Advancement Assistant

Description

ABOUT SEWICKLEY ACADEMY

Distinguished by its rigorous academics, outstanding faculty, and highly motivated student body, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburgh’s longest-standing coeducational independent Junior Pre-Kindergarten-12 day school. Our mission is to elevate knowledge, character, and community through an intentionally extraordinary and innovative education. At the Academy, every student is encouraged to explore their passions and excel while embracing their authentic selves.

With the recent completion of state-of-the-art computer science and robotics classrooms and new athletic facilities, the Academy is poised for the continued expansion of our STEM and athletic programs. We believe strongly in the importance and value of a well-rounded education in academics, the arts, athletics, and community service. Our faculty and staff from all departments and divisions work together to create an environment of encouragement and support by inspiring students to reach their goals and develop a love of learning.

This position offers a competitive salary plus excellent benefits and work/life balance programs including a premium-free health plan option, an excellent retirement plan, generous leave time, and tuition benefits programs. Are you searching for a workplace where a dedicated team of talented individuals comes together to serve our students?

Job Description

The  Advancement Assistant supports the day-to-day work of the Advancement Office and serves a vital role in brand storytelling for our community. This entry-level, hourly position provides operational support for all Advancement and Alumni tasks. 

Responsibilities

• Provide daily administrative support to the Advancement department
• Maintain office supplies and support the general organization of workspaces
• Respond to incoming phone calls, emails, and mail, routing inquiries as appropriate
• Prepare, format, and proofread correspondence, reports, and donor communications
• Assist with filing, mailings, packaging, and other bulk communication projects
• Help deploy email marketing campaigns and monitor engagement metrics
• Assist in the preparation of "thank-you" kits, annual reports, and impact updates
• Maintain accurate constituent and gift records in the advancement database
• Enter donations, update constituent information, and support basic reporting and data cleanup to ensure data integrity
• Ensure timely and accurate recognition of gifts and contributions
• Organize and maintain the digital library of photos, videos, and branding materials
• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of advancement events, including on-site support and logistics
• Conduct basic background research on potential individual or corporate donors

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• One to three years of administrative, office, or related experience required, ideally in a school or nonprofit environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (especially Excel) and social media platforms
• Experience with CRM software (especially Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge) is a plus
• Strong proofreading skills and the ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• A "detail-oriented" mindset with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Strong organizational skills with careful attention to detail
• Ability to handle sensitive donor financial information with high levels of confidentiality

Why Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a vibrant, mid-sized city known for its affordability, convenience, and strong sense of community. Set at the confluence of three rivers and surrounded by rolling hills, it offers the energy of city living with easy access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation.

The region is a national hub for healthcare, technology, education, and research, and is home to world-class institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and the University of Pittsburgh. A strong economy, growing startup culture, and established cultural institutions foster a collaborative and innovative professional environment.

Residents value the area’s excellent public and independent schools, attainable homeownership, and high quality of life. With its distinct neighborhoods, thriving food and arts scene, passionate sports culture, and welcoming spirit, Pittsburgh is a place where people quickly feel at home and choose to stay.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

All interested applicants applying for this position should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.

Sewickley Academy is committed to having a community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Academy does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender/gender-identity, sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information, family or marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.