Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (HIES) is seeking a Director of Leadership Giving.

HIES is the largest Episcopal parish independent day school in the country, serving 1,400 students and offers a fully accredited college preparatory program for students ages three through 12th grade. Holy Innocents’ mission is to develop in students a love of learning, respect for self and others, faith in God, and a sense of service to the world community.

HIES is located north of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The Director of Leadership Giving reports to the Director of Institutional Advancement and works closely with the entire Development team. This is a calendar year, full-time position. Full-time HIES employees enjoy benefits such as a competitive compensation package, health care coverage and retirement plan contributions.

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in advancing the school’s mission by developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to secure leadership-level gifts, with a focus on campaign fundraising and cultivating strong relationships with donors. Proficiency with fundraising software is necessary. The candidate should possess a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, and experience in planned giving is considered beneficial.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive leadership giving strategy aligned with the school’s fundraising priorities, with a specific focus on campaign initiatives that enhance school programs and facilities.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team and other key stakeholders to integrate leadership giving into the overall fundraising plan, ensuring alignment with the school’s educational mission.

Donor Cultivation:
• Identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of major prospects, including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors through personalized communication, meetings, and events, highlighting the impact of their support of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.
• Assist with stewardship efforts including donor reports and room/space dedications when needed.

Campaign Management:
• Manage campaigns and initiatives targeted at securing leadership-level gifts to support program initiatives, capital projects, scholarship programs, and other key institutional priorities.
• Develop and implement campaign-specific strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and increased donations, ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic plan.
• Prepare major and planned gift pledge paperwork and acknowledgements as needed.

Collaboration and Team Building:
• Work closely with a team of fundraising professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Oversee and support volunteers, providing them with helpful materials and guidance to ensure success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, donors, prospective donors, administration, and staff.

Events and Engagement:
• Work with Director of Special Events and Community Relations to plan and execute events that engage current and potential major donors.
• Work with the Communications Department on major gift and planned giving publications and websites.

Data Analysis and Reporting:
• Utilize data and analytics, including proficiency with fundraising software such as Raiser’s Edge, to inform decision-making and track progress toward campaign fundraising goals.
• Work with the Director of Advancement Services to generate regular reports on the status of leadership giving initiatives for the Advancement team and school leadership.

Planned Giving Expertise:
• Experience in planned giving is considered helpful.
• Collaborate with the development team to integrate planned giving opportunities into the overall fundraising strategy.

Other duties as assigned by the Head of School or the Director of Institutional Advancement.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in major gift fundraising.
• Experience at an independent school or university helpful.
• Familiarity with fundraising software, particularly Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• An employment history highlighted by increased levels of responsibility and demonstrated ability to exercise sensitivity and good judgement in dealing with staff and the public.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated success in working with and motivating volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and interact positively with a wide range of individuals.
• Energy, initiative, integrity, sincerity, and the drive to succeed.