Detroit Country Day School is a private, independent, co-educational, non-denominational, preschool through grade 12, college preparatory school focused on a well-rounded liberal arts education. Emphasis on academics, arts, athletics, and character development is prevalent across the curriculum. DCDS believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are educational imperatives for the intellectual, social, and moral growth of every child. We honor the dignity of every human being and value differences that exist and are expressed throughout our vibrant school.
Position Summary
Detroit Country Day School (DCDS), one of the largest and most renowned independent day schools in the country, seeks to bring to its community an Advancement Database Manager, to start immediately. This full-time, in-person position plays a critical role in maintaining the database and producing key reports for the advancement team. The Advancement Database Manager will report directly to the Chief Advancement Officer and be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team.
As a key member of the Advancement Office, the Advancement Database Manager is in charge of the management of our data and execution of reports. Working with the Advancement Office, this person will focus on developing strategies and organizing constituent data, including charitable contributions. The Advancement Database Manager will manage moves of all constituents including current and past parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff, and other members of the school community. Other responsibilities include event planning and logistics.
Essential Responsibilities
Work collaboratively with the Advancement staff and other faculty and staff members to ensure database management and maintenance of donor information in the Veracross database
Execute database leadership, including processes, data accuracy, and integrity
Process, record, and reconcile donor charitable contributions
Draft and mail error-free donor acknowledgments (i.e. tax receipts)
Run queries, gift reports, and provide mailing lists
Provide customer service on incoming donor and parent volunteer requests
Collaborate in the execution of month-end close process; this process includes payroll deduction and all gift processing, donor acknowledgments (i.e. tax receipts) on the 15th and end of each month.
Provide monthly reports and yearly INDEX and DASL reports to the Business Office
Work collaboratively with the Business Office for yearly audit and provide charitable contribution data and back-up
Provide on-site event support at all events, including set-up and breakdown
Execute leadership role with major donor events, including logistics
Assist in prospect management and strategic donor research
Collaborate with Advancement team colleagues on moves management of donors and other administrative tasks as needed
Assist Director of Alumni Relations with data updates and alumni interactions (including event attendance)
Assist with content generation for electronic, print, digital and social media communications to internal and external constituencies, including students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and donors
Be a proactive member of the school community, attending athletic and artistic events, student presentations, and other occasions
Assist and manage projects as needed or assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training
Understanding of databases and the ability to learn new systems required; experience with Veracross preferred
Strong communication skills with previous customer service experience
Must be detailed oriented, thorough, accurate, and organized
Ability to prioritize and effectively manage diverse tasks, multitasking in a fast-paced environment
Experience working with Google, Word, Excel
Interest in independent school education and a dedication to promoting the School’s fundraising priorities by developing positive and respectful relationships with faculty, senior administrative leaders, trustees, parents, alumni, and the advancement office team
Must have excellent interpersonal skills, reflect an optimistic and positive attitude and have a demonstrated record of completing assignments
Cooperate and work together with all school leaders and colleagues; plan and complete job duties with minimal supervision
Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, which may be altered or redesigned as necessary
Must possess good judgment, tact, sensitivity, and discretion in the handling of confidential information, materials and situations
Must be willing to work in person and on occasional evenings and weekends
Display the highest ethical and professional behavior
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Prospective Candidates
Interested candidates should submit their application materials on the Careers page on the DCDS website: https://www.dcds.edu/about
Founded in 1914, Detroit Country Day School is a top-tier, nationally ranked co-educational independent school for students in grades PreK3-12. The School offers an exemplary education rooted in academic rigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The School develops citizens and leaders of the world in a culturally diverse environment of academic rigor, competitive athletics, and artistic expression, built on a foundation of service and character.
In 2020, the student community of 1460 includes 300 students in the Lower School in grades PreK3-grade 3; 500 students in the Middle School in grades 4-8 and 660 students in the Upper School in grades 9-12. The School has an extremely diverse student population, of which approximately 40% identify as students of color. In all three divisions, Detroit Country Day School is known for its strong academics and the opportunities available to students in outstanding offerings in athletics, dance, instrumental and vocal music, drama, and the visual arts. Students achieve regional, state, and national recognition for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and athletics, as well as their participation in ...community service. The School has approximately 270 employees. Sixty-nine percent of faculty members have earned advanced degrees.
Detroit Country Day School’s facilities are situated in two locations approximately three miles apart and less than one half hour from the center of Detroit. The Upper School (9-12) and Middle School (4-8) share adjoining campuses in Beverly Hills, where the administrative offices, facility services, safety and security services, and the main arts and athletics facilities are located. The Lower School (PreK-3) is located nearby in neighboring Bloomfield Hills. Both Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills are in Oakland County, which has the highest per capita income of any county in the state of Michigan and is one of the most affluent counties in the United States.
The Detroit Country Day Upper School offers a strong and varied program that provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate their individual strengths and develop their potential. The rigorous college-preparatory program, which includes Honors and Advanced Placement courses in each discipline in addition to a diverse selection of electives, prepares students for college and beyond. In addition to a series of honors and Advanced Placement courses, students at Detroit Country Day Upper School may pursue an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
