A Christ Centered Preparatory School
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A Christ –Centered Preparatory School Director of Advancement
Transcript of A Christ Centered Preparatory School
A Christ –Centered Preparatory School
Director of Advancement
A Christ-centered College
Preparatory School Whitefield Academy, a Christ-centered college-preparatory school located in Smyrna, Georgia, serves
more than 800 students from Smyrna, Vinings, Buckhead, and beyond, in grades PreK4 through 12. The
rigorous and intentional curriculum offers numerous AP and honors level courses, setting the framework
for 100 percent of graduates to matriculate to colleges and universities, with many enjoying generous
scholarship offers and awards. Whitefield’s tight-knit, family-focused community is unique, providing
students a learning environment second to none, and facilitating the discovery of student talents and
interests. With award winning sports and fine arts programs, Whitefield students hone their skills, develop
deep relationships with God and others, and enjoy pursuing their passions both in and out of the
classroom.
The school holds fast to its founding vision and core values:
Academic excellence in a college preparatory program taught from a Biblical worldview
Covenantal education in which the faculty, administrators, board of trustees and parents form a
partnership to educate, encourage, and instruct students in a Christ-centered community
Enrollment reflecting the racial, ethnic and economic diversity within the body of Christ
Effective servant leadership as a characteristic of the Whitefield Academy graduates who are
prepared to make a difference in their world for Christ
Faithful stewardship of the talents and resources of the faculty, students and the entire
Whitefield community, so that God gets the glory
Modeling excellence in Christian education in the United States
Core Purpose - Mission Statement
Whitefield Academy, a Christ-centered college preparatory school, exists to bolster Christian families in rearing
young people who go on to college and life with a passion for learning, for others ahead of self, and for the living
and active Jesus.
About Whitefield Academy
Whitefield at a Glance
Since 1997, Whitefield Academy has built a strong reputation as a Christ-centered college preparatory
school dedicated to developing the whole student – athletically, artistically, intellectually, socially, and
spiritually. This reputation is demonstrated in the growth Whitefield has been able to achieve since its
inception despite the competitive Atlanta market. Now in its 21st year, Whitefield has grown to 814
students, more than ever before. In addition, the alumni now number over 880 and they are becoming
much more active in the school as supporters, volunteers, employees, and legacy parents. As a result,
Whitefield has developed a strong support base of loyal families financially supporting the school through
its Annual Fund, special projects, and capital campaigns.
Whitefield Academy is at a point in its growth trajectory where they are seeking a new Director of
Advancement, who will be a catalyst in the school’s continued maturation process and who will radiate a
passion for the school’s mission and all Christ is enabling throughout the Whitefield campus. The Director
of Advancement will serve on the school leadership team and will be responsible for providing leadership,
strategic direction, and implementation of the strategy to advance the vision, mission, and priorities of
Whitefield Academy. The addition of a new Director of Advancement comes at an exciting time in
Whitefield’s 20-year history as the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the
school’s growing influence and recognition while capitalizing on resources to further develop the near
100-acre campus as a model of excellence in Christ-centered education.
Partnering with the Head of School and school community, this new leader will serve to provide for the
long-term health and advancement of Whitefield Academy by leading the fundraising efforts and
overseeing the acquisition of gifts (finance and other resources) to fulfill the school’s strategic plan. The
Director of Advancement will identify and cultivate beneficial relationships and funding sources within a
passionate community of Whitefield parents, grandparents and alumni, as well as with businesses,
foundations, and public officials outside the school community. This person thus assumes fiduciary
responsibility for the school with regard to the proper handling of all charitable donations entrusted to
the school.
The school’s fundraising efforts are centralized, but there is a need to lead and shepherd the advancement
mission through the development of cross-campus connections and collaboration with other departments
on Whitefield’s campus. This effort will ensure a highly effective team of development-minded partners
that strive to achieve increased goals, develop and implement best practices, and remain connected
through enhanced communication in order to support and execute the mission and vision of Whitefield
Academy.
The Opportunity
Leadership · Develop short-term and long-term strategic plans to meet advancement goals and objectives,
including stewardship, cultivation, funding capital projects, securing major gifts, annual
fundraising, and events.
· Provide leadership in the creation, scope, timeline, and implementation of capital campaigns
to fund those plans utilizing gifts, pledges, grants, planned giving, and non-cash gifts.
· Provide supervision, training, oversight, and encouragement to direct reports: alumni and
special events manager, gifts management officer, manager of annual giving and donor
relations, and office manager.
· Lead volunteers, committees, board members, and others involved in fundraising efforts
through modeling, training, and inspiration consistent with the vision, values, and mission of
the school.
· Collaborate closely with the leadership team (including participation in weekly meetings) to
help devise and participate in overall strategy and implementation, and to allow for smooth
and effective coordination among all divisions.
Cultivation and Stewardship · Identify prospects (through research, personal meetings, and working with the leadership
team) who have capacity and/or networks which could be beneficial to the school.
· Implement strategies to build
relationships with and among
Whitefield families and
prospects, including but not
limited to new family orientation,
personal meetings, and creating
networking opportunities for
families (IT parents; Men’s
Fraternity; Alumni job search
networking, etc.).
· Steward long-term relationships
and engagement with the school,
while involving and assigning the
Head of School, trustees, and key
leaders of the school for certain
supporters when appropriate.
· Maintain a system for communicating with major supporters throughout the year through
various touchpoints (letters, calls, emails, and personal visits).
· Create and implement plans to cultivate families in joining the leadership levels of giving.
· Implement procedures for multiple touches of thanks and recognition for all supporters,
including thank you parties, gifts, and events for leadership level supporters.
Key Responsibilities
· Work with public relations director to identify opportunities to represent Whitefield with
outside organizations.
· Participate actively in school life while being visible on campus with all three schools,
connecting with parents, students, and staff.
· Engage with the Whitefield Parent Association, other parent groups, and volunteers through
meetings, games, plays, and other school activities.
Capital Funding and Solicitation · Work with the Head of School to identify and prioritize programs, facilities and endowment
needs in connection with the master campus plan and strategic plan of the school.
· Make requests for various levels of gifts related to a capital campaign, including major gifts at
the six and seven-figure range and above.
· Retain and oversee outside fundraising counsel as needed.
· Maintain a strong relationship with foundations and their leadership, and hold responsibility
for oversight of all grant proposals, use of funds, and adhering to their reporting
requirements.
Annual Giving · Work with the leadership team to establish annual goals.
· Oversee creation and implementation of a strategic and marketing plan for the Annual Fund.
· Solicit trustees and administrators, and assist with others as needed.
· Approve Annual Fund volunteers and assist in training as required.
Alumni Relations · Oversee the creation and implementation of strategic plans and goals in engagement with,
and recognition of, alumni (including the annual alumni award).
· Assist in recruiting and approving alumni board members.
· Work with alumni board in developing and implementing strategies to attract and strengthen
the Alumni Association.
· Develop and maintain relationships with assigned alumni and their parents.
· Oversee and monitor alumni social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).
· Assist in networking alumni with current students (mentoring) and current parents (job
searches).
Receipting/Record Keeping
· Oversee record keeping (including Raiser’s Edge software) by establishing clear rules and
accepted guidelines for entering, receipting, and thanking supporters.
· Model and provide accountability for field staff in maintaining detailed records, donor
research, visits, interests, and contacts.
· Ensure the proper use, reporting, recording, and safekeeping of all gifts, pledges, and
confidential information, including proper designation of gifts, and receipting according to IRS
regulations.
· Work closely with business office to maintain integrity of gift records.
Other Areas · Establish and maintain annual budgets for advancement, including wise stewardship of
resources in providing for capital campaigns, events, and individual budgets.
· Monitor and track year to year performance using established KPIs.
· Adhere to the bylaws, policies and procedures, and all laws that govern the school and its
actions.
· Work with parents, students, and principals, regulating outside fundraising activities.
· Oversee the Whitefield Grandparent Association.
· Oversee the biennial Silent Auction and other events related to advancement activities.
· Additional duties as assigned by the Head of School.
The Director of Advancement will partner with the Head of School and the broader school community to
secure the financial gifts that provide for the infrastructure and programs that enable Whitefield’s
mission. As such, this leader will serve as a missionary to the giving community in cultivating and
stewarding donors either directly or orchestrating relationships through others.
The Director of Advancement will have a deep sense of calling to advance the integration of faith and
learning and the ministry of Christian education. This leader must be personally aligned with the mission
and vision of Whitefield Academy and be able to support the Statement of Faith and strategic objectives
of the school. In addition to these qualifications, the next Director of Advancement will have:
A minimum of five years of senior, professional development or sales experience.
Proven success in major gift/sales solicitation.
Experience in supervising a development/sales staff.
A bachelor’s degree (required) in a related field with a master’s preferred.
An ability to demonstrate self-awareness and an openness to constructive feedback.
Strong business and financial acumen.
Exceptionally effective written and oral communication skills.
Evidence of a track record in developing and managing comprehensive fundraising/sales
programs.
Qualifications & Attributes
Experience supervising both paid and volunteer staff.
Demonstrated success closing major gifts from private individuals and foundations.
Familiarity with planned giving options.
A mature faith and servant leadership that values others in word and deed.
A high level of energy, a strong work ethic, resilience, and creativity.
Strong social skills with an ability to be an empathetic listener and relate well to others.
Strong organizational skills with an ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of development management software, Raiser’s Edge preferred.
In addition, the candidate should:
Be committed to the school’s core values, its mission and vision, and have a commitment to
shepherding and mentoring the hearts of children.
Commit to living his/her life under the lordship of Christ.
Model a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ, and be a Christian role model in speech, actions,
and attitudes, which contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the school.
Have evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in the nurturing of relationships with employees, students,
families, and the community at large.
Actively participate in a local church.
CONTACT:
Bill Peterson
Partner
Direct: 678.448.0013
Chris Hornsby
Consultant
Direct: 678.448.0003
Marina DeFoor
Search Coordinator
Direct: 770.238.1357
Eugene Cozonac
Research Consultant
Direct: 770.238.1361
