Our Institution: Founded in 1860, Bard College is an international network of highly innovative and admired educational institutions grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. A division of Bard located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is the only four-year college in the U.S. specifically designed for motivated adolescents to fully realize their academic potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. BA and AA degrees are granted in over 35 areas of study. Simon’s Rock attracts a diverse student population of approximately 400 students, drawn nationally and internationally, with a significant population of students identifying as LGBTQIA+.
For over 50 years, Simon’s Rock has practiced the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18, an idea that launched the Early College movement in the United States and beyond. In 2015, Simon’s Rock launched Bard Academy, a two-year high school program for boarding and day students, with courses designed and taught by college professors and leading to entry into college after the tenth grade. In doing so, Simon’s Rock has connected high school and college in one cohesive, coherent six-year arc. In 2019, Simon’s Rock established the Early College Research Institute (ECRI), a locus for research into “what’s next” in Early College. In 2023, Simon’s Rock launched the Bard Queer Leadership Project, a B.A. degree program designed for, and by, LGBTQIA+ college students, aiming to elevate LGBTQIA+ college graduates into leadership roles in fields across the workforce.
The Role: The Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) plays a vital role in the long-term well-being of Bard College at Simon’s Rock and provides essential services and engagement opportunities to the College’s alumni, parents, and other stakeholders. Most crucially, it serves as the central resource for alumni and parent giving, as well as other forms of philanthropic support for the College. IA is responsible for securing resources for the Fund for Simon’s Rock, the Simon’s Rock endowment, corporate and foundation support, and estate planning from individual donors. The Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement plays a crucial role in the IA team as the strategic partner of the Director of IA and, in concert with the Director, the manager of most daily operations of the team. Working in close collaboration with the Director and other senior leaders, the Assistant Director helps guide the operational strategy and logistical elements of the Fund for Simon’s Rock, as well as other strategic philanthropic priorities underway and others as they emerge. Additionally, the Assistant Director will lend essential support to the planning and execution of alumni and parent focused events and will contribute directly to the team’s communication efforts through existing and future platforms, including both print and social media.
Role Breakdown:
Required Skills:
Preferred experience:
While direct experience in higher education and/or independent high schools is beneficial, we are also interested in candidates with development experience in non-profit organizations. Interest and experience in fundraising around women’s history, international affairs, educational access, and/or LGBTQIA2S+ issues are a plus.
The Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Simon’s Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic levels.
To Apply: Applicants should submit cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references through Interfolio.com at: http://apply.interfolio.com/132836. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.