Development Officer
Ascent Classical Academies
Ascent Classical Academies seeks a Development Officer to join our team as we work to achieve organizational advancement goals through fundraising and donor development. This involves prospect research and developing effective solicitation strategies as well as stewarding donors throughout the major giving process. This individual will work with our executive team and governing boards to coordinate and execute long-term fundraising initiatives.
About Ascent Classical Academies
Ascent Classical Academies partners with a network of classical charter schools based in Colorado delivering a content-rich curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences, with underlying principles in the Western tradition of the study of history, literature, philosophy, and fine arts. Our American Classical Education includes, among other things, the study of Latin; a rich examination of American literary, moral, philosophical, political, and historical tradition; and a school culture centered upon moral virtue, respect, discipline, and studiousness among students and faculty alike. Ascent Classical Academy charter schools currently serve approximately 1,700 students in K-12 campuses located in the Denver and Fort Collins areas of Colorado, with significant expansion planned throughout Colorado and beyond.
The Development Officer is responsible for modeling, implementing, and continuously improving in the following areas and scope of work:
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Planning and evaluating fundraising campaigns and activities, including fundraising for strategic network growth initiatives
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Designing and operating a donor stewardship program
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Developing and maintaining a donor database
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Recruiting and training fundraising volunteers within prospective and current school communities
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Evaluating trends in the education, fundraising, and nonprofit communities
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Communicating with donors and employees through email, social media, and by phone
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Creating solicitation materials
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Identifying grant opportunities or other strategic partnerships
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Tracking and assessing major gift fundraising metrics
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Other duties as assigned to support the mission and vision of ACA
Successful candidates will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. They will balance flexibility and innovation with discernment and consistency while staying faithfully committed to the mission and vision of ACA, as well as laws, guidance, and best practices. They will have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.
The Development Officer reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications and collaborates with the Executive Director, Director of New Schools and Outreach, Director of Finance, and headmasters at ACA schools.
Desired Start Date: Immediately
Compensation Range and Particulars: $50,000 to $65,000 annually
Schedule and Classification: Full-Time | Exempt | Year-Round
Benefits Available:
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Competitive compensation package
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Employee-only coverage for group medical, dental, and vision plan; dependent coverage available
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Health savings account with employer contributions
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Short- and long-term disability and life insurance plans
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Retirement investment account with employer match
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Employee Assistance Plan
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Free employee benefits and healthcare guidance through HealthJoy
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Paid leave for qualifying events under the Family Medical Leave Act and the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
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On-site fitness center
All Ascent Classical Academies employees exhibit strong character, passion for excellence, and a relentless commitment to the development of knowledge and virtue in young people.
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Five or more years of relevant experience, including examples of notable fundraising planning and execution in the nonprofit or education sectors
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Bachelor's degree or equivalent strongly preferred
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Superb verbal and written communication skills and problem-solving abilities
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Time management and flexibility with job duties
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Expertise in managing a donor database and utilizing fundraising software
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Willingness to continually learn and to empower colleagues
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Demonstrated team player
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Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities at one time
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Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
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Post-offer, satisfactory background check as required by state law and Colorado Department of Education
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Conviction in the values of a rigorous liberal arts education
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Loyalty to the school and ACA’s mission and vision
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Commitment to model moral character in line with the school’s core virtues and the pursuit of the Good, True, and Beautiful
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Moderate travel to school sites required
How to apply
Ascent Classical Academies Careers