Metro New York & Southern Connecticut

Our Institution: Founded in 1860, Bard College is an international network of highly innovative and admired educational institutions grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. A division of Bard located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year college in the U.S. specifically designed for motivated adolescents to fully realize their academic potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. BA and AA degrees are granted in over 35 areas of study. Simon's Rock attracts a diverse student population of approximately 400 students, drawn nationally and internationally, with a significant population of students identifying as LGBTQIA .

For over 50 years, Simon's Rock has practiced the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18, an idea that launched the Early College movement in the United States and beyond. In 2015, Simon's Rock launched Bard Academy, a two-year high school program for boarding and day students, with courses designed and taught by college professors and leading to entry into college after the tenth grade. In doing so, Simon's Rock has connected high school and college in one cohesive, coherent six-year arc. In 2019, Simon's Rock established the Early College Research Institute (ECRI), a locus for research into "what's next" in Early College. In 2023, Simon's Rock launched the Bard Queer Leadership Project, a B.A. degree program designed for, and by, LGBTQIA college students, aiming to elevate LGBTQIA college graduates into leadership roles in fields across the workforce.

The Role: The Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) plays a vital role in the long-term well-being of Bard College at Simon's Rock and provides essential services and engagement opportunities to the College's alumni, parents, and other stakeholders. Most crucially, it serves as the central resource for alumni and parent giving, as well as other forms of philanthropic support for the College. IA is responsible for securing resources for the Fund for Simon's Rock, the Simon's Rock endowment, corporate and foundation support, and estate planning from individual donors. The Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement plays a crucial role in the IA team as the strategic partner of the Director of IA and, in concert with the Director, the manager of most daily operations of the team. Working in close collaboration with the Director and other senior leaders, the Assistant Director helps guide the operational strategy and logistical elements of the Fund for Simon's Rock, as well as other strategic philanthropic priorities underway and others as they emerge.  Additionally, the Assistant Director will lend essential support to the planning and execution of alumni and parent focused events and will contribute directly to the team's communication efforts through existing and future platforms, including both print and social media.

Role Breakdown:

• In close coordination and collaboration with the Director of IA, provide strategic guidance, messaging, and oversight to the Annual Giving Manager for the Annual Fund/Fund for Simon's Rock
• Maintain orderly day-to-day operations of development processes in the Office of Institutional Advancement
• Liaise with campus-wide and Bard-wide partners
• Working closely with Manager of Advancement Services and Director of IA, identify high net worth individuals and develop engagement strategies as needed
• In close collaboration with Director of IA and Provost, identify strategic geographical and substantive engagement opportunities with alumni and parents
• Manage portfolio of approximately 100 leadership and major gifts ($50,000 ) prospects
• Other related duties as assigned

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps
• High aptitude for learning new technologies and technological troubleshooting
• Deep understanding of CRM and database management.
• Ability to leverage high standards for information integrity and employ an ethical approach to handling of sensitive and confidential data
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and support staff
• Event production experience
• Project management experience

Preferred experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in advancement or closely related field
• Frontline fundraising and partnership management
• Familiarity with business and philanthropic context of Berkshire County

While direct experience in higher education and/or independent high schools is beneficial, we are also interested in candidates with development experience in non-profit organizations. Interest and experience in fundraising around women's history, international affairs, educational access, and/or LGBTQIA2S issues are a plus.

The Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Simon's Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic levels.

Applicants should submit cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

About Bard College

Building on a 150-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College's mission has expanded across the country, around the world, and to meet broader student needs.Now, approximately 2,000 undergraduates study in Annandale and more than 200 graduate students study in Bard programs, plus nearly 1,000 students in our early colleges. Total enrollment for Bard College and its global affiliates is approximately 5,000 students. The undergraduate program at our main campus in the Hudson River Valley of upstate New York retains a reputation for scholarly excellence and civic engagement. We are committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow's thought leaders.

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