Chief Advancement and Experience Officer

Company: the gordon school
Location: East Providence
Posted on: November 5, 2019

Job Description:

OverviewFounded in 1910 as the Open Air School by pediatrician Dr. Helen West Cooke, Gordon became Rhode Island's only non-public coeducational school. In 1963, the school moved to its current 12-acre site and remains true to its progressive roots, instilling "the true spirit of joyous work" - and holding fast to the belief that "mind and heart should be educated with equal care." -Today, Gordon is an independent, nursery through eighth grade school with an enrollment of 332 students, renowned nationally for a commitment to equity, inclusion, social justice, and a multicultural curriculum. The mission, embraced by all members of the community, inspires and informs decisions and is championed in all aspects of school life.Gordon believes the N-8 model best serves the educational, social, and emotional needs of children by creating opportunities for students to connect across grade levels, promoting a school wide sense of community, and making key social skills like empathy and kindness essential elements of the day-to-day experience.In July 2018, Gordon welcomed Dr. Noni Thomas L-- -pez as the new Head of School following the 24-year tenure of Ralph Wales. Dr. Thomas L-- -pez brings a deep grounding in Gordon's core values of "inspiring joyful learning, encouraging intellectual leadership, fostering an empathic spirit, and stimulating a drive for positive societal impact." - In her first year, Dr. Thomas L-- -pez led the community in the creation of a bold and ambitious strategic plan, A More Just and Sustainable World, which will guide Gordon into its next chapter. This is a formative moment for Gordon, and there is a palpable excitement in the community as the school begins the important work of bringing its strategic vision to fruition.The OpportunityThe Chief Advancement and Experience Officer (CAXO) is a new position at Gordon and one that is unique in the independent school world. In addition to being responsible for all aspects of an integrated advancement program (fundraising, communications/marketing, and community relations), the CAXO is tasked with ensuring that all aspects of the school experience contribute to a positive and enduring engagement between Gordon and its families. -A member of Gordon's senior leadership team, the CAXO provides leadership and vision for the school's advancement and family experience initiatives and will work closely with the Head of School, the Leadership Team, trustees, and community stakeholders of Gordon to design and execute a comprehensive effort to cultivate a family-centered community and a culture of philanthropy that will support Gordon's unique mission and programs. The CAXO will play a key role in executing the goals of the strategic plan and ensuring that the school's advancement efforts are coordinated and aligned with the plan's objectives.A Day in the Life of the CAXOThe CAXO position presents an exciting opportunity for a curious and creative leader to touch and impact every aspect of school life. On any given day, you might find the CAXO...Greeting students, parents, and caregivers at arrival and dismissal along with other members of the Leadership Team.Meeting with the Advancement Team (Head of School, Assistant Head, Director of Admissions, Director of Communications) to design a series of experiences for new families. -Creating, conducting and analyzing community satisfaction interviews with new students and families and determining how the data will influence recruitment, retention, and cultivation strategies.Leading a brainstorming session with the Gordon Community Association on how to create inclusive volunteer opportunities that take into account the realities of Gordon families' day-to-day life.Presenting at a full-faculty and staff meeting to share the vision for this role and the ways that faculty and staff can be involved in the work.Traveling with the Head of School to meet alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, or other friends of Gordon to build relationship and inspire engagement and partnership in the implementation of Gordon's strategic vision and fundraising campaign.Key ResponsibilitiesAdvancement OfficeIn cooperation with the Head of School, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Admissions, and Chairs of the Finance and Advancement Committees of the Board, design annual and long-term strategic advancement plans of action, including goals, projections, and implementation. Report progress and provide assessment and analysis on a regular basis.Establish policies with regard to effective and appropriate management of the school's advancement data and records.Lead and inspire a talented team of three advancement professionals. Supervise and support the team in a way that will maximize individual talents and encourage professional growth. -Be a visible and engaging presence in the school community, including attending students' athletic and artistic events, parent meetings, and other occasions.Family ExperienceFoster a schoolwide understanding of the family journey from inquiry through graduation so that key constituencies (i.e., faculty, administration, trustees) can partner effectively to create a consistent and compelling family experience.Develop and launch campaigns that help improve current and prospective family satisfaction.Advocate for families' needs in the development and implementation of strategies and programs throughout the school.Partner with the Admissions Office to measure and track recruitment, retention and overall family satisfaction.Spearhead initiatives that ensure faculty and staff continue to be engaged, satisfied and passionate about Gordon so that this spirit comes across when working with current and prospective families.DevelopmentLead the overall fundraising strategy of the school and oversee annual giving, major gifts and planned giving, special events, and campaigns as set forth by the school's strategic plan.Actively engage with and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, including personal cultivation, solicitation, closing of gifts, and stewardship. -Oversee the effective and efficient planning and execution of advancement events and activities.Ensure that all advancement services are operating accurately and efficiently.Marketing and CommunicationsOversee internal and external communications and partner with the Admissions Office to execute the school's strategic marketing plan.Supervise the planning and production of all school publications with the Communications Director.Promote Gordon through cultivating partnerships with community organizations and steward the school's external relationships. -Head of SchoolAs a member of the Gordon Leadership Team, partner with the Head of School on the implementation of the Head's vision and goals and the development and execution of strategic initiatives.Provide comprehensive support and effective direction to the Head of School in fulfilling her advancement responsibilities.Serve as a point person on crisis and emergency communications and work with Head of School to ensure proper messaging.Board of TrusteesPartner with the Chairs of the Advancement Committee to coordinate the work of the committee; set agendas and provide data for meetings.Partner with the Chair of the Trusteeship Committee to provide all research and data needed for the recruitment and training of new trustees.Report regularly to the Board on progress of the annual and strategic advancement plans.Desired SkillsEnthusiastic commitment to Gordon's progressive, multicultural curriculum and a recognition of the significance of its excellent academic program. -An ability to lead and motivate collaboratively and manage multiple projects and assignments with excellent organization, delivery, creativity, planning, and attention to detail.Confidence, patience, and a sense of humor that complement Gordon's culture and values.Ability to influence and engage a wide range of constituents and build long-term relationships.Ability to work collaboratively and engage productively with students, families, faculty/staff, trustees, and colleagues on the Leadership Team. -Demonstrated interpersonal skills that reflect a growth mindset.High cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.Proven ability to communicate passionately, clearly, and concisely. Superior writing, editing, verbal communication, and analytical research skills.QualificationsA Bachelor's degree (Master's degree or higher preferred) in nonprofit or independent school management, marketing/communications, public relations, business administration, or a related field. -Significant senior leadership experience including experience overseeing a major campaign or strategic initiatives (e.g., strategic planning, capital campaign, full-scale marketing/branding reboot, customer experience transformation).Demonstrated experience implementing effective integrated marketing, branding, public relations, digital/online, design and communications principles and strategies.Demonstrated success inspiring and leading a team, including establishing goals, managing performance, and fostering professional growth.Compensation and BenefitsThis is a full-time exempt position and reports to the Head of School. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. Gordon employees enjoy a competitive employee benefits program including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plan contribution, and voluntary supplemental life insurance and long-term care coverage. -Gordon School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: the gordon school, East Providence , Chief Advancement and Experience Officer, Executive , East Providence, Rhode Island