Development Associate

Position Overview Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Charles River School students have learned to use both inquiry and creativity to build practical skills, discover new interests, and take responsibility for themselves, their communities, and the future. With a deep history and commitment to social justice, the school offers students in PreKindergarten through eighth-grade a global curriculum grounded in thematic, hands‑on teaching and learning. CRS classes are small, learning is personalized, and teachers are accessible. The faculty and staff at Charles River School are exceptionally talented, diverse, active individuals concerned with the development and education of the whole child. Charles River School seeks a warm, motivated, and relationship-driven advancement professional to serve as Development Associate. Reporting to the Director of Development, this position plays a meaningful role in building and sustaining a vibrant culture of philanthropy across the CRS community. The Development Associate will lead alumni engagement and prospect management efforts — developing and implementing an alumni engagement model, managing a portfolio of prospects, and supporting Annual Fund solicitations in partnership with senior staff. This role oversees CRS's alumni network, coordinates regional events and Alumni Association activities, and serves as a primary point of contact for Alumni Class Agents and Ambassadors. Beyond alumni relations, the Development Associate will manage an events portfolio spanning all Development Office constituencies, from donor receptions and volunteer appreciation events to campaign initiatives. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who combines genuine relationship‑building instincts with fundraising confidence, organizational rigor, and a deep enthusiasm for the mission of Charles River School. This is an in‑person position based on campus five days per week; a four‑day on‑campus schedule may be considered for the right candidate. Primary Responsibilities Prospect Management 45% Manage a portfolio of alumni prospects; directly solicit Annual Fund gifts and partner with senior staff and volunteers on solicitations as needed. Build the alumni donor pipeline by identifying and researching prospective donors, recommending leadership gift targets, and developing solicitation strategies. Liaise with Alumni Class Agents and Alumni Ambassadors to maintain a steady pipeline of outreach, donor visits, and stewardship activities. Deliver a high‑quality alumni donor experience through regular correspondence, timely acknowledgements, and meaningful stewardship that deepens long‑term relationships. Maintain accurate constituent records and engagement tracking within the school's database. Partner with school leadership to communicate the impact of philanthropic support through storytelling, data, and donor recognition. Alumni Engagement: 30% Develop and implement an alumni engagement model that deepens connections and inspires philanthropic participation across all off‑campus constituencies, including alumni, past parents, grandparents, and friends of CRS. Oversee CRS's alumni network, coordinate regional events with volunteers, and support the Alumni Association including membership, meetings, communications, and online content. Draft and manage Development communications including donor acknowledgements, stewardship reports, event materials, and alumni outreach. Events Management 25% Manage a comprehensive events portfolio spanning all Development Office constituencies, including alumni gatherings, donor receptions, volunteer appreciation events, and fundraising events. This role requires local and occasional regional travel to support events, donor visits, and alumni gatherings. Oversee all event logistics from start to finish — timelines, invitations, registration, volunteer coordination, vendor communication, setup, follow‑up stewardship, and metrics tracking. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and school leadership to ensure events reflect CRS's mission, culture, and values. Proactively identify new event opportunities aligned with the strategic objectives of the Development Office, including campaign events. Desired Skills and Qualities Enthusiastic commitment to CRS’s progressive educational mission and community values. Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills. Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A natural collaborator who works effectively across constituencies including staff, volunteers, trustees, and families. Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to equity and inclusion. Creativity, flexibility, professionalism, and a strong sense of initiative. Fundraising intuition — a natural ability to build trust, read relationships, and move donors along a giving journey with patience and purpose. Confidence, warmth, and a sense of humor that complement the culture of CRS. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. 2–3 years of experience planning and executing events at scale, ideally with a fundraising focus. Demonstrated experience with volunteer management. Experience managing donor relationships and making direct solicitations preferred. Comfort and confidence making direct asks for financial support, volunteer commitments, and philanthropic engagement. Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully in‑person, on the phone, and via email/text with donors, board members, volunteers, and colleagues. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, meet concurrent deadlines, organize time and priorities, and to do so in collaboration with diverse stakeholders. High degree of integrity, initiative, and resourcefulness. Proficiency with donor management and event systems; experience with Veracross or similar CRM a plus. Experience in alumni relations, annual giving, or advancement in an independent school or nonprofit setting preferred. Compensation and Benefits This is a full‑time, exempt position reporting to the Director of Development. The salary range is $45,000 - $55,000, commensurate with experience. CRS offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, and professional development support. As a school community, employees also benefit from a collegial, mission‑driven environment and the rhythms and culture of independent school life. Charles River School is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. CRS seeks candidates who will contribute and are committed to a diverse school community and inclusive educational practices. Applicants of diverse, underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to View email address on click.appcast.io with Development Associate in the subject line. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools