Director of Community Advancement

Wingra School is an independent school for ages five to fourteen centrally-located in Madison, Wisconsin, or Dejope, within the ancestral and contemporary sacred homeland of the Ho-Chunk People.
We are currently searching for a Director of Community Advancement .
We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
As an organization, we are committed to examining our unconscious biases, working toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Wingra School, in service of social justice, strives for equity and fosters responsibility, advocacy, and compassion.
As a historically white organization, we recognize the existence of institutional racism that has excluded Black, Indigenous, and other people of color from positions of power, and contributed to their discrimination, persecution, genocide, incarceration, and execution.
We recognize that we live in an unjust society and are seeking people to be part of our transformation to uphold a core tenet of Wingra School’s progressive mission since its inception: to educate and to work for a more perfect union.
The Position: We seek a Director of Community Advancement guided by principles of equity, inclusion, democratic processes, and anti-racist practices.
The candidate is an excellent communicator who can work independently and as part of a team, is resourceful, responsive, organized, and able to navigate the independent school development terrain.
The Director of Community Advancement is responsible for the planning and organizing of Wingra’s fundraising efforts including the annual fund, special events, major gifts, alumni connections, and planned giving programs.
As well as the above duties, the Director is the primary link to our capital campaign consultant team and helps solicit prospects during the impending public phase of the campaign.
Job Responsibilities Include: Support all development activities, including research, solicitation, annual fund, major gift, planned giving, and capital campaign initiatives Meet consultants and prospective donors on a continual basis to establish effective communications Support alumni engagement and outreach activities Lead development and production of special events, including fundraisers and stewardship programs Lead grant seeking including research and reporting requirements Participation in and leadership of development-related committee meetings Management of fundraising database and tracking systems Qualifications: Knowledge of strategic development processes and procedures Exceptional verbal, written, and organizational skills Enthusiasm for work in philanthropy and non-profit organizations A minimum of two years of fundraising experience; experience with verbal and written solicitation preferred Ability to think strategically, analytically, and critically with regards to annual giving program Proven relationship-builder and motivator Collaborative and creative partner with honed critical thinking skills Possesses personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, and a sense of humor Competency with Google suite.
Knowledge of Little Green Light software (or similar CRM database) is a plus.
Working knowledge of online giving and email marketing systems is a plus The Wingra Community–staff, families, Board, and others–have collectively compiled the following priorities for a Wingra employee: Ability to approach an issue through multiple lenses and with integrity Skill and understanding in the area of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice Knowledge of, experience with, passion for, and a value system rooted in progressive and responsive education High level of emotional intelligence Commitment to social justice Opportunities and Challenges: Working with a Board of Trustees that is majority BIPOC Advancing seeded initiatives for a school garden and a food program as a precursor for environmental justice and Indigenous land practices Engaging with community organizations to ensure that we are actively part of the solution to inequality both locally and beyond Navigating a new tuition model based on family ability to pay Supporting culturally sustaining pedagogies across the curriculum Wingra School Mission Statement: In service of learning, we practice responsive and progressive education, and strive for equity.
In service of the whole person, we embrace unique gifts, experiences, and relationships.
In service of social justice, we foster responsibility, advocacy, and compassion.
In service of democracy, we nurture individual and collective growth.
In service of the world, we cultivate curiosity, creativity, and innovation.
We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply.
We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information.
Application Information: Please submit an updated resume and cover letter to: april@wingraschool.
org Job Type: Full-time, 12 months Pay: $65k+ as commensurate with experience Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to commute/relocate: Madison, WI 53711: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Education: Bachelor's (Preferred) or equivalent experience/education Work Location: One location : 100% in person