fund, including objectives, approach (e.g. mailed, email, phone), schedule, segmentation strategy, brief for appeal materials, and roles for volunteers
• Recruit and support committees, including the Parents Committee of the Pennington Fund, the Faculty Annual Fund Committee, and in collaboration with the Director of Alumni Relations, the Class Fund Directors
• Organize mailed appeals for the Pennington Fund, including data selection, drafting of letters and brochures, arranging for production, and mailing letters
• Set up and manage telephone campaigns, including data selection, drafting of scripts, recruitment and training of student and parent callers, producing materials, and collecting pledges and gifts
• Plan and implement the use of email and web-based fundraising methods
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Relations and other fundraising staff to ensure integration between individual and group approaches, including class reunion appeals
• Steward annual fund donors through recognition clubs and personalized acknowledgments for leadership, first-time, matching, and tribute gifts
• In collaboration with other staff, produce annual fund and donor recognition lists to appear in the School’s annual report and other publications, as appropriate
• In collaboration with other staff, develop and implement appropriate cultivation and stewardship events for annual fund donors
• Occasional evening and weekend work, including events for Pennington alumni, parents, and donors.
•     Occasional writing for Pennington Magazineand other publications.
•     Other duties as needed

Essential Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years’ previous fundraising experience
• Knowledge of school-related fundraising databases, particularly The Raiser’s Edge
• Understanding of how to use and analyze  data
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly MSWord, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Practical knowledge of annual giving operations and experience increasing donor participation
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience creating and distributing direct mail packs and bulk email appeals
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals
• Ability to create and implement a demanding timetable
• Initiative and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Experience in independent school settings (particularly boarding schools) and with social media is highly desirable

Founded in 1838, The Pennington School is an independent, coeducational school serving day and boarding students in grades 6 through 12. Total student enrollment is approximately 510, of which 25% are boarding students. Located in Pennington, NJ, the campus is nestled on 54 green acres with a warm and welcoming community. About half of our faculty live on campus and have residential responsibilities

The Pennington School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military service, or any other characteristics or activity protected by law.

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and salary requirements by email to: [email protected].