The Shaker Schools Foundation is Hiring!

 

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to Holly McCormick, Executive Director at mccormick_h@shaker.org.

Questions? Please call Holly McCormick at 216-295-4325.

The Shaker Schools Foundation provides resources to enrich the educational experiences of students of the Shaker Heights City Schools. We were the first public school foundation in Ohio, and one of the first in the nation when it launched in 1981. As of June 2025, our assets are over $6.1 million. All donations to our foundation are tax-deductible. The Shaker Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at shakerschoolsfoundation.org.

Position Title: Development Associate

Reports to: Executive Director & Director of Development

Location: Shaker Schools Foundation

Job type: Part-Time, 12 hours per week, flexible set schedule (currently 4 hrs/day, 3 days/wk)

Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $22-$27/ hour

Direct Reports: No

Mission:
The Shaker Schools Foundation (SSF) supports all Shaker Heights City Schools students by cultivating community resources to advance equitable access and enhance opportunities in and out of the classroom.

Position Overview:
The Development Associate plays a vital role in supporting the Foundation’s fundraising and donor relations efforts. By assisting the Executive Director and Director of Development, this individual will help facilitate donor cultivation, recognition, and event coordination. This position is key in ensuring the Foundation’s mission to provide resources for Shaker Heights students continues to thrive, ensuring an organized and welcoming experience for both donors and stakeholders.

  1. Donor, Donation and Database Management (or similar) 
    • Maintain accurate records of donors and donations in the constituent resource management database (CRM) ensuring proper acknowledgment and tracking.
    • Prepare donor correspondence, including sending acknowledgements of all gifts, particularly those requiring special handling.
    • Develop best practices to ensure consistent constituent tracking and management within the Foundation’s CRM database through collaboration with foundation and alumni staff.
    • Manage imports, mail merges, event tracking and query building for mailing lists and donor solicitations.
    • Provide data entry and ensure that donations made through various channels, such as Red & White events, are properly logged into CRM. 
  2. Fundraising Reports & Cultivation
    • Assist in the preparation of fundraising reports and special reports as requested.
    • Help plan and execute systems for donor cultivation, including communications, recognition programs, and event planning.
    • Assist with donor and volunteer events, such as special recognition events, to  ensure they align with SSF’s mission to celebrate and engage the community. 
  3. Administrative Support
    • Provide administrative support for SSF’s Board, including the preparation of meeting materials, handbooks, rosters, and other essential documents.
    • Organize and maintain filing systems for all donor and event materials.
    • Help with the annual reporting processes, including donor impact reports, ensuring SSF maintains transparency with its stakeholders. 
  4. Accounts Payable Support
    • Prepare all payments made by check, logging into appropriate financial tracking software, ensuring appropriate documentation and filing.
    • Consolidate annual audit information and information for tax filing.
    • Ensure that all financial documentation, such as checks and reports, is properly filed and recorded.
    • Assist in reviewing and annotating credits to monthly bank statements for the accountant. 
  5. Other Responsibilities
    • Take on additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Director of Development, contributing to a team-based approach to achieving SSF’s goals.


Qualifications:

  1. Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
  2. Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint (or similar programs).
  3. Experience with Raiser’s Edge and/or similar fundraising databases; experience with Blackbaud’s Financial Edge and Quickbooks is a plus. Organization is currently transitioning from Raiser’s Edge to DonorPerfect.
  4. Excellent organizational and planning skills, with keen attention to detail. 
  5. Professional phone demeanor, with strong communication and proofreading skills.


Work Environment:

With the support of modern tools, we ensure all employees have the resources they need to succeed while staying connected and engaged. 


Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit for extended periods during the workday
  • Ability to travel to offsite locations for events, meetings, or client engagements with ability to bend, kneel, lift, reach up to 20lbs, with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone
  • Ability to read printed and digital materials, including reports, emails, and training materials
  • Ability to hear and respond


SSF Mission Alignment & Values:

  • Mission-Driven Work: The Development Associate will contribute to the Foundation’s core mission of enhancing educational experiences for Shaker Heights students, which requires a deep commitment to the community and an understanding of SSF’s role in enriching education.
  • Collaboration & Engagement: The position requires a collaborative mindset, working closely with team members, board members, and donors to fulfill SSF’s fundraising goals.


Transparency & Integrity: This role supports transparent operations by maintaining accurate records and ensuring financial integrity through proper documentation and reporting.