Associate Manager, Annual Giving & Development Operations

About the role

Associate Manager, Annual Giving & Development Operations

This position is central to the infrastructure that supports Uncommon Schools' annual fundraising initiatives. The role holder will be responsible for the integrity and efficiency of development operations, ensuring a consistent and positive experience for donors throughout their giving journey. Success in this position directly fuels the sustainability and expansion of the annual fund.

The ideal candidate will manage complex operational tasks while simultaneously supporting external-facing activities. This includes close collaboration with development colleagues to align robust systems with fundraising objectives. The position provides a pathway to master the technical and strategic facets of development operations.

Position Responsibilities

Development Operations & Systems Management

You will be the guardian of our donor information ecosystem, maintaining meticulous records within our primary database. This involves ensuring all entries, modifications, and financial entries are precise and current. You will oversee the complete lifecycle of philanthropic transactions, from initial receipt to formal acknowledgment, prioritizing accuracy, timely processing, and a positive donor experience. also, you will be responsible for the architecture and maintenance of operational workflows, creating clear documentation that allows processes to scale effectively. Your analysis will support reporting functions that provide critical insight for strategic planning.

Annual Fund Campaign Support

You will contribute directly to the execution of our annual giving initiatives, supporting various communication channels such as email, direct mail, and digital platforms. This involves coordinating the intricate logistics of campaign timelines, ensuring all elements are synchronized for successful deployment. You will participate in donor outreach activities, helping to craft and refine communications for specific audiences. Tracking performance indicators and suggesting adjustments based on data analysis will be part of your contribution to campaign optimization.

Donor Engagement and Relationship Support

This role involves managing key administrative components of the donor lifecycle, including tracking proposals, pledges, renewal dates, and follow-up requirements. You will engage with donors, particularly those supporting the annual fund and select mid-level supporters, to foster strong relationships. Collaboration with team members is essential to guarantee that all stakeholders receive communications that are timely and considerate. Your meticulous follow-through will be a key factor in strengthening overall donor engagement.

Project and Team Collaboration

You will provide essential support for broader development projects and departmental priorities, ensuring seamless coordination and diligent execution. Responsibilities may include event logistics and prospect research as required. You will also contribute to the creation of donor-facing materials and various written communications. Administrative support in this capacity is designed to empower the wider team to function at a high level.

Requirements for Consideration

Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree and have completed 3-4 years of professional experience, with at least 1-2 years in a relevant operational capacity. Demonstrated proficiency with Salesforce or comparable CRM platforms is required, with a focus on maintaining data integrity and generating reports. Exceptional organizational abilities and a keen eye for detail are mandatory. The ability to communicate clearly and thoughtfully in writing is essential. You must be adept at managing multiple concurrent tasks while adhering to strict deadlines and details.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, experience in the fundraising or development sector is advantageous. A background with annual fund initiatives, gift processing procedures, or donor stewardship is highly valued. Candidates should be comfortable engaging with external partners in professional environments while upholding confidentiality standards. A genuine interest in continuous growth within the development field is expected.

Physical and Work Environment

This role involves minimal physical demands, with the majority of work performed at a desk. Uncommon Schools maintains an in-person work model, requiring a commitment of at least three days per week at our Central Office located at 100 Church Street in downtown Manhattan.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,100 to $82,500. Typically, new hires who meet all qualifications will receive a starting salary of $74,300. Compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Uncommon Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Application Details

If you do not meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. We are eager to review your potential contributions.

Our team is our greatest asset. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the health, wellness, and financial security of our staff and their families. We value fairness in compensation and strive to attract and retain exceptional talent.

Why Uncommon Schools

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. We operate in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. Our mission is to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for college and life. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, a testament to our dedication. We invest deeply in our educators, providing weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us, work hard, do good, and make a lasting impact.