Associate Director of Development

Position:Associate Director of Development

Location: Saint Louis, MO

Job :194

# of Openings:0

Forsyth School is a coeducational independent school serving students from age 2 through Grade 6 in St. Louis. Our distinctive neighborhood campus of six historic homes has been thoughtfully transformed into dynamic classrooms and learning spaces. These warm learning environments support a joyful and diverse community committed to academic challenge, kindness, compassion, and curiosity.

At Forsyth, our mission is to foster a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children to pursue challenges with confidence. And our Honor Code is embedded in the fabric of our institution, reminding us of our commitment to make Forsyth a special place.

If you are energized by building meaningful relationships, creating experiences that bring people together, and inspiring a school community to support a mission where children thrive, then Forsyth is looking for you.

Forsyth School is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organized, and detail-oriented Associate Director of Development to lead advancement events and strengthen engagement among alumni, grandparents, families, and volunteers. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this position is responsible for planning and executing high-impact fundraising, cultivation, community events, and stewardship events; developing meaningful alumni and grandparent engagement programs; and cultivating and coordinating volunteer leadership.

As a key member of the Advancement team, the Associate Director of Development collaborates across departments and with community volunteers to create engaging experiences that deepen relationships with Forsyth School. The position also supports donor stewardship, event marketing and communications, data management, and broader fundraising initiatives that advance the school’s mission.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive annual calendar of advancement, cultivation, stewardship, and community events, including the Biennial Auction, grandparent events, donor recognition, and alumni gatherings.
• Plan, develop, and execute all school fundraising events, including the Forsyth Golf Classic, Biennial Auction, Sign-Up Parties, and Trivia Night. Plan and oversee sponsorship levels and recognition opportunities.
• Partner with Division Directors, Admissions, and Facilities to coordinate and execute engaging events that support development goals and broader school programs.
• Oversee end-to-end event logistics including a run of show for each event, venues, catering, parking, A/V, signage, invitations, program materials, and facilities coordination.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and the Director of Marketing & Communications to drive marketing, branding, content creation, and outreach strategies for all advancement events and recognition opportunities.
• When applicable, lead and partner with the Forsyth Family Organization (FFO) and volunteer committees to conceptualize, staff, and execute successful community events.
• Track attendance, donations, ticket sales, and RSVPs in Bloomerang Fundraising to ensure accurate record-keeping and prompt donor recognition.

• Build, energize, and manage structured programs to cultivate and steward alumni and grandparent stakeholder groups.
• Design and execute targeted multichannel communications, including newsletters, direct mail appeals, stewardship emails, impact stories, and social media engagement to support engagement, cultivation, and fundraising.
• Manage a suite of events specifically designed for alumni and grandparents.
• Partner with the Forsyth Family Organization (FFO) Leadership Chairs and volunteer committees to plan annual initiatives that support school engagement, including but not limited to the Spirit Shop, Room Parents, and Faculty and Staff Appreciation.
• Identify, recruit, and cultivate emerging volunteer leaders within the parent community and FFO committees. Partnering with the Director of Advancement, plan and execute multichannel promotional campaigns (email, flyers, posters) that drive community volunteerism.
• Guide and oversee FFO operations by partnering with Chairs, establishing clear volunteer job descriptions, and managing committee meeting schedules to ensure comprehensive volunteer support.

• With the Director of Advancement and Director of…