Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks a Director of Development
Operations to serve as one of three Development team leaders. This
position has primary oversight of the daily on-site operations of
the Development Office and supervises two full-time staff members
of the Development Operations team.
The Director is the primary administrator of the Veracross
database, ensuring that all constituent and gift data is collected
and organized to be efficiently utilized by Development staff and
for internal and external reporting. This position analyzes results
and trends across all giving categories, including annual fund,
capital, endowment, and special projects.
As the manager of daily operations for the department, the
Director will create and maintain department-wide collaboration,
communication, and teamwork to ensure that events, goals, tasks,
and daily operations run smoothly.
As a leading member of a small but highly successful development
team, the Director is a proactive and supportive supervisor and
team-player with excellent communication skills and enjoys working
in a dynamic, mission-focused organization. The ideal candidate has
meticulous organizational skills, the ability to think creatively
and critically, and is highly collaborative. Occasional evening and
weekend events are required.
This is a 12-month, exempt position reporting to the Chief
Development Officer (CDO).
Management & Supervision:
- Oversee the daily operations of the overall Development Office
(15% of time): - Co-lead with the CDO and Director of Development internal team
meetings. Facilitate team meeting scheduling, administer agenda
creation, and follow-up on action items as needed; - Guide and mentor department staff through event planning,
coordination, and execution; attend and participate in events as
appropriate; and - Collaborate with other departments as needed to ensure that
team members get necessary support and collaboration for events and
activities.
- Supervise the Development Operations Team consisting of (35% of
time): - Assistant Director of Donor Stewardship and
Research – ensure the timely fulfillment of donor
stewardship functions such as sending annual endowment fund donor
reports; managing donor recognition on e-platforms and in print;
ensure the production of prospect research profiles and donor visit
briefings for frontline fundraising staff and volunteers. The
Assistant Director will also enter gifts and donor data on the
Veracross system. - Development Associate – ensure this person
accurately maintains the calendars of the three leaders of the
Development Office: the CDO, the Director of Development, and the
Director of Development Operations; mentor and train the Associate
who will have primary responsibility for managing and running
Development events. The Development Associate will also enter
gifts, donor data and moves management actions for all frontline
fundraisers.
- Supervise direct reports, provide regular clear and supportive
written and verbal feedback, offer resources where needed, and
conduct annual evaluations and reviews per the School’s performance
evaluation process; provide expertise, guidance, coaching, and
leadership to support team growth and development.
Database Management
- Veracross database administrator (50% of time):
- Train all Development staff in the use of the Veracross
database. - Perform new and ongoing analysis reports. Provide relevant data
points to the Development team, school Administration, and Board of
Trustees; - Oversee the timely entry of all gifts and pledges into the
database; ensure speedy and accurate generation of acknowledgement
letters and giving reports; ensure professional handling of
sensitive and confidential information; - Oversee the creation of new constituent records and updating
contact information, prospect notes, and event registrations; - Coordinate with IT, the Admissions Office, and other
departments to import large quantities of complex data into
Veracross; - Initiate and manage projects to improve utilization of the
database, from Veracross updates to mass modifications; - Serves as primary liaison to the Business Office to reconcile
funds, and support the CFO in preparation for the annual financial
audit; - Regularly analyze database concerning philanthropic potential
and assist with prospect moves management; - Provide support for the analysis of trends using data from
other school functions such as admissions, student life, and the
arts and academic programs; and
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Development
Officer, the Head of School, or their designee.
Collaboration & Community Involvement
- Actively participate in the student community by supporting the
Student Life program, which may include serving as a faculty or
club advisor, chaperoning School events, providing weekend duty, or
other opportunities for community involvement that arise throughout
the School year; - Speak authentically about the imperative for diversity, equity,
and inclusion in schools; be committed to learning about and
practicing anti-racist work; - Attend student performances, art openings, and art events
throughout the year; support and engage richly in arts productions,
shows, exhibitions, and performances; - Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to
foster a positive working and educational environment for students
and employees to support the school’s mission, vision, and core
values; and - Attend and participate in required faculty and staff meetings
and department meetings; pursue PD opportunities in and out of
school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new
approaches, and practice self-reflection.
Skills & Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work
experience; non-profit or education experience a plus; - Experience supervising and mentoring direct reports;
- Well-developed commitment to collaborative leadership and the
ability to manage and grow a team’s skills, vision and
cohesion; - Excellent database and computer skills; expertise in data and
records management; ability to handle confidential information with
discretion; - Demonstrated proficiency with Google applications, Microsoft
Office Suite, Veracross or equivalent database; - Possess excellent customer service skills and ability to work
with a wide range of people – alumni, students, parents, faculty,
staff, donors, board members, outside artists, vendors, and
community members; - Ability to work independently and effectively in a changing,
fast-paced environment; - Demonstrated commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive
community; - Possess cultural competence in working with diverse populations
and commitment to learning about and practicing anti-racist
work; - Possess excellent and effective written and oral communication
skills, strong attention to detail, and strong analytical skills;
and - Share an educational and artistic vision that aligns with the
core principles of Walnut Hill.
Benefits:
Walnut Hill School for the Arts offers a competitive benefit
package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability
Insurance, up to 7% Matching Retirement Contribution through TIAA,
Generous Time-off, Meals in the Dining Hall, Fitness Center Access,
Tickets to Performances, and Professional Development
Opportunities. Learn more about Walnut Hill on our website and come
join our community!
To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut
Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.