Description
Build Relationships. Inspire Generosity. Create a Culture of Philanthropy.
Are you energized by mission-driven work, inspired by the power of education, and motivated by building something meaningful alongside a close-knit community? Abiqua School, located in Salem, Oregon, and serving the mid-Willamette Valley, is the region’s premier independent PK–8 school and is seeking an inaugural Director of Advancement to help shape our next chapter.
This leadership role is for someone who blends strategic thinking with authentic relationship-building and is comfortable having clear, thoughtful conversations about philanthropy, including inviting others to invest through meaningful financial support. The Director of Advancement strengthens Abiqua’s culture of giving by connecting families, alumni, trustees, and community partners to a compelling vision for the school’s future.
At Abiqua, we don’t just educate. We ignite potential. Our students learn in an experiential environment where curiosity is championed, confidence is built, and a deep love of learning takes root. Guided by our HEART values of Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork, students are prepared to thrive academically and lead with character in high school and beyond.
Working closely with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and as a member of the leadership team, the Director of Advancement leads comprehensive fundraising efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, events, stewardship, and long-term philanthropic planning. This work ensures Abiqua’s mission is sustained and positioned for thoughtful, long-term growth.
If you value collaboration, lead with integrity and confidence, and want your work to directly impact students, families, and future generations, we invite you to explore this opportunity and learn more about joining the Abiqua community.
General Summary
The Director of Advancement for Abiqua School is responsible for the leadership, strategy, management, and implementation of the fundraising initiatives for Abiqua School. These include oversight of an annual giving program, major gifts, business sponsorships, stewardship, gala and other event planning, and planned giving. The Director of Advancement collaborates with the Head of School, staff, and Board in all fundraising and advancement endeavors to meet the goals that are developed and set.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership (10%)
Provides development and donor strategy for the Head of School and other senior management and staff.
Develops fundraising priorities to share with external constituents to secure funding.
Provides effective and inspiring leadership that generates dollars, volunteers, and advocates.
Provides leadership support and management of fundraising and stewardship efforts for the Advancement Committee and board.
Partners with the Abiqua Families Organization to support engagement activities and initiatives.
Evaluates the strategies currently used to solicit gifts with the goal of increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Participates as an active member of the leadership team.
Partners with the leadership team to develop a shared communications calendar; provides leadership in the development of materials that have a direct impact on fundraising. Collaborates on the development of engagement materials; drafts fundraising messages.
Represents Abiqua at community events, meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums.
Provides guidance to all staff or volunteers interested in securing private funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Provides clear communication and the healthy flow of information with staff and board, and ensures that everyone in the organization understands his/her role in fund development.
Utilizes a donor database to ensure accurate measurement of activity and the ability to sustain strong donor relationships.
Leads by example using HEART skills and values.
Development Management (35%)
Develops and implements private fundraising goals to maximize financial support from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support specific program needs. Formulates, defines, and interprets fundraising goals and donor-centered evaluative criteria to the Advancement Committee and internal staff. Provides regular status reports of projected and actual progress toward goals.
Develops and implements a results-oriented comprehensive program that includes the annual fund, the gala, individual major gifts, planned giving, special projects, stewardship and donor relations, foundation grants, business sponsorships, and online giving.
Oversees donor communications, donor-centered publications, special events, online giving, and donor recognition.
Prepares overall budget for income from contributions and departmental expenses.
Establishes fundraising projections based on the needs of the programs supported and, when appropriate, the operating budget. Oversees revenue and budget expenditures for all development activities.
In partnership with the Senior Leadership, designs, manages, and guides any capital campaign efforts as appropriate.
Oversees gift entry and acknowledgement, and administration of donor data.
Oversees fundraising through the gala, with an emphasis on donor cultivation, acknowledgment, and net event income.
Understands and deploys quality and process improvement techniques and utilizes data-driven decision-making.
Manages annual fund solicitation mailings, including preparing mailing lists for review, messages, and segmentation. Ensures all mailings leave on schedule.
Assists in the execution of events and provides direct assistance during day-of fundraising or friend-raising events.
Major Gift Program Management (35%)
Oversees Major Giving Program, including setting annual goals for actions and solicitations and coordinating major giving prospect management with Advancement Committee, Head of School, and other staff and volunteers.
Responsible for a portfolio of approximately 35 donors, and, with active participation of the Head of School, staff, and board members/volunteers, cultivates and manages long-term relationships with individuals, businesses, and foundations for the purpose of securing gifts and grants to support the programs and mission of Abiqua.
Coaches staff and board on identifying and cultivating prospective donors within their networks and on stewarding existing donors.
Planned Giving Program Management (10%)
Oversees the development and implementation of a planned giving program, including setting annual goals for membership, marketing, and personal outreach, coordinating efforts with the Advancement Committee, Head of School, and other staff and volunteers.
Responds to planned giving leads and inquiries, provides resources, tracks results in the database, and provides stewardship.
Coaches staff and board on identifying and cultivating prospective planned giving donors.
Board and Volunteer Support (10%)
Engages, communicates, and partners with Advancement Committee members to establish fundraising and engagement goals, plans, and activities that help the board provide support for the mission.
Engages, communicates, and partners with the Abiqua Families Organization to support mission-based plans and activities.
As appropriate, identifies, recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to support fundraising efforts.
Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years of direct fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization, with a track record of success in securing funds through personal solicitation and broad-based fundraising.
Proven skills in effective volunteer management in support of advancement activities. This includes identification, engagement, training, stewardship, and support to ensure volunteers reach their full potential and achieve fundraising goals.
Strong interpersonal and writing skills; organized, goal-oriented, creative thinker.
Position is responsible, in conjunction with the Head of School, for representing Abiqua with private donors, business and foundation funders, partner agencies, and the public at large, so must be able to travel and meet with funders.
Solid aptitude for working with databases, Word, Excel, and other e-resources is essential. Be conversant with relevant technologies and how they can be used in support of communicating, engaging donors and volunteers in activities, and managing and measuring results.
Planned giving experience is preferred, but not required.
Demonstrated ability to foster cross-departmental collaboration.
A commitment to the mission of the Abiqua School.
Position Details & Employment Information
Reports to: Head of School
Scheduled Weekly Hours & Months Worked per Year: 40hrs/week, 12 months
Typical Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8 am–5 pm, with occasional evening hours and flexibility required to accommodate donor schedules. Must be comfortable with frequent, but mostly local, travel and occasional weekend commitments.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a variety of environments, including on campus, in homes, offices, and at off-site locations during donor visits and events.
Salary Range
This position offers a competitive salary of up to $90,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated fundraising leadership.
Benefits
Working at Abiqua School means joining a professional community committed to the highest standards of education, integrity, and collaboration. Abiqua offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan options
Professional development opportunities
Paid time off and school holidays
A supportive, community-centered work environment
We invite candidates to learn more about Abiqua’s mission, values, and benefits at www.abiqua.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Abiqua School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by law.
This commitment reflects Abiqua’s mission, values, and compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including those governing 501(c)(3) organizations. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our community and enhance our ability to serve students and families.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials via email to hr@abiqua.org:
A current resume
A cover letter outlining interest in the role, relevant fundraising experience, and alignment with Abiqua School’s mission and values
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This position will remain open until filled.
Requirements
Minimum of 5 years of direct fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization, with a track record of success in securing funds through personal solicitation and broad-based fundraising.
Proven skills in effective volunteer management in support of advancement activities. This includes identification, engagement, training, stewardship, and support to ensure volunteers reach their full potential and achieve fundraising goals.
Strong interpersonal and writing skills; organized, goal-oriented, creative thinker.
Position is responsible, in conjunction with the Head of School, for representing Abiqua with private donors, business and foundation funders, partner agencies, and the public at large, so must be able to travel and meet with funders.
Solid aptitude for working with databases, Word, Excel, and other e-resources is essential. Be conversant with relevant technologies and how they can be used in support of communicating, engaging donors and volunteers in activities, and managing and measuring results.
Planned giving experience is preferred, but not required.
Demonstrated ability to foster cross-departmental collaboration.
A commitment to the mission of the Abiqua School.
