Director of Advancement and Engagement

Job Summary:

The Director of Advancement and Engagement (DAE) at Forest Lake Education Center is responsible for leading the school’s strategic efforts in community engagement, fundraising, and external relations to support its mission and long-term growth. This role oversees advancement initiatives, including donor relations, annual and capital campaigns, and revenue-generating programs, while also directing marketing, communications, and public relations to enhance visibility and stakeholder engagement.

As a key member of the administrative leadership team, the DAE builds and maintains strong partnerships with parents, alumni, churches, businesses, and community stakeholders, while managing donor-advised funds and major projects. The position also provides oversight for project funding, vendor negotiations, and strategic planning, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. Additionally, the DAE supports student and staff recruitment and leads departmental operations to drive sustainable growth and engagement across the school community.

Skills, Education, and Experience Required:

• Proven track record of fundraising success, particularly by securing major gifts, successfully managing campaigns, and engaging a community of motivated supporters.
• Minimum of 5-7+ years of increasing responsibility in non-profit fundraising, preferably within an elementary school.
• Excellent managerial skills including at least 5 years of previous experience successfully managing development staff and volunteers.
• Is an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good standing who believes and supports the Adventist Church.

Job Responsibilities:

• The primary role of Forest Lake Education Center’s Director of Advancement and Engagement (DAE) is to direct how the school engages its community and how the community interacts with the school to advance the mission of the school and its continued growth and development. This role also leads the Advancement and Engagement Department and the Spiritual Enrichment Department.
• The DAE works to:
  
  • Establish and manage positive and long-term partnerships with current and potential stakeholders i.e. parents, students, staff, individuals, businesses, churches, etc.
  • Grow Capital and Annual Operating Funds to further advance programs, increase scholarships, provide budget relief, and develop campus improvement projects.
  • Oversee all public relations, marketing & communications, and external revenue streams to ensure improved awareness and loyalty.
  • Work as an active member of the Administrative Team, School Board, and Finance Committee.
  • Manage all Trust/Donor Advised accounts.
  • Conduct an Annual Campaign Program made up of multiple targeted campaigns including but not limited to MyFLEC Week, Premier Partners, etc.
  • Lead out in negotiations with multiple vendors for various school projects both large and small to establish favorable rates and conditions.
  • Oversee all project management and funding requests involving donor dollars and/or initiatives over $3,000.
  • Construct policy and procedures for both daily and long-term strategic operations.
  • Work to recruit and retain students and staff
  • Should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, web design, financial systems (Blackbaud, Classy, etc.), marketing systems (Constant Contact, Meta Marketing, etc.)