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Director of Development & Communications
Job Location:
Job Location:
Portland, OR - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 90000 - 100000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
29 September 2026 (6 days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
27 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
JOB SUMMARY:
As part of the Leadership team the Director of Development & Communications will focus on the smooth operation of annual fundraising and communications for Edison High School. The brand of the Development and Communications Office is upbeat positive and reflects the Board and Presidents objectives for the School. This position and its successful candidate will mirror that brand. The Director of Development and Communications will have a remarkable opportunity to build upon a record-breaking fundraising year and contribute to a defining moment in Edisons history through the capital campaign.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Annual Fund and Major Gift Fundraising:
- Lead annual fund and major gift fundraising efforts including donor identification relationship management personalized outreach and gift solicitation.
- Build and strengthen relationships with current lapsed and prospective donorsincluding parents alumni grandparents and friends of Edisonthrough personal visits events and ongoing engagement.
- Develop and execute strategies for annual fund and campaign giving including direct mail digital fundraising and online giving initiatives.
- Oversee timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship for annual fund endowment and campaign supporters ensuring donors receive appropriate communication and acknowledgment.
Capital Campaign and Advancement Initiatives:
- Support and help advance the capital campaign in collaboration with the President Special Assistant to the President and the Board Campaign Committee.
- Cultivate solicit and steward prospective and current campaign donors.
- Oversee Planned Giving Bright Minds Partnership and Presidents Club giving programs.
- Oversee the Development and Communications Coordinators research of prospective grant funders and collaborate on the development and submission of targeted grant proposals.
- Partner with special events team in the planning and production of the annual Brilliance Benefit.
Alumni and Community Relations:
- Design implement and manage an effective Alumni Relations program.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with alumni current and former parents grandparents donors and friends of Edison.
- Attend and actively participate in school gatherings including Open House Back to School Night parent picnics and other community events to develop and strengthen relationships with donors and families.
- Grow Edisons participation in the Association of Learning Differences Schools.
Communications and Marketing:
- Work with outside consultants and manage outside vendors to review current plans strategies and initiatives.
- In alignment with the strategic plan develop and implement a comprehensive multi-channel communications and marketing strategy.
- Oversee and implement cohesive communications strategy for current and prospective families.
- Manage and execute all external and major internal communications.
- Manage media relations and oversee crisis communications.
- Oversee the Development and Communications Coordinator in ensuring advancement objectives are effectively represented across the schools website social media channels publications and campaign communications.
Budget and Development Management:
- Develop and oversee fundraising and communications budgets.
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for fundraising and communications activities and initiatives.
- Lead and coordinate the Development and Communications Coordinators efforts in collaboration with members of the school community to ensure alignment of development and communications priorities and objectives.
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Collaborate with the President Special Assistant to the President Development and Communications Coordinator special events team and other school leaders to advance Edisons fundraising communications and community engagement objectives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS and MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in fundraising communications or a related field with a demonstrated track record of success.
- Experience with Raisers Edge or other donor database systems preferred.
- Experience with donor cultivation solicitation stewardship and relationship management required.
Knowledge Skills and Essential Attributes:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to quickly establish cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships on behalf of Edison.
- Positive outgoing and professional demeanor.
- Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently take initiative and proactively manage multiple priorities and projects.
- Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to the mission and values of Edison.
- Understanding of fundraising and sales principles with the confidence and willingness to regularly engage with donors and prospects outside of the office.
- Ability to represent Edison professionally and effectively with donors families alumni community members and other constituents.
Certificates and Clearances:
- Criminal Justice Fingerprint and Background Clearance.
Reporting:
- This position reports to the Principal of Edison High School.
- This is a full-time onsite position MondayFriday 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.
- Regular travel throughout the local community for donor and constituent visits is expected.
- Occasional evening and weekend work is required for school events donor meetings and fundraising activities.
- Professional business attire is required.
- Edison offers a comprehensive benefits package.
- Salary range:$90000-$100000 contingent on experience.
To Apply:
- Please send cover letter resume and references to Ashley Amato Special Assistant to the President at .
Required Experience:
Director
