Associate Director of Development

The Associate Director of Development (ADOD) plays a key role in advancing Epiphany School’s fundraising strategy, with primary responsibility for leading the Annual Fund and special events that raise operating support, the alumni program and philanthropy analytics. The ADOD will carry a portfolio and engage prospects for leadership gifts to the Annual Fund and select major gift and capital campaign initiatives. The ADOD is a critical partner to the Director of Development (DOD) and Head of School in all philanthropy work, overseeing comprehensive annual giving programs and building strong, long-term relationships with donors, volunteers, and school leadership to support the school’s mission and strategic priorities. 

Epiphany School is a non-parochial, independent elementary school serving grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. At Epiphany School, we envision a world where exploring together fosters courageous learners and compassionate leaders. We strive to achieve this vision by being a welcoming community that embraces its diversity, celebrates the joy of childhood, and ignites lifelong curiosity. We aim to create a positive, joyful, and inclusive community by embracing the following values: 

• Learn Joyfully 
• Try New Things 
• Act Responsibly 
• Invite Everyone In 
• Shine Together 

With over 270 students, Epiphany School is large enough to offer a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and small enough to maintain a close-knit community. The beautiful, historic campus is located in a quiet setting in central Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood. 

This is an on-campus position located in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Evening and weekend work is required, including local travel for donor meetings and fundraising events. 

Annual Giving & Alumni Initiatives  

• →Primary responsibility for leading the team and reaching revenue targets totaling $1 Million+ per year. 

• →Lead a data-driven strategy for the Annual Fund campaign and spring fundraising event, including direct mail, digital fundraising, and year-end appeals. 

• →Partner with the Director of Development to develop and execute annual and long-range fundraising goals for Epiphany School. 

• →Recruit, train, and support the Annual Fund Committee and Spring Fundraiser Committee, engaging 20+ volunteers across multiple constituencies. 

• →Develop and implement strategies for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship related to the Annual Fund, spring fundraiser, and capital campaign. 

• →Create solicitation materials, appeal letters, and donor acknowledgements in partnership with the Development Services Manager. 

• →Build an operating plan to grow a comprehensive alumni engagement program, strengthening long-term relationships. 

• →Plan and execute alumni programs, events (including reunions), and communications, including a biannual alumni newsletter. 

• →Collaborate with the Director of Development, Major Gift Officer, and Campaign Manager to ensure donor outreach is coordinated, strategic, and effective. 

Events & Donor Engagement 

• →Provide strategic oversight of annual fundraising and donor engagement events, including the Annual Fund, Spring Fundraiser, Alumni Reunion, donor recognition events, and Epiphany Parent Community initiatives. 

• →Partner with the Events & Community Engagement Manager to ensure effective planning, execution, and post-event follow-up. 

• →Lead strategy for the spring fundraising event, including pre-solicitation planning, ticket promotion, procurement, and day-of-event philanthropic execution. 

• →Plan and execute donor recognition and stewardship events throughout the year. 

• →Support additional development-related events as needed, including registration, RSVP management, donor follow-up, and stewardship activities. 

Stewardship, Communications & Reporting 

• →Design and implement a tiered stewardship program for Annual Fund donors in collaboration with the Development team. 

• →Lead messaging and production of print and digital materials for the Annual Fund and spring fundraiser event. 

• →Draft development-related content for school publications and correspondence with parents, donors, alumni, and other stakeholders. 

• →Assist DOD in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for development initiatives. 

• →Partner with the Development Services Manager on the Annual Impact Report, working closely with the Director of Development and Director of Marketing & Communications. 

• →Collaborate with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure all fundraising materials are developed within brand guidelines, clearly written, and delivered on time.  

Data, Analytics & Reporting  

• →Supervise and collaborate with the Development Services Manager to oversee data services and analytics using Raiser’s Edge. 

• →Ensure timely tracking and acknowledgement of gifts and pledges, including corporate matching and in-kind gifts. 

• →Co-manage dashboards, donor pipeline reports, and key performance metrics for internal use, the Development Committee, Board of Trustees, and Annual Impact Report. 

• →Participate in occasional committee meetings and school-wide events, which may occur in the evenings or on weekends. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Minimum of seven years of experience with 3-5 years of a track record of success in fundraising with increasing responsibility.  

• Annual Fund leadership and major gift solicitation at the $10,000+ level. 

• Demonstrated success in growing revenue within a defined fundraising program. 

• Experience with both individual donor cultivation and broad-based solicitation strategies. 

• At least two years of experience supervising Development staff, including performance management and professional development. 

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences persuasively. 

• Strong project management skills and ability to manage complex relationships across multiple stakeholders. 

• Solid understanding of philanthropic trends and best practices in nonprofit fundraising. 

• Strong database management skills, including experience with donor databases and event platforms (e.g., Greater Giving). 

• Proficiency with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT strongly preferred. 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. 

• Self-starter with demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and sensitivity when working in a fast-paced environment. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail. 

• High energy and a strong sense of urgency. 

• Ability to dress in professional attire appropriate for a school environment and represent Epiphany School with professionalism at events and meetings. 

• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion. 

• Commitment to Epiphany School’s values of inclusiveness, respect, and diversity. 

• Experience working in Independent Schools is preferred, but not required. 

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please apply online at the RG175 website: www.rg175.com. The application includes:  

• Letter of interest  

• Resume or CV 

Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy, and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society.  

Epiphany School is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principle of equal access and opportunity in education and employment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all its programs and services.   

Epiphany School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology, physical, mental, or sensory disability, military status, genetic information, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  

Epiphany School complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@epiphanyschool.org.