Primary Responsibility

An integral member of the senior administrative leadership team of Lipscomb Academy, the associate head of school for advancement provides leadership for all fundraising, alumni engagement, parent engagement, grandparent engagement, other constituent engagement and selected special events. A strong commitment to Christian education and a belief in the mission and vision of Lipscomb Academy.

Job-Related Skills 

Successful fundraising experience with cultivating, engaging, and expanding donor relationships with a wide variety of donors. Experience in institutional advancement, preferably at a non-profit independent secondary school or university. Experience working with and connecting to a large and diverse community of people. Demonstrated strengths in interpersonal skills and collaboration. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to oversee, manage and motivate people while also acting as a professional mentor to build on the skill and strengths of others.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Experience: 5 to 7 years

Description of Tasks Performed: Management of Office of Advancement

• Provide clear vision, supervisory leadership and management, and strategic direction for all aspects of the academy advancement activities.
• Represent the advancement and fundraising efforts at the senior administrative level.
• Develop an annual advancement plan and budget based on academy priorities in conjunction with the current strategic plan.
• Communicate a broad understanding and awareness of the values articulated in the academy’s mission while helping create a deep and rich culture of philanthropy.
• Supervise, set direction, and support the goals of each member of the advancement team.
• Ensure that each individual clearly understands his/her responsibilities and objectives.
• Provide regular performance feedback, including annual performance reviews, for the purpose of supporting the professional growth and talents of each advancement team member.
• Create a culture and environment that encourages inclusiveness and teamwork.

Description of Tasks Performed: Fundraising

• Ensure that resources are in place to support the academy’s long-term financial stability by designing and implementing strategies for raising funds to support current and future operations.
• Oversee all planning for the academy’s fundraising efforts, including annual fund, campaigns, endowment, grants, special projects, and gift planning.
• Develop strategies for increasing annual fundraising goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors in order to expand the current base of philanthropic revenue sources for the academy.
• Oversee the gift reporting process, acknowledgments and data management of all gifts given to Lipscomb Academy with the support of the University Advancement Services team.
• Coordinate all fundraising activities with the University Office of Advancement for the purpose of eliminating conflicting solicitations from families with both University and Academy interests.

Description of Tasks Performed: Communications

• Develop and implement a plan to keep faculty and staff informed of the work being done by the office of advancement.
• Maintain a close working relationship with all members of the leadership team, faculty and staff and the University Office of Advancement.
• Encourage and engage faculty and staff in helping form relationships with donors and prospective donors.
• Attend and engage in academy activities and events with the purpose of engaging with donors and prospective donor.

Description of Tasks Performed: Head of School

• Provide comprehensive and effective support for the Head of School.
• Provide research, background information, appropriate materials, and recommended strategies for dealing with specific constituents and donors.
• Work closely with the Head of School, senior leadership team and University Office of Advancement to implement the goals and vision for the academy.
• Attend senior leadership team meetings as needed.
• Work closely with the Head of School on other tasks as assigned.

Hiring Statement

Lipscomb Academy is a private, Christian K-12 school associated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ and governed by religious tenets held by the Church of Christ. Preference will be given to applicants who are members of the Church of Christ.