Advancement | Santa Rosa, CA | Full Time | From $115,000 to $155,000 per year
Job Description
Overview of School Sonoma Academy is an independent high school located in Santa Rosa, CA on a 34-acre campus, surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected open space, at the base of Taylor Mountain. Founded in 2001, it provides an engaging, challenging, and innovative college preparatory education and a supportive community for motivated learners from Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake, and Mendocino counties.
Our Mission: Sonoma Academy calls its students to be creative, ethical, and committed to learning. The school nurtures inspiring teachers and engages with the surrounding community, and its students communicate across cultures as they prepare to become leaders in a dynamic world.
Sonoma Academy’s Commitment to Diversity: We believe that learning occurs best in a connected community. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential to an education in which all members of our community thrive. We are committed to cultivating a diverse community that is conscious and welcoming of difference, dedicated to investigating and advancing equity, and engages with our local and global community. If you would like to join us in this work, we would welcome your application. As we are deeply committed to having a staffulty (staff and faculty) and student body which reflects the rich diversity within the North Bay, we strongly encourage candidates from BIPOC communities and/or professionals from communities that are historically underrepresented to apply.
Lead Sonoma Academy’s Annual Fund and stewardship efforts as a highly relational and strategic advancement professional. This full-time exempt-level leadership role is responsible for independently designing, directing, and evaluating a comprehensive annual giving program that inspires broad participation and deepens donor engagement across the Sonoma Academy community.
The Director has primary responsibility and decision making authority for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the Annual Fund, including campaign strategy, leadership and volunteer engagement, donor cultivation and solicitation, and thoughtful stewardship practices that ensure every supporter feels known, appreciated, and connected to the impact of their philanthropy. While this role exercises discretion and independent judgment in establishing fundraising priorities, messaging strategy, and engagement approaches, this work is accomplished through close collaboration with our communications team, adhering to our brand values and key messages.
This role partners closely with the Director, External Relations, Head of School, Advancement colleagues, and the Board of Trustees to align fundraising priorities with institutional goals. The Director independently manages and strategically develops a portfolio of leadership annual fund donors and helps build a sustainable culture of philanthropy grounded in community, belonging, and shared purpose.
An ideal candidate brings strong fundraising acumen; excellent communication skills; a data-informed approach to strategy; and the ability to build authentic relationships with parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of the school. We seek a professional who is both strategic and hands‑on — someone who can confidently analyze participation metrics while also crafting meaningful donor experiences.The Director is accountable for achieving annual financial and participation goals established in partnership with senior leadership.
In addition to these responsibilities, administrative leaders at Sonoma Academy are active participants in campus life and may have opportunities to support school events, community initiatives, and signature advancement experiences throughout the year. Participation in these activities supports institutional advancement strategy and community engagement objectives.
Core Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive Annual Fund strategy to increase participation, donor retention, and overall philanthropic support.
Establish annual revenue and participation targets in collaboration with senior leadership and develop strategic plans to achieve them.
Establish measurable goals and evaluate campaign effectiveness using data and advancement best practices.
Manage a multi-channel solicitation calendar, including digital campaigns, direct mail, leadership outreach, and volunteer-driven efforts.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of leadership annual fund donors through personalized engagement.
Partner with trustees and volunteer ambassadors to strengthen a culture of giving.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to volunteer campaign leadership and ambassadors, including goal setting, training, and performance accountability.
Design and oversee a stewardship program that reflects Sonoma Academy’s values and communicates the impact of donor generosity.
Ensure timely, personalized gift acknowledgments and collaborate on impact reporting and donor communications.
Work closely with colleagues across admissions, marketing, and student programs to surface compelling stories that inspire philanthropy.
Utilize the school’s CRM to track activity, maintain strong data integrity, and inform strategic decision-making.
Prepare reports and dashboards for school leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Monitor annual fund budget allocations and recommend adjustments to optimize fundraising outcomes.
Evaluate campaign performance trends and recommend strategic pivots as needed to achieve institutional goals.
Core Requirements Successful candidates are passionate about education and believe in the transformative power of philanthropy to expand opportunity for students. They demonstrate professionalism, strong cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and the ability to engage authentically with diverse constituents.
We seek candidates with experience managing fundraising initiatives, meeting financial goals, and building lasting donor relationships.
Candidates should possess excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; strong project management abilities; and comfort working both collaboratively and independently in a fast‑paced environment. A commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered fundraising is essential.
While this role requires exercise of discretion and independent judgment including donor strategy, campaign planning, and institutional advancement priorities this work is supported by cross collaboration with senior leadership.
Preferred Education and Experiences
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required
5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, nonprofit development, or related field preferred
Experience in an independent school or educational environment is strongly valued
Familiarity with fundraising databases/CRMs and donor stewardship best practices
Experience working with volunteers, boards, or campaign leadership is a plus
Compensation Sonoma Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The starting salary for this position is expected to range from $115,000 to $155,000, depending on experience. The school will evaluate the candidate's relevant experience upon hiring.
Perks of working at SA
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
Commitment to professional development, including generously funded training opportunities and a dedicated “exploratory fund” for learning
Healthy and nutritious lunch service offered at no cost to employees during the school year (when on campus and our kitchen operational)
A professional work environment defined by teamwork, collegiality, trust, agility, and altruism
This position operates in a professional office environment at a private, independent high school.
This is a full- time position with occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during campaign cycles and community events.
Sonoma Academy is an equal opportunity employer. Sonoma Academy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Overview of School Sonoma Academy is an independent high school located in Santa Rosa, CA on a 34-acre campus, surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected open space, at the base of Taylor Mountain. Founded in 2001, it provides an engaging, challenging, and innovative college preparatory education and a supportive community for motivated learners from Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake, and Mendocino counties.
Our Mission: Sonoma Academy calls its students to be creative, ethical, and committed to learning. The school nurtures inspiring teachers and engages with the surrounding community, and its students communicate across cultures as they prepare to become leaders in a dynamic world.
Sonoma Academy’s Commitment to Diversity: We believe that learning occurs best in a connected community. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential to an education in which all members of our community thrive. We are committed to cultivating a diverse community that is conscious and welcoming of difference, dedicated to investigating and advancing equity, and engages with our local and global community. If you would like to join us in this work, we would welcome your application. As we are deeply committed to having a staffulty (staff and faculty) and student body which reflects the rich diversity within the North Bay, we strongly encourage candidates from BIPOC communities and/or professionals from communities that are historically underrepresented to apply.
Lead Sonoma Academy’s Annual Fund and stewardship efforts as a highly relational and strategic advancement professional. This full-time exempt-level leadership role is responsible for independently designing, directing, and evaluating a comprehensive annual giving program that inspires broad participation and deepens donor engagement across the Sonoma Academy community.
The Director has primary responsibility and decision making authority for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the Annual Fund, including campaign strategy, leadership and volunteer engagement, donor cultivation and solicitation, and thoughtful stewardship practices that ensure every supporter feels known, appreciated, and connected to the impact of their philanthropy. While this role exercises discretion and independent judgment in establishing fundraising priorities, messaging strategy, and engagement approaches, this work is accomplished through close collaboration with our communications team, adhering to our brand values and key messages.
This role partners closely with the Director, External Relations, Head of School, Advancement colleagues, and the Board of Trustees to align fundraising priorities with institutional goals. The Director independently manages and strategically develops a portfolio of leadership annual fund donors and helps build a sustainable culture of philanthropy grounded in community, belonging, and shared purpose.
An ideal candidate brings strong fundraising acumen; excellent communication skills; a data-informed approach to strategy; and the ability to build authentic relationships with parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of the school. We seek a professional who is both strategic and hands‑on — someone who can confidently analyze participation metrics while also crafting meaningful donor experiences.The Director is accountable for achieving annual financial and participation goals established in partnership with senior leadership.
In addition to these responsibilities, administrative leaders at Sonoma Academy are active participants in campus life and may have opportunities to support school events, community initiatives, and signature advancement experiences throughout the year. Participation in these activities supports institutional advancement strategy and community engagement objectives.
Core Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive Annual Fund strategy to increase participation, donor retention, and overall philanthropic support.
Establish annual revenue and participation targets in collaboration with senior leadership and develop strategic plans to achieve them.
Establish measurable goals and evaluate campaign effectiveness using data and advancement best practices.
Manage a multi-channel solicitation calendar, including digital campaigns, direct mail, leadership outreach, and volunteer-driven efforts.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of leadership annual fund donors through personalized engagement.
Partner with trustees and volunteer ambassadors to strengthen a culture of giving.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to volunteer campaign leadership and ambassadors, including goal setting, training, and performance accountability.
Design and oversee a stewardship program that reflects Sonoma Academy’s values and communicates the impact of donor generosity.
Ensure timely, personalized gift acknowledgments and collaborate on impact reporting and donor communications.
Work closely with colleagues across admissions, marketing, and student programs to surface compelling stories that inspire philanthropy.
Utilize the school’s CRM to track activity, maintain strong data integrity, and inform strategic decision-making.
Prepare reports and dashboards for school leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Monitor annual fund budget allocations and recommend adjustments to optimize fundraising outcomes.
Evaluate campaign performance trends and recommend strategic pivots as needed to achieve institutional goals.
Core Requirements Successful candidates are passionate about education and believe in the transformative power of philanthropy to expand opportunity for students. They demonstrate professionalism, strong cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and the ability to engage authentically with diverse constituents.
We seek candidates with experience managing fundraising initiatives, meeting financial goals, and building lasting donor relationships.
Candidates should possess excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; strong project management abilities; and comfort working both collaboratively and independently in a fast‑paced environment. A commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered fundraising is essential.
While this role requires exercise of discretion and independent judgment including donor strategy, campaign planning, and institutional advancement priorities this work is supported by cross collaboration with senior leadership.
Preferred Education and Experiences
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required
5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, nonprofit development, or related field preferred
Experience in an independent school or educational environment is strongly valued
Familiarity with fundraising databases/CRMs and donor stewardship best practices
Experience working with volunteers, boards, or campaign leadership is a plus
Compensation Sonoma Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The starting salary for this position is expected to range from $115,000 to $155,000, depending on experience. The school will evaluate the candidate's relevant experience upon hiring.
Perks of working at SA
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
Commitment to professional development, including generously funded training opportunities and a dedicated “exploratory fund” for learning
Healthy and nutritious lunch service offered at no cost to employees during the school year (when on campus and our kitchen operational)
A professional work environment defined by teamwork, collegiality, trust, agility, and altruism
This position operates in a professional office environment at a private, independent high school.
This is a full- time position with occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during campaign cycles and community events.
Sonoma Academy is an equal opportunity employer. Sonoma Academy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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