Job Title: Associate Director, Annual Fund & Alumni Relations
Location: St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK)
Position Summary:
St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Advancement team as the Associate Director, Annual Fund and Alumni Relations. In this role, you will drive the strategic development and execution of SJK’s annual fund (the Eagle Fund) and lead initiatives to build and sustain a vibrant, engaged alumni community. Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement and working closely with the Associate Director, Advancement, you will ensure integrated and collaborative fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni relations efforts. We are looking for an energetic leader who is passionate about philanthropy, committed to strengthening alumni bonds, and eager to support SJK’s mission and community.
Start Date: February 2025
Contract: This is a full-time, onsite position based at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management) or equivalent experience.
Proven success in annual fund development, alumni relations, or similar advancement roles within a nonprofit or educational setting.
Strong track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals through creative, data-driven campaigns and personalized donor engagement.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, capable of motivating donors and volunteers across diverse audiences.
Proficiency in donor management software and databases; experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge is an asset.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive innovative solutions to improve fundraising and alumni programs.
Organizational prowess and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships effectively.
Collaborative spirit and proven ability to build supportive relationships with donors, alumni, board members, and community partners.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for alumni events and fundraising initiatives.
Passion for SJK’s mission and a genuine commitment to developing a thriving philanthropic and alumni community.
Responsibilities:
Annual Fund (Eagle Fund)
Develop and Implement Strategy: Create and lead a comprehensive plan to grow the Eagle Fund, including setting fundraising goals, designing appeals, and establishing donor segmentation strategies.
Campaign Management: Coordinate multi-channel solicitation efforts (mail, digital, phone, in-person) and collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistent, compelling messaging.
Donor Stewardship: Foster a culture of gratitude through personalized thank-you programs, recognition events, and targeted communications that inspire continued and increased support.
Performance Tracking: Monitor and analyze Eagle Fund progress, adjusting strategies to maximize donor participation, retention, and gift size.
Alumni Relations
Program Development: Design and implement programs, communications, and events that strengthen alumni engagement, foster school spirit, and build lasting connections with SJK.
Volunteer and Committee Management: Recruit, train, and motivate alumni volunteers; work with the Alumni Council or similar bodies to expand the School’s reach and influence.
Data Management: Maintain accurate records of alumni contact information, engagement touchpoints, and philanthropic interests using the School’s donor database.
Events and Reunions: Plan and execute alumni reunions, networking events, and regional gatherings to keep alumni informed, engaged, and supportive of SJK.
Donor & Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Building: Cultivate meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors, alumni, parents, and friends of the School, ensuring high-quality interactions and consistent messaging.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the Associate Director, Advancement and other departments (Admissions, Academics, Athletics, etc.) to align fundraising and alumni relations efforts with broader School objectives.
Support Executive Director, Advancement: Work alongside the Executive Director to identify, cultivate, and steward major gift prospects, and assist in developing donor pipelines and cultivation plans.
Reporting and Analysis
Metrics and Reporting: Track and analyze key fundraising and alumni engagement metrics, providing regular updates to the Executive Director, Advancement and various committees as required on Eagle Fund progress, alumni participation, and program effectiveness.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data insights and industry best practices to refine annual fund and alumni strategies, enhance outreach methods, and improve return on investment.
Community Engagement & Events
Campus and Community Presence: Serve as an ambassador at School events, fostering genuine connections with families, alumni, volunteers, and donors.
Event Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to organize giving days, alumni homecomings, and other events that reinforce philanthropic support and camaraderie.
School Description:
SJK is the leading co-educational independent school in the Waterloo Region of Ontario. The School, which was founded in 1972, is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus offering enriched educational programming for day students from JK-Grade 12 and international boarding students from Grades 9-12 through our accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The School’s co-ed Boarding Residence is near the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.
SJK offers a world of learning where we embrace innovation, diversity and internationalism. We have dedicated and inspirational educators, attentive to the needs of individual students and their families. Our expectations are high; students are encouraged to find balance through academics, sports, arts, service and leadership. As the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario, our students love to learn and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals fully prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond. Our graduates take their passions to the world as leaders and global citizens.
As a community, we believe in the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. We strive to be a place where every student, faculty and staff member, parent and alumni feels welcomed and valued. We achieve this by living our core values and by appreciating that our learning community is enhanced by human differences. We value the unique experiences that each individual brings to our community and the myriad of perspectives that our diversity provides. We also recognize that it is our common humanity that binds us together as a community. We welcome applications from individuals who could positively contribute to our diverse community.
To Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to forward by email a cover letter, résumé, and references to Cheryl Boughton, Head of School by F
riday, February 21, 2025, to:
employment@sjkschool.org.
The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date. Candidates are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Please be aware that the successful candidate must submit a vulnerable sector check.
SJK is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including participation in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan if eligible and opportunities for professional development in a vibrant, collegial work environment.
Thank you for reading our job posting and considering whether applying to SJK is the next step in your career journey. While we appreciate all applications, we can only contact those selected for interviews.
Note: This job description is intended to convey essential information about the scope and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support SJK’s fundraising, donor, and alumni relations goals.