Associate Head, External Relations 

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Head of School, the position is responsible for outreach and relationship building in support of the student enrolment, effective marketing and communications of the school, and both annual and capital fundraising programs and campaigns. The role will also support the School’s efforts in the areas of parents relations, alumni relations and fundraising with an initial emphasis in strategic external relations planning.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILIITES

  • Working with the Directors of Admissions, Marketing, Advancement and others to develop and implement the school’s student recruitment and admissions strategy including the school’s annual admissions plan.
  • Lead collaborative strategic and tactical planning efforts that result in successful annual and capital fundraising initiatives that support the School’s strategic goals
  • Lead and oversee all areas as it relates to Marketing & Communications, Fundraising, Admissions, Parent and Alumni Relations ensuring effective communications and public relations position the school
  • Lead, coach and manage the Director of Admissions, Director of Advancement, Director of Marketing & Communications and encourage consistency in their team approach and strong communication among them
  • Provide exceptional team leadership and manage the performance of direct reports, which includes performance management and promoting professional development
  • Ensure adherence to the fiscal management of budgets and procedures for all co-curricular programs
  • Participate as a member of the Senior leadership team to set and advance the external relations strategy of the School in line with the School’s strategic plans
  • Promote and model good relationships with parents, alumni and potential donors based on partnership to support the School’s mission
  • Promote and participate in community events that enhance and support a positive and effective School climate
  • Participates in the development efforts in identifying, cultivating, and building a strong donor pipeline and program
  • Develop a comprehensive donor recognition program that includes communicating with past and prospective donors
  • Research and provide plans and business cases, including liaising with stakeholders, in support of the development achieving the school’s external relations goals.
  • Ensure the successful achievement of annual admissions targets through the leadership and guidance of the Admissions function
  • Ensure the successful achievement of annual and capital fundraising goals and targets through leadership of the major gift and annual gift giving programs
  • Meet with prospective students and families, guide and direct new parents through the admissions process, and then toward community awareness and encourage active and positive involvement with the school.  
  • Liaise and communicate with school Principals and Guidance for retention and tracking purposes and to ensure proper direction and communication to families pertaining to retention issues.
  • Working with the Director  Advancement, help cultivate and develop an enhanced fundraising presence by assisting with the organization of events, meetings and receptions and preparing effective constituent communications.
  • Develop relationships with other CAIS schools to gain learning and insights into different best practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, TECHNICAL ABILITY:

  • Post-secondary education  
  • CFRE or equivalent fundraising education
  • Previous experience in running a capital campaign and annual fund campaign
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in school external relations functions, including a strong understanding of admissions and strategic student enrollment
  • Knowledge of The York School and it’s educational offering is a strong asset
  • Experience working in education and with international students from diverse backgrounds
  • Excellent customer service and relationship building skills
  • Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills
  • Solid working knowledge of MS Office suite (including Outlook)
  • Multi-tasking, great attention to detail and highly organized
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment

WORKING REQUIREMENTS:

  • TYS Campus
  • Weekend and evening work required
  • Some lifting required (including lifting of travel display materials)

WHY THE YORK SCHOOL?

The York School offers a broad and exciting variety of employment opportunities with ample professional development and growth opportunities. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, we are a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our newly renovated Athletic Strength and Conditioning Centre. The York School offers a comprehensive benefits package and a generous matching plan for our Non-Faculty employees.

THE YORK SCHOOL VALUES DIVERSITY:

At The York School, our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. As such, we are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace.

The York School will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources by email at [email protected] or by phone at 416-926-1325.

HOW TO APPLY:

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and express their interest by email to [email protected] no later than May 17th, 2021. For more information, please visit www.yorkschool.com.

We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.