Franklin Academy seeks an organized, relationship-oriented, and mission-driven Associate Director of Development to help strengthen and grow the Academy's culture of philanthropy during an exciting period of institutional growth.

Reporting to the Dean of Advancement & Alumni Relations, the Associate Director will play a central role in implementing Franklin's Annual Fund strategy while supporting donor stewardship, advancement operations, alumni engagement, and community fundraising initiatives. This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys building relationships, managing projects, and helping donors see the impact of their generosity.

As Franklin Academy prepares to expand its advancement efforts, including growing annual giving, increasing scholarship support, strengthening alumni engagement, and preparing for future capital initiatives, the Associate Director will have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of the school's development program. This position offers exceptional professional growth for an advancement professional who is eager to develop expertise in annual giving, donor relations, advancement operations, and nonprofit fundraising within an entrepreneurial independent school environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Annual Fund

Support the planning and execution of Franklin Academy's Annual Fund with the goal of increasing donor participation, strengthening donor retention, and expanding philanthropic support.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate Annual Fund campaigns throughout the year.
• Assist in developing solicitation calendars and annual giving strategies.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to draft donor appeals, email campaigns, acknowledgments, and impact stories.
• Help identify new donor segments and opportunities for increased participation.
• Track campaign performance and prepare reports on giving trends and participation.
• Support faculty, parent, alumni, and volunteer giving initiatives.
• Assist with Giving Day and other annual fundraising efforts.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

Help ensure every donor has a meaningful and positive experience with Franklin Academy by providing timely, thoughtful, and personalized stewardship.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate donor acknowledgments and recognition.
• Prepare stewardship reports highlighting the impact of philanthropy.
• Assist in planning donor cultivation opportunities.
• Support donor meetings through research, briefing materials, and follow-up.
• Help strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of Franklin Academy.
• Maintain stewardship calendars and ensure consistent donor communication throughout the year.

Advancement Operations

Support the day-to-day operations of the Advancement Office by maintaining accurate records and ensuring efficient fundraising systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain donor and constituent records in the Franklin’s database.
• Coordinate gift processing and pledge tracking.
• Partner with the Business Office to reconcile gifts and produce accurate reports.
• Conduct prospect research.
• Generate reports on fundraising activity, participation, and donor engagement.
• Maintain project timelines and advancement calendars.
• Protect the confidentiality and integrity of donor information.

Alumni & Community Engagement

Support initiatives that strengthen lifelong relationships with Franklin Academy.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with alumni communications and engagement activities.
• Help coordinate alumni events and networking opportunities.
• Encourage alumni participation in annual giving and school programs.
• Assist with communications that celebrate alumni achievements and community impact.

Events & Advancement Programs

Support fundraising and community engagement events that strengthen relationships and inspire philanthropy.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate logistics for Annual Fund events, donor receptions, alumni gatherings, and stewardship events.
• Assist with invitations, sponsorships, volunteer coordination, and event communications.
• Support fundraising activities associated with major school events.
• Represent Franklin Academy at community and advancement events as appropriate.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities.