ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATE - Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa, CA

Stacey Vega

Sonoma Country Day School

ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATE

Job Description and Qualifications

Founded in 1983, Sonoma Country Day School (SCDS) is Wine Country’s premier TK-8 independent school, located an hour north of San Francisco in Santa Rosa, CA. Serving 280 students, the school’s mission is To Bring Learning to Life through our five Guiding Principles: Engagement, Integrity, Relationship, Creativity, and Contribution. We draw students from Sonoma and Napa Counties and send graduates to top national and local public and private schools. Visit our website to learn more at www.scds.org.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Advancement Associate is a dynamic and enthusiastic development professional who collaborates closely with the Director of Advancement to create and execute strategies that advance fundraising and community engagement goals for the school. The Associate provides essential oversight and implementation of school events, contributes to other key initiatives, including alumni relations, and serves as a valuable member of the Advancement team. This full-time, in-person position reports directly to the Director of Advancement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Events

• Partner with the Director of Advancement and Country Day Parents Association (CDP) leadership to plan, coordinate, and execute all Development and CDP events, including key fundraising and community-building initiatives. Events include, but are not limited to: Back-to-School Family Picnic, Fall Parent Dinners, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, TEDxSonomaCounty, and our La Dolce Vita (LDV) Auction Fundraiser.
• Oversee event logistics, including invitations, guest services, venue coordination, volunteer management, run-of-show production, on-site support before and during events, and event follow up.
• Track and manage event budgets, ensuring accurate allocation of resources and cost-effective solutions while maintaining financial oversight.

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement in the planning and execution of the annual SCDS Fund and Faculty Fund initiatives.
• Assist in donor research and support the cultivation of mid-level donors to enhance engagement and giving.
• Implement a comprehensive stewardship plan, including gift acknowledgment process.

Administrative and Committee Roles

• Attend Advancement Committee and CDP meetings and actively cultivate relationships with committee members.
• Work closely with the Director of Advancement and the Director of Enrollment and Communications on messaging for development and CDP events, including weekly updates, the annual magazine, website content, and social media posts.
• Support the Advancement Office in maintaining accurate records and generating reports in the school's Raiser’s Edge database, ensuring proper gift processing and donor stewardship.

Community Development and Outreach

• Grow the school’s alumni relations program, with a focus on young alumni, cultivating relationships with alumni and their families, and engaging multi-generational families, including those who are prospective parents.
• Engage in professional networks for continued development, such as AeXIS, CAIS, and Development Roundtables.
• Represent the school in relevant community, professional, and educational organizations to build relationships and raise the school’s profile.

Desired Qualifications

• A passion for and alignment with the mission and values of Sonoma Country Day School.
• Ability to build and maintain effective, professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including parents, faculty, staff, volunteers, partners, and vendors.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for accuracy.
• Strong project and volunteer management abilities, with the capacity to lead initiatives and inspire collaboration.
• A proven team player who works well in a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to execute fundraising initiatives with a results-driven approach.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, Excel, and familiarity with Raiser’s Edge a plus.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure, approach challenges with creativity and resourcefulness, and handle sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
• Contribute to a positive and engaging team dynamic by bringing a sense of humor and fostering camaraderie.
• Familiarity with independent schools is a plus.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate meetings and events.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Willingness to assist with other school-related duties, such as school lunch, recess supervision, and faculty/staff meetings.

Start Date: This is a new position, so there is flexibility with regard to the start date.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range is $65,000-$85,000. The benefits package is excellent and includes professional development opportunities. This position also offers opportunities for leadership growth.

Sonoma Country Day School is an equal opportunity employer, and opportunities are open to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or handicap.

How to Apply: If you are interested in this position, please email a cover letter and resume with up to three professional references to Elizabeth Gleadall, Director of Advancement, at elizabeth@scds.org.