Director of Advancement and Donor Relations

Lake Country Classical Academy in Oconomowoc, an independent, public, charter (2R) school, has a Director of Advancement and Donor Relations position available. The ideal candidate will provide leadership in securing new support and increasing current support from constituents of Lake Country Classical Academy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supports the advancement of Lake Country Classical Academy’s mission to train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a content-rich, classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue.

Supports the institutional aim to expand and strengthen LCCA’s donor rapport and relations in the annual fund, annual Liberty Gala, capital campaign initiatives, and overall stewardship. The successful candidate is a dynamic relationship-builder adept at building new connections on behalf of Lake Country Classical Academy. Must establish donor-centered stewardship program based on individuals and organizations to aid in enhancing the support of significant constituent markets throughout the LCCA community and beyond.

• Creates a comprehensive strategic advancement plan in partnership with the principal, aligning with LCCA’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Oversees all LCCA’s advancement efforts including, but not limited to annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, special events, future alumni relations, donor stewardship, data management, and gift processing.
• Executes an annual development plan with forecasting goals to increase overall support and stewardship efforts to ensure donor relations.
• Collaborates with Board of Directors, administrators, teachers, and staff in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors.
• Works with multiple constituencies including the Board of Directors, committee members, faculty and staff, future alumni, current and past parents, foundations, corporations, and members of the community at large to align donor goals/interests with priorities of the school.
• Identifies and cultivates foundation and corporate support of LCCA.
• Manages a portfolio of future donors through solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship calls to current donors and new prospects.
• Builds relationships among prospective donors, future alumni, parents, and volunteers to support programs and priorities.
• Manages the fundraising software, Blackbaud Raisers Edge NXT (CRM), by entering constituents, donors, and producing appropriate receipts and donor letters.

• Leads in planning, designing, and/or supervising the publication of printed materials relating to fundraising.
• Manages the financial advancement budget, ensuring resources are efficiently utilized.
• Represents the Advancement Office at various board and school functions.
• Performs other duties and required.

Requisite Experience & Competencies:

• Strategic and goal-oriented mindset.
• Minimum five years of experience in fundraising, relationship management, and/or building and sustaining long-term revenue generating broad-based relationships.
• Ability to create and execute the goals of a comprehensive fundraising plan.
• A self-starter and data driven decision maker who leverages data to inform strategy and measure success.
• Adept and experienced in direct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals.
• Prior experience working with capital campaigns, alumni, and volunteer engagement, or in a university, independent school setting, and/or a civic non-profit.
• Experience creating and managing budgets for strong fiscal management.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and techniques with focus on capital campaigns, annual campaigns, and major gifts. Capital campaign experience preferred.
• Embrace and support the mission of Lake Country Classical Academy, an independent public charter school.
• Strong project management skills to efficiently oversee multiple competing complex tasks.
• High level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality with sound judgment and discretion.
• Experience maintaining donor records using Blackbaud’s Raisers Edge NXT database (and other fundraising/relationship management software).
• Able to work evenings, weekends, and work holidays as needed. Occasional travel.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• All Lake Country Classical Academy employees must pass required background checks in accordance with policies of both Lake Country Classical Academy and the Wisconsin
• Department of Public Instruction.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of equivalent experience in higher education, independent school (day or boarding schools), or advancement offices (development offices) in healthcare or civic nonprofit institutions.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in all areas of recruitment, selection, placement, training, assignment, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, retention, and promotion. The board commits itself to the policy that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, or disability. All decisions regarding employment shall be in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.