Capital Campaign and Communications Manager

Posted 1 day ago

Job Summary

The Otto Specht School seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented Capital Campaign and Communications Manager to support its $6M capital campaign for a new schoolhouse construction project. Working closely with the Capital Campaign Consultant, this role manages all aspects of the campaign, including communications, donor stewardship, event management, and gift processing. While the Consultant sets the overall strategy and vision, the Campaign Manager implements the plan and ensures goals are met on time.
This entry-level position offers significant growth potential, including the possibility of advancing to Director of Fundraising for the entire Threefold Educational Foundation upon successful campaign completion. The role includes mentorship and supervision from experienced development professionals.

Key Responsibilities:
● Assist with significant gift efforts: Working closely with the Executive Director and Otto Specht Leadership to cultivate, solicit, and steward top-tier donor prospects
● Communications management: Oversee school and campaign communications including but not limited to biannual newsletter, annual report, and regular social media presence to engage donors and community members
● Reporting and analysis: Track campaign performance and provide regular reports to leadership working with the finance department to track gift income
● Donor support and stewardship: Prepare meeting materials, presentations, and talking points for leadership and campaign volunteers; draft campaign correspondence and ensure timely gift acknowledgment
● Project and data management: Maintain campaign master calendar, track prospect pipelines, and manage donor database information
● Volunteer and committee liaison: Serve as main point of contact for the volunteer campaign committee, coordinate meetings, and assist with training
● Event coordination: Plan and manage campaign-related donor cultivation and stewardship events
● Prospect research: Identify potential donors at individual, corporate, and foundation levels
Required Qualifications
● Bachelor's degree
● 1-3 years of experience in a public-facing, communications, or administrative role
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Strong organizational and project management abilities
● Proficiency with CRM databases and Microsoft Office Suite
● Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects
● Nonprofit experience is a plus
● Familiarity with Waldorf education or the Camphill movement is a plus
Core Competencies
● Passion for Otto Specht School’s mission and a commitment to ethical fundraising practices.
● Highly organized and conscientious with the ability to prioritize effectively, juggle multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
● Self-motivated and entrepreneurial, yet a team player.
● Possesses a strong moral compass, able to maintain highly sensitive and confidential donor information.
● Committed to fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
● Demonstrates appreciation of and sensitivity to a diverse environment, inclusive of staff, donors, and partners from many sociocultural, economic, ideological, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
● Able to represent Otto Specht School publicly, participate professionally in Board meetings, and support and empower Board members with their Development-related goals and activities.

Location and Schedule
● Based in Chestnut Ridge, NY
● Minimum 4 days per week onsite
● Some evening and weekend work required for events
Compensation and Benefits
● Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience
● Comprehensive benefits package including:
o Medical, dental, and vision insurance
o 403b retirement plan with matching after one year
o Potential tuition support for Threefold institutional grade schools
o Possible housing on the Threefold campus
● Paid Time Off:
o 13 specified holidays
o 1 floating holiday
o 10-15 vacation days (based on tenure)
o 5 flex days annually

Application Process:
● To apply, please submit your résumé, and a thoughtful cover letter outlining your relevant experience, to katherinewdefoyd@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

● Otto Specht School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

● We value diversity and seek actively to build an inclusive applicant pool and pursue a thoughtful hiring process, including a diverse hiring committee, carefully designed interview questions and mindfulness about unconscious biases

How to Apply