Director of Advancement - Abiqua School

Director Of Advancement

Abiqua School, located in Salem, Oregon, is a thriving independent PK–8 school known for its whole-child approach to education, strong community culture, and commitment to developing confident, compassionate learners. Abiqua is recruiting a Director of Advancement to join their team in Salem, Oregon. This role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with the opportunity to work remotely a couple of days per week.

Founded in 1993, Abiqua School is a nonprofit, independent PK–8 school serving approximately 225 students in Salem, Oregon. As a nonsectarian 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, Abiqua has built a strong reputation for delivering a progressive, relationship-centered educational experience that emphasizes whole-child development, emotional intelligence, individualized learning, and community connection.

Guided by its H.E.A.R.T. values—Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—Abiqua fosters an environment where students are encouraged to explore their curiosity, develop confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. The school's programs emphasize arts, music, language instruction, outdoor education, and social-emotional development, creating a rich educational experience that prepares students to thrive both academically and personally.

Abiqua School is entering an exciting period of growth and investment in its future. As the school continues to expand its impact across the Salem community, leadership has made a strategic decision to create its first dedicated advancement function.

This inaugural Director of Advancement will have the unique opportunity to establish fundraising infrastructure, shape philanthropic strategy, and partner directly with school leadership to build a sustainable foundation for future growth. Few advancement roles offer the chance to create a department, influence organizational strategy, and see the direct impact of your work across an entire school community.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a fundraising professional who wants to build an advancement program from the ground up while helping shape the future of a highly regarded independent school.

Due to continued enrollment growth and an increasing focus on long-term philanthropic sustainability, Abiqua is creating its first-ever Director of Advancement position. For the right fundraising professional, this role offers more than the opportunity to meet fundraising goals—it offers the chance to design strategy, establish systems, shape donor engagement practices, and build a culture of philanthropy that will influence the school's future for years to come.

Working closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees, you'll serve as the architect of Abiqua's advancement efforts, creating the framework for annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship, community engagement, and future fundraising initiatives. If you're looking for a role where you can expand your leadership experience, gain visibility with executive and board leadership, and build a department that reflects your vision and expertise, this is an exceptional opportunity.

How you will spend your time:

• Development Management (35%)
• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows support from individuals, businesses, and foundations.
• Build and scale Abiqua's advancement infrastructure, processes, and donor engagement programs.
• Lead annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, donor stewardship, gala fundraising, and online giving initiatives.
• Develop fundraising goals, monitor progress, and communicate results to leadership and board stakeholders.
• Oversee donor communications, recognition programs, fundraising events, and donor engagement strategies.
• Manage advancement budgets, revenue projections, and fundraising performance metrics.

• Major Gift Program Management (35%)
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 35 major donor prospects and supporters.
• Build and strengthen relationships with families, alumni, community members, businesses, and foundations.
• Partner with the Head of School, board members, and volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Coach and support staff and volunteer leaders in donor engagement efforts.

• Strategic Leadership (10%)
• Serve as a member of the school's leadership team and help shape organizational priorities.
• Advise leadership on fundraising strategy and donor engagement opportunities.
• Represent Abiqua School throughout the community and at external events.
• Collaborate on communications and engagement initiatives that support advancement goals.
• Help establish a long-term vision for philanthropy and advancement at the school.

• Planned Giving Program Management (10%)
• Establish and grow Abiqua's planned giving efforts.
• Develop outreach strategies, stewardship plans, and donor education resources.
• Respond to inquiries and guide prospective planned giving donors through the process.

• Board & Volunteer Engagement (10%)
• Partner with the Advancement Committee and Board of Trustees to advance fundraising and engagement goals.
• Collaborate with the Abiqua Families Organization to strengthen community involvement.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers who contribute to advancement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five (5) or more years of successful fundraising experience within a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through both individual solicitation and broad-based fundraising programs.
• Experience engaging, recruiting, managing, and stewarding volunteers in support of fundraising initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a donor-centered approach.
• Experience utilizing donor databases and fundraising technology to track activity and measure results.
• Ability to travel locally and meet with donors, community partners, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Planned giving experience.
• Experience building, launching, or scaling fundraising programs.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups.
• Passion for education and a commitment to Abiqua School's mission and values.

What's in it for you:

Salary Range: $90,000–$95,000 annually

Relocation support is available

Working at Abiqua School means joining a professional community committed to educational excellence, integrity, and collaboration. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan options
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off and school holidays
• A supportive, community-centered work environment

Equal Employment Opportunity

Abiqua School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by law.

This commitment reflects Abiqua's mission, values, and compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including those governing 501(c)(3) organizations. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our community and enhance our ability to serve students and families.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.