• Full Time
  • Ross, CA
  • This position has been filled

The Branson School

About The Branson School

The Branson School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 320 students, grades 9-12, located in Marin County, California.Branson is more than just a great school. It’s an ever-evolving educational community that challenges and supports students as they grow into confident, thoughtful, ethical people.

We encourage students to be brave in whatever they do – in the classroom, on the field, on stage, in the community, even with their peers. The faculty values collaboration, continual growth and improvement, reflection, and student centered  teaching. Banson teachers work in a beautiful, well-resourced environment with dedicated students. The faculty is widely regarded as outstanding and there exists in the faculty an admirable ​esprit de corps and a positive attitude about their work and their relationship with students.

Mission Statement

Branson develops students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy.

Diversity Mission Statement

Branson believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to create a truly excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community.  We aspire to have every member of the Branson community feel a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.

Core Values

Courage

Kindness

Honor

Purpose

Position Description

This is a high-profile position that requires a strong ability to build consensus and “good-will” on behalf of the School and its constituency. The Head of School, to whom this hire reports, values a person who is strategically oriented, experienced in capital campaigns, an excellent fund-raiser, enthusiastic, genuine, an effective manager and leader of people, a team player, and one dedicated to the mission of a co-ed independent day high school. This person should be willing and able to travel. He or she will be an active partner in interactions with senior members of The Branson School faculty and staff, and with alumni, parents, Trustees, and members of the surrounding community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Chief Advancement Office

Critical features of this job are described below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Works with the Head of School, CFOO and Trustees to develop financial goals and strategies for each giving program, including cultivation strategies for all major gift prospects.
With the Head of School and Trustees, sets the framework and manages all aspects of the upcoming Centennial Capital Campaign
In collaboration with the Head of School, serves as lead advancement professional for top donors.
Designs long-term strategic goals for Alumni Affairs, Major Gifts, and Annual Fund
Creates a Planned Giving program, including collateral, website, and strategy to build this function at Branson
Provides regular, detailed reports and information to the Head of School and Board of Trustees to help in decision-making and program evaluation.
Serves as the director of the Alumni/Advancement/Communications management team.
Manages a select portfolio of major gift prospects.
Arranges major donor prospect calls for the Head of School. Provides to the Head of School itinerary, background prospect information, and the most effective strategies to maximize donor potential for giving.
Serves as a member of the Senior Administrative team.
Works closely with the Board of Trustees and the Advancement, Finance, Governance, and Campaign Committees.
Works with the Trustee Advancement Committee in planning annual and restricted fund- raising events and campaigns. Sets goals, timelines and monitors progress.
Identifies, cultivates and makes recommendations to the Head of School of prospective alumni and parent candidates for Trustee and Trustee Committees.
Collaborates with the Head of School and Committee Chairs, sets agendas, and participates in the Board’s Advancement and Governance Committee meetings. Prepares and distributes minutes.
Creates and implements strategies to identify, recruit, train and reward volunteer leadership forming a cadre of fundraising volunteers.
Directs the Stewardship program, including the design, solicitation, and acknowledgment procedures for all endowment and restricted funds.
Monitors and regularly reviews the Advancement Office budget in collaboration with the School’s CFOO.
Directs staff in the successful execution of all alumni relations and parent programming, including on-campus events such as reunions and off-campus events such as regional gatherings, dinners, and cultivation events.
Interacts and builds relationships within the wider Ross community.
Understands how to best utilize various and ever-changing social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn) in order to build loyalty and engagement with Alumni and Parent affinity groups.
Develops and implements a robust training program for the Advancement team in collaboration with Trustee leadership, Head of School, and CFOO
May serve as an advisor in the student advisory program.
As an active community member, all employees will attend assemblies, staffulty meetings, department meetings, admission events and other required school events including nights and weekends.
Be student centered and actively participate in co-curricular duties approved by the school

Position Requirements

A high level of integrity, warmth, confidence, a positive outlook, a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor.
Knowledge and significant experience with the following: Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Strategic Communication, and Capital Campaigns
Ability to interact effectively with all the constituencies of the School community: including the Head of School, administration, staff, faculty, Board of Trustees, alumni, parents, and friends of the School.
Experience in organizing, conducting and completing a Capital Campaign
Knowledge and experience in Planned Giving
Knowledge of how to effectively market and communicate the values and mission of the School, both internally and externally.
Capacity to envision and contribute to the completion of the School’s strategic plan.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Able to administer the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major gift and annual fund leadership prospects.
Knowledge and experience in prospect tracking, stewardship, and all aspects of Annual Giving programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage direct reports and build a high-functioning team
Experience in managing volunteers, including members of governing boards and the parents’ association.
Technical skills and experience in philanthropic topics and tools, including Raiser’s Edge, UPMIFA, IRS tax rules, regulations related to restricted giving, etc.
A strong commitment to a co-ed day independent school education.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Has successfully executed a large scale Capital Campaign
Has previously served as a Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Advancement, or has served in an equivalent role at another non-profit organization.
Ability to demonstrate our four core values and support our mission statements through collaboration, professionalism and critical reflection
Ability to pass state and federal background check, fingerprinting, and provide a recent negative TB test or screening.

Physical Requirements

Light work.  Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and have good mobility skills.
Must be able to stoop, kneel, and reach and extend arms in any direction.
Must have close visual acuity to perform activities such as:  viewing a computer terminal, ability to take photographs, extensive reading, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Branson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers and interns, and the School makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. Branson prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. The School will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

For Consideration

We encourage those that align with Branson’s shared commitment to its Mission Statement, Diversity Mission Statement and Core Values to apply by uploading a cover letter and resume to Michelle Jones, Director of Human Resources at https://thebransonschool.applytojob.com/apply/xf2lTo7IMu/Chief-Advancement-Officer