Advancement Associate

Job Description

Job Description

George Walton Academy (GWA) provides challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives designed to inspire lives of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose. GWA is an independent, Pre-K-12, independent, college-preparatory school located on 62 beautiful acres in Monroe, Georgia, less than one hour from the state capitol of Atlanta.

George Walton Academy currently seeks a full-time (12-month) Advancement Associate. The Advancement Associate plays a vital role in supporting the fundraising and relationship-building efforts of the school. This fulltime position is responsible for maintaining a clean and accurate donor database, processing and recording gifts, generating reports, and assisting with day-to-day operations and special events of the Advancement Office. In addition, the position provides administrative and clerical support for the Advancement Director and Head of School. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable working with data, while also understanding the importance of philanthropy in a K–12 independent school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Database Management & Data Integrity

• Maintain and update the school's donor and constituent database with a high degree of accuracy
• Perform regular data entry, including gifts, pledges, biographical updates, and interactions
• Conduct routine audits to ensure data cleanliness, consistency, and integrity
• Manage imports, exports, and data corrections as needed

Gift Processing & Acknowledgment

• Process all gifts, pledges, and matching gifts in a timely and accurate manner
• Generate and coordinate donor acknowledgment letters and tax receipts
• Reconcile gifts with the Business Office as needed

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce regular financial and fundraising reports (daily, monthly, campaign-specific)
• Assist in tracking progress toward annual fund and campaign goals
• Generate donor lists, segmentation reports, and mailing lists for targeted outreach
• Support data analysis efforts to inform advancement strategy

Operational & Administrative Support

• Provide administrative assistance to the Director of Advancement and Head of School
• Assist with the day-to-day needs of the Advancement Office, including calendar coordination and materials preparation for meetings and presentations
• Support fundraising campaigns, special events, and stewardship activities
• Prepare materials for donor meetings, board reports, and presentations
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments, especially Admissions, Communications, and Finance

Event & Campaign Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support for advancement events
• Track RSVPs, attendance, and follow-up communications
• Assist with campaign execution, including appeals and donor stewardship, outreach and tracking

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 1–3 years of administrative, database, or development support experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems (experience with fundraising CRMs preferred)
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time-management skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Superior people skills dealing professionally with work colleagues, parents and donors
• Comfort and easy in working with highly successful people with significant resources in a highly social environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in a nonprofit or independent school setting is ideal
• Familiarity with fundraising practices and donor stewardship
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative "growth" mindset with a proactive, problem-solving approach
• Ability to handle occasional stress without losing one's composure or temper

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based on campus, with occasional evening or weekend hours required for special events.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. The school offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.