Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Associate Director of Development Forsyth School

Associate Director of Development

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.

POSITION SUMMARY
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. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Management

  • 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. 

Alumni and Grandparent Program

  • 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. 

Volunteer Management

  • 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. 

Marketing, Communications & Data Administration

  • With the Director of Advancement and Director of Marketing & Communications, help to build and execute marketing, branding, and outreach strategies across all advancement events.
  • Design, draft, and oversee event collateral—including invitations, printed programs, signage, and handouts—while managing outreach across newsletters, direct mail appeals, stewardship emails, impact stories, and social media content. Drive alumni, grandparent, and donor engagement by utilizing tools like the Bloomerang Communication module for email campaigns and takes responsibility for drafting, designing, and sending emails.
  • Create content for Facebook, including impact stories.
  • Produce executive briefs, scripts, run-of-show schedules, and attendee profiles to prepare school leaders and trustees for engagement events.
  • Work closely with the Database Manager to accurately record and document all donor contacts, prospective donor interactions, and special event attendees, auction items and utilization of mobile bidding software using database best practices.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Passion for Forsyth's mission and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging with a diverse community, including school leadership, trustees, faculty, parents, alumni, and students ages 2–12.
  • Proven ability to build meaningful, productive relationships across varied stakeholder groups and lead volunteer committees with professionalism and kindness.
  • Exceptional project management skills with the ability to lead complex events, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving capabilities with a track record of developing, executing, and evaluating engagement strategies with minimal oversight.
  • A disciplined, detail-oriented self-starter who thrives both independently and collaboratively while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • This role is expected to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 3–5+ years of experience in development, fundraising, or event management within an independent school, university, or nonprofit setting.
  • Solid understanding of nonprofit fundraising operations, stewardship practices, donor engagement strategies, and 1+ years of experience producing newsletters, social media, or other communication content is preferred. 
  • Proven track record of planning and executing large-scale events and auctions, including managing event budgets, sponsorship tracking, and promotional outreach. 
  • Demonstrated experience recruiting, organizing, and inspiring volunteer committees and community groups. 
  • Hands-on experience with donor databases (e.g., Bloomerang, Raiser’s Edge), event platforms (e.g., OneCause, Bloomerang Fundraising), and standard office suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office). 
  • Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), design applications (e.g., Canva), and social media content creation. 
  • Exceptional oral, written, proofreading, and interpersonal communication skills with high attention to detail. 
  • Proven ability to manage confidential donor and family information with absolute discretion, tact, and professionalism. 

MORE ABOUT FORSYTH SCHOOL
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Forsyth is an age 2 – Grade 6, co-ed independent school of 393 students. The campus is bordered by Washington University and Forest Park, one of the largest city parks in the nation and home to many of the city’s great cultural institutions, including free museums, a world class zoo and a thriving food and music scene. Forsyth’s unique facilities, six stately historic homes, all built in the 1920s and 30s, have been transformed into classrooms and community spaces. These nurturing, intimate spaces, as well as excellent teaching, have made challenge and high expectations for students the center of Forsyth’s ethos since its origin in 1961. 

BENEFITS
This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Forsyth’s full benefits package, including medical, dental, life, retirement match, education benefits, EAP, and more. 

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and two to three writing samples. Candidates will be informed before references are contacted. Please submit your materials as soon as possible.

Forsyth School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, family composition, genetic information, citizenship, national and ethnic origin, or on the basis of any other protected status. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please email humanresources@forsythschool.org with questions.

Forsyth’s background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.