Advancement and Communications Associate

For almost 60 years, The Gateway School has transformed the lives of bright children who experience academic difficulty as a result of language-based learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, reading and writing disorders), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive function disorder, or auditory processing difficulties. Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Gateway enrolls approximately 160 students between the ages of 5-14. In small classes with a low student-to-teacher ratio, faculty and therapists meet students where they are, individualize instruction accordingly, and develop them into skilled, strategic, independent learners who are capable of advocating for themselves and who are prepared to transition into mainstream school and life.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Advancement and Communications Associate is a key member of the Advancement Team focusing on school-wide projects to advance the fundraising, relationship building, alumni relations, and communications goals of The Gateway School.

 Responsibilities:

 Events

• Support the Chief Advancement Officer and Gala Committee in all aspects of planning for and hosting the Annual Gala.
• Coordinate school events including, but not limited to, Back to School Cocktail Party, Picture Day, Holiday Parties, Alumni Reunions, Life After Gateway, and Graduation.
• Assist with Parents Association events when needed.
• Provide support for volunteer committee meetings including attending and assisting as needed.

 Alumni Relations

• In collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, works to establish meaningful ties between The Gateway School and its alumni through outreach, events, and regular communication.

 Communications

• Assist the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Communications with newsletter and website content, weekly community emails, and photography requests.
• Manage the school’s social media accounts and update them in a timely manner.
• Create and implement photography and videography for the school website, internal and external communications, publications, and other school-wide projects.
• Conduct research to support the school’s ongoing fundraising and marketing effort, as requested.
• Assist with preparing surveys, interpreting the results, and preparing summary reports.

 Database Management

• Perform data entry and manage the data entry process to ensure that accurate, updated, and relevant information is maintained.
• Process and record all gifts, pledges, and pledge payments to the school.
• Generate and send gift acknowledgments and pledge reminders.
• Coordinate with the IT Department to perform database maintenance, global updates, and integration with all Senior Systems/CRM modules on a regular basis.

 General Support

• Support Chief Advancement Officer in the coordination and management of the Annual Operating Fund, including producing and mailing solicitation letters, working with volunteers, and making follow-up calls.
• Provide administrative support to the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Communications, including preparation of mailing lists and letters, and processing of invoices.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Advancement Officer.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and two or more years of work experience in a nonprofit or related field; experience with independent schools a plus
• Proven project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality
• Experience with special events
• Knowledge of donor software is a plus
• Comfort in working with high-level donors, prospects, faculty and volunteers
• Strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings
• Demonstrated commitment to, and experience with, diversity, equity, and/or inclusion work

This is a 12 month-a-year, full-time, in-building position. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Posting140@gatewayschool.org. The Gateway School is an equal opportunity employer.