Communications & Development Associate

OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Valley Beth Shalom Day School (VBSDS) is looking for a creative, organized, enthusiastic, and motivated professional to join our Advancement Team as a Communications & Development Associate. This is an exciting opportunity for someone beginning their career who wants to gain hands-on experience in communications, marketing, fundraising, community engagement, and event planning while making a meaningful impact in a growing school community.

As a member of our Advancement Team, you'll work closely with experienced school leaders, contribute to high-visibility projects, and help tell the story of a school where academic excellence, Jewish identity, community, and belonging come together.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications & Development Associate supports the school's communications, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives. The Associate will coordinate schoolwide communications, support fundraising initiatives, maintain digital platforms, and contribute to the planning and execution of major school events and institutional initiatives. This multifaceted role offers opportunities to develop skills in content creation, project management, donor relations, digital communications, database management, and special events.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Communications

• Prepare and distribute the weekly Lions' Pride e-newsletter and other schoolwide and grade-level communications.
• Help develop and distribute admissions and development newsletters and other community communications.
• Maintain the school's communications calendar, coordinating messages and deadlines across departments.
• Collaborate with the creative team, social media team, and external marketing partners to support compelling, consistent, and timely communications.
• Update website content, landing pages, and other digital communications platforms.
• Support communications for admissions, enrollment, school programs, and special events.
• Coordinate WhatsApp communications with the Community Engagement Manager, as appropriate.
• Learn and support school information platforms, including Blackbaud OnBoard and Lions' Login, to help ensure that prospective and current families have access to timely, accurate information.
• Contribute to special projects, including the strategic plan launch, annual report, and anniversary communications.
• Serve as back-up to the receptionist by answering phones, responding to parents, teachers, and staff as needed.

Development

• Support the school's Annual Fund, donor stewardship, and fundraising initiatives.
• Learn and assist with Raiser’s Edge NXT, the school's donor database, including gift processing, pledges, biographical information, constituent codes, and overall data maintenance.
• Help maintain accurate records of donor outreach, meetings, and follow-up activities.
• Prepare donor communications, acknowledgment letters, giving summaries, and stewardship materials.
• Generate donor lists and reports to support fundraising outreach and leadership decision-making.
• Track project milestones and key fundraising metrics.
• Assist with the coordination of fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
• Gain exposure to major-gift fundraising and planning for future philanthropic initiatives.

Event and Project Management

• Help plan, organize, and execute advancement and community events, including the annual gala, donor appreciation gatherings, and 50th anniversary celebrations.
• Coordinate event communications, registration, invitations, guest lists, and follow-up.
• Collaborate with the Creative Director and event teams on event websites, ticket sales, auction communications, and marketing materials.
• Help maintain event timelines, coordinate with volunteers and vendors, and ensure important details stay on track.
• Provide on-site support during school and advancement events.
• Contribute to special initiatives that strengthen relationships among current families, alumni, grandparents, donors, and the broader school community.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive, resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and follow through on commitments.
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to jump in where needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment when working with families, colleagues, and community members.
• Comfort with technology and enthusiasm for learning new digital tools.
• An interest in education, communications, marketing, nonprofit work, fundraising, or community engagement.
• Experience with Google Workspace, Canva, Blackbaud, website platforms, or event management software is a plus, but not required. Training will be provided.

Some evening or weekend availability may be required for school events.