Director, Advancement & Board Affairs

About the Role

The Advancement team is responsible for all aspects of retaining and building a loyal and generous community of philanthropic supporters. The group’s priorities encompass securing critical financial support to undergird growth, scaling and innovation, and capital projects; expanding SA’s network of support (financial and influencer); and, deploying sophisticated branding, digital, and marketing strategies to secure a segmented donor base and position SA externally as an organization that stewards philanthropic support at the highest level.  

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer and working closely with SA Founder and CEO, Eva Moskowitz, the Director is responsible for ensuring that SA’s fundraising strategy is executed with fidelity, efficiency, and success. The position is responsible for helping to maintain and expand Success Academy’s diverse, strong, and growing base of funding. The Director will be responsible for a portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations, and work closely and seamlessly with SA’s data and operations team and the fundraising services team.

In addition, this Director will be responsible for helping the organization build out the network’s central governing board and school boards in New York and Florida.  More specifically, this position will include the management of board administration, committee operations, communications, and board member engagement.

Key Advancement Responsibilities

• Owns and drives day-to-day progress toward his/her fundraising goals, grounded in industry best practices, and grows pipeline of prospective principal gift donors 
• Manages a small team – coordinates workflow, prioritizes operational efficiency, strengthens collaboration, and actively supports and develops direct reports
• Uses data as a primary tool, including tracking performance measures, monitoring results, and continuously evaluating the efficacy of the advancement program
• Supports the CAO in fundraising and other development-related initiatives as needed
• Strengthens collaboration with other SA departments to maximize efficient workflow, ensure alignment, and reinforce a culture of philanthropy

Key Board Affairs Responsibilities

• Shape and align board priorities with the organization’s growth strategy, ensuring cohesive direction across current and expansion regions
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and organize strategic meeting agendas 
• Develop board communications, presentations, and briefing materials that translate executive priorities into clear, compelling narratives for trustees
• Serve as a principal point of contact for all board members on administrative, logistical, and governance matters - fostering engagement and commitment

Qualifications

• Experience (10+ years) as a fundraiser, with a proven track record of success in cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• A proven track record of success in leadership and people management, including:
  • Ability to set/communicate clear priorities, strategies, and long-term vision
  • Ability to support/develop high-performing teams and individuals
• Deep experience in using data to inform strategies and drive decision-making in fundraising
• Strong commitment to excellence and continuous improvement while achieving results
• Bachelor’s degree required

Required Traits

• A strategic thinker with a strong focus on excellence and a change leader
• An exemplary reputation with stature and credibility
• Proven ability to influence and galvanize groups outside of reporting lines
• Flexibility and a proven ability to innovate and find creative solutions to challenges
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A passion for driving towards SA’s mission and commitment to our families and scholars, and a firm ideological commitment to excellence in K-12 education

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

At Success Academy, we invest boldly in our Network team with a comprehensive package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being:

• Day-One Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting your first day (SA covers 82% of our core medical plan), plus a free One Medical membership and confidential mental health support via EAP/Talkspace.
• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match, up to $2,400/year in employer HSA contributions, employer-paid life/disability insurance, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
• Time to Recharge: Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Perks & Stipends: A $50/month cellphone stipend ($600/year), pre-tax commuter benefits, backup family care, and performance-based earning incentives.

This is a hybrid position based in our NYC Financial District office, requiring on-site work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on Monday and Friday.