Specific Responsibilities:

• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 150 leadership prospects and donors to ensure that timely steps are taken toward cultivation, solicitation, and closure. This portfolio will consist of primarily, but not limited to, alumni.
• Develop and implement prospect-specific strategies for cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects for programs and projects as set forth by the Board of Trustees.  These strategies may include seeking ways of involving these donors further in the activities and leadership of the School as a means of on-going cultivation.
  Make assessment calls, cultivate, solicit, provide recognition, and steward appropriately leadership and major gifts, with an emphasis on gifts at the $25,000+ level. Work with donors on multiple giving methods including current, deferred giving, non-cash gifts, and tax implications. Build relationships with donors, and coordinate solicitations when appropriate with the Head of School, fundraising counsel, the Director of External Relations, or volunteers.
• Document all Activity in the Raiser’s Edge database.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of Shipley’s educational and strategic programs in order to effectively articulate the School’s priorities and fundraising objectives.
• Working with the Director of External Relations, prepare and submit goal achievement plans that contain specific timelines, projected results, and outcomes.
• Oversee the direct marketing program for Planned Giving,
• Develop and implement, in consultation with Planned Giving Counsel, prospect-specific strategies for cultivating and soliciting planned giving prospects. 
• Oversee major gift and planned giving budgets.
• Work closely with other staff as part of the External Relations office team to ensure appropriate coordination and communication.
• Attend all appropriate Development and Major Gifts meetings as well as other school-related events as appropriate.

Qualifications:

The position requires strong interpersonal, oral and written communication, and computer skills.   The candidate will have a strong background in successfully marketing and securing major gifts, and a high level of confidence in making oral presentations to prospective donors and volunteers. This person should have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment, and be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks by employing effective management strategies. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge 7 and independent school culture is an asset.  Significant travel is required. Availability to start July 1, 2008 or sooner is required.

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter by email or postal mail to:

DeDe Chirgwin Brown, Director of External Relations
The Shipley School
814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
dchirgwin@shipleyschool.org