Success Academy Charter Schools

Thanks for your interest in Success Academy! Running the largest, fastest-growing, and highest-performing network of public charter schools in New York City takes a village - families, children, teachers, staff and faculty, advocates and supporters alike. We would love to welcome you to our community! We work tirelessly every day to ensure each child in NYC has access to a fun, rigorous, whole-child education regardless of zip code or economic status. When you join SA, you play a part in giving every student who walks through the doors of one of our 57 schools in NYC a fair shot at reaching his or her potential.

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of External Relations and serving as Project Manager, External Relations within the Advancement department, this position helps to advance the mission of Success Academy Charter Schools (SA) by providing critical project management support to three functions within the Advancement department: donor communications, advancement events, and advancement services.

The Project Manager, External Relations will play a key role in planning, executing, and overseeing of key fundraising initiatives, with a focus on fundraising communications, event planning, and database administration in support of principal major, mid-level giving. The ideal candidate will ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with the organization's mission and goals. The Project Manager will be responsible for regularly communicating status updates to all stakeholders and will also evaluate project efficacy upon completion, driving process improvement and tracking measures of success. The Project Manager will also play an active role in components of project execution, including but not limited to: assisting with event logistics for Spring benefit and other donor events, participating in data hygiene sprint work, and assisting with the build and send of donor communications, including digital solicitations.

The Project Manager, External Relations, is a proactive, confident self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values results.

Success in this role will require the following qualities:

• Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and driven to lead and collaborate with others to achieve success and deliver excellence;
• Detail-oriented, curious, and analytical;
• Strategic, proactive, and forward thinking;
• Persuasive, outgoing, and confident with exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Possesses the highest standards of personal and professional integrity; and
• Adheres to and promotes SA’s mission, culture, and strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

Project Planning and Management:

• Develops comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, templates, and resource allocation, for various fundraising projects/initiatives
• Defines project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with fundraising team members and stakeholders
• Manages project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Identifies and mitigates project risks and develops contingency plans as needed
• Communicates project status, updates, and key information to stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.
• Evaluates project outcomes, and identifies lessons learned for future initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supports project working groups by developing and maintaining meeting agendas and circulating post-meeting follow up communications to ensure projects stay on track
• Supports advancement events in the logistics of donor cultivation and stewardship events including Spring Benefit
• Supports the Lead, Advancement Communications in the development and execution of donor communications, including email campaigns, newsletters, reports, and appeals
• Tracks and analyzes the effectiveness of fundraising communications and advancement events, and make recommendations for improvement
• Works closely with Project Manager, Principal Gifts, and others to develop or contribute to preparation of effective donor briefings for CEO/CAO for meetings, events, and/or related projects

Advancement Services & Operations

• Oversees the execution of data hygiene projects ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and security
• Supports data entry, gift processing, and reporting needs across the department
• Develops documentation to support database best practices and procedures
• Serves as backup for Advancement Service Associates, demonstrating mastery of gift processing tasks

Education (Minimum Needed and Type of Degree Needed):

• Minimum Required: Bachelor’s Degree
• Preferred: Advanced degree. CFRE or other specialized certification/designation is beneficial.

Work Experience (Minimum Needed):

• Minimum Required: 3-5 years of experience in donor relations, non-profit fundraising, or project management

Specialized Knowledge Needed for Performance of Job:

• Demonstrated prior success in fundraising administration or donor engagement/stewardship.
• Knowledge of fundraising processes and terminology; strong grasp of database management principles and best practices

Skills (e.g. Level of Judgment Required, Ability to Direct, Work Independently, Multi-Task, etc.):

• Ability to think strategically and contextually, and to anticipate the needs and expectations of manager and executives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple, concurrent tasks, exhibit flexibility, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and present data effectively, make decisions, and align efforts with priorities and opportunities.
• Acts with tact and discretion, respecting confidentiality and proprietary information.

Special Skills (Technical or Advanced)

• Proficient with RE NXT or similar CRM systems, MSOffice (and/or Google suite), and Internet required.
• Certification in project management beneficial

Other (Communication Skills, Mechanical Aptitude, Math Skills, Learning Skills, or Other Specific Skills Required):

• Superb verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Possesses a passion for the mission of SA and engages constituents with same passion.
• Ability to travel locally, occasionally work after hours and on weekends.

Compensation Range

: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00

Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

Already an employee of Success Academies? Please go to your Okta Dashboard> Workday> Applications> Career to apply via our Internal Careers page.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to flourish in a multicultural world. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.Learn more about our philosophy, benefits, and team at https://jobs.successacademies.org/working-here/.

Success Academy Charter Schools does not offer employment-based immigration sponsorship.