Start Date: January 1, 2025 | Lake Placid, NY Campaign Director
ABOUT NORTH COUNTRY SCHOOL & CAMP TREETOPS
Located on the outskirts of Lake Placid, NY, Camp Treetops & North Country School sit on a 237-acre campus amid majestic mountain peaks in New York State’s Adirondack Park. Since 1921 and 1938 respectively, we have been nationally renowned for pioneering educational programs rooted in progressive practices and experiential learning. Both Camp and School guide children to engage the natural world, take on intellectual and physical challenges in a nurturing community, and cultivate independence and creativity.
At the center of all we do is community. In addition to our faculty, staff and counselors, current campers and students, and their families, is are our incredible network of alum who remain extraordinarily engaged with us and who herald from all 50 states and 43 countries.
After considerable research and with significant input from our wonderful community, last year, we embarked on a strategic plan, Growing Evergreen, which embodies our collective vision for the future. It sets the stage for the next chapter of North Country School & Camp Treetops. It challenges us to grow and evolve. As we look to increase our impact, reach more children, and meet the changing needs of our world, Growing Evergreen will now incorporate the silent phase of a Capital Campaign that will serve to support and realize the vision we have created for our organization, making this a particularly exciting time at North Country School & Camp Treetops.
MISSION
North Country School & Camp Treetops strive to create a diverse and inclusive community that gives children the self-confidence, knowledge, skills, and values to lead fulfilling and productive lives while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable world.
VALUES
• Cultivate Community: We believe in the inherent value and contributions of every person, and in fostering connections to build and nurture a strong, inclusive community.
• Walk a Mile: We believe that understanding and honoring every person’s unique worldview, experiences, and challenges is at the root of empathy and compassion.
• Dig Deep, Keep Growing: We believe that by setting ambitious goals, working hard, and persevering, we build strength and character and set a course for lives of growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
• Stay Curious: We believe in the power of creativity and wonder. We believe that curiosity about ourselves, other people, and the world around us leads to growth, innovation, and sometimes unconventional ideas.
• Our Planet, Our Job: We believe in individual and collective responsibility for our planet, and in leading by example as a community that works to respect, protect, and restore the natural world.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Campaign Director will report to the Executive Director and work extensively with the Board Chair, Campaign Chair, Director of Advancement, and key volunteers to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the campaign. This role will focus on donor cultivation, goal-setting, messaging, and stewardship to ensure the successful execution of the campaign’s objectives. The Campaign Director will oversee all aspects of campaign operations, from prospect identification and volunteer recruitment to communication and reporting.
Location: Flexible (Remote work possible with occasional travel for donor visits, campus visits, and in-person Board meetings).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Campaign Strategy
Partner with the Director of Advancement to identify and segment campaign prospects, coordinate discovery, cultivation, and tracking activities.
Lead the planning and organization of the Campaign Steering Committee, assisting with the selection, enlistment, and cultivation of volunteers.
Build and cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, and other potential funding sources to secure campaign support.
Work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Advancement, and volunteers to solicit and secure major gifts for the campaign.
Manage a portfolio of 20-40 high-priority prospects during the nucleus and leadership phases of the campaign.
Leadership & Team Management
Organize and conduct leadership and volunteer training as needed to support campaign efforts.
Maintain a campaign dashboard to track and report the progress of the campaign to the Advancement Committee and the Board of Trustees.
Oversee all campaign operations, including database management, prospect tracking, and event planning. Develop, manage, and track the campaign budget and program.
Campaign Communications
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Office to create and execute a campaign marketing plan.
Assist in the development and communication of the campaign’s mission, goals, and financial needs to internal and external stakeholders.
Support the creation of campaign-related materials, including case statement proposals, solicitation documents, and updates to funders and our community.
Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in non-profit or educational fundraising, including proven success in past capital campaigns.
Fundraising Skills: Expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for major gifts, including experience soliciting 7 and 8-figure gifts. Ability to conduct in-person and virtual donor visits and close gifts for capital, endowment, and annual support with minimal oversight. International fundraising experience is a plus.
Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail and accuracy.
Communication: Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Able to articulate the mission of the School and Camp and make a compelling case for support.
Relationship-Building: Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with donors, colleagues, and volunteers.
Leadership: Experience managing and motivating teams of volunteers and staff to achieve campaign goals.
Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Suite, and Raiser’s Edge (or similar fundraising database).
Commitment to Mission: Deep understanding of and commitment to the mission, values, and funding priorities of North Country School & Camp Treetops.
Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Cultural Competence: Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster an inclusive, positive work environment.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
ADDITIONAL QUALITIES
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team.
Strong sense of professionalism, integrity, and passion for educational and environmental causes.
A growth mindset and commitment to ongoing professional development.
HOW TO APPLY
North Country School has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Executive Director, Todd Ormiston), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document to Zack Lehman at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com. Please do not contact the school directly.
North Country School & Camp Treetops is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Salary Range: $120,000 - $175,000 4382
