Associate Director of Development
Position: Associate Director of Development
Start Date: August 17, 2026
Urban Academy staff, students and families are connected through learning, inspired by community, and empowered to contribute as we work toward our vision of truly educating for tomorrow. We value creativity, collaboration, global citizenship, technology, the outdoors and the arts as means through which we can offer excellence in education. A CAIS-accredited, gender-inclusive JK–12 independent school, we are located in a beautiful facility in New Westminster, across the street from Braid Street Skytrain Station.
At Urban Academy, we seek faculty and staff who are aligned with our values of belonging, future-focused education, changemaking and entrepreneurial spirit. Urban Academy is distinguished by extraordinary teachers who provide a collaborative, inquiry-based, and student-centred approach to teaching. Through the Urban Academy educational program, every student is known, stretched and future-ready.
If this description of our teachers sounds like you, Urban Academy is currently inviting dedicated, team-oriented teachers to apply for our Associate Director of Development role.
The Role
The Associate Director of Development is a key leadership position within the Development Office, reporting directly to the Director of Development. This individual serves as a strategic partner to the Director, assisting in the broad implementation of the school’s strategic direction while offering support and leadership to advancement, admissions, marketing/communications and community initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the independent school landscape, fundraising, communications and the ability to build meaningful relationships with parents, alumni, and stakeholders. You will be responsible for executing advancement efforts, ensuring that our Annual Giving, Major Events, and Donor Stewardship programs are executed with precision and care.
As an Associate Director of Development, your additional responsibilities include:
Advancement & Fundraising
Collaborate with the Director of Development to design and implement short- and long-term advancement strategies that align with school priorities.
Lead the execution of the Annual Giving Campaign, focusing on increasing participation rates, donor engagement, and meeting ambitious fundraising goals.
Support the development of the minor and major gifts program including the planning, cultivation and stewardship of donors.
In partnership with the Director and outside counsel, play a central role in the operational planning and execution of upcoming possible Capital Campaigns.
Serve as the lead administrator for the Donor Database, ensuring data integrity, privacy, and the expansion of the system’s capabilities for reporting and tracking.
Ensure all fundraising activities and gift processing remain in strict compliance with CRA regulations and school policies.
Generate regular reports and analysis on fundraising progress to assist in reporting.
Collaborate with Marketing and Admissions to ensure a unified ‘voice’ for the school across all external touchpoints.
Community Engagement & Volunteer Management
Act as a visible and engaging presence within the UA community, fostering a culture of philanthropy.
Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and management of key volunteer leadership roles, including the PAX Chair, Carnival Chair, Gala Chair, and Parent Volunteer Coordinators.
Provide strategic support and guidance to parent-led committees and events to ensure major events (Gala, Carnival, etc.) meet both community-building and financial objectives.
Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship plan for alumni and broader community stakeholders.
Admissions & Communications Support
Offer strategic and meaningful direction to the admissions work of the school.
Participate in admissions initiatives and activities including Open Houses, school tours, information sessions, assessments and interviews.
Participate in external community events whereby Urban Academy is represented.
Support communications efforts by writing for weekly updates, letters, campaigns and other communications and marketing initiatives.
Support UA’s social media through the lens of communication and advancement.
Qualifications and requirements
Experience: 5+ years of experience in advancement, development, or a related field, preferably within an independent school or non-profit environment.
Strategic Mindset: Ability to see the ‘big picture’ while managing the fine details of execution.
Technical Proficiency: Advanced experience with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, MySchool, Donor Perfect, or similar) and a strong understanding of data-driven decision-making.
Relationship Builder: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage authentically with a diverse community of parents, staff, and donors.
Communication: Highly articulate in both written and verbal communication. Strong writing skills, and an understanding of marketing, communications and social media are integral.
Education: A university degree in a relevant field (Business, Communications, Marketing, Non-Profit Management) or equivalent professional experience.
Please visit our website (www.urbanacademy.ca) to learn more about UA’s wonderful school life and see if this is the type of environment that you feel you could thrive in, and contribute to. At Urban Academy, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers, from BIPOC (black, Indigenous, and people of colour), persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability, we will work with you to make reasonable workplace accommodations you may need for your best work performance.
Urban Academy provides:
Competitive Compensation at a salary range of $90,000 - $120,000 inclusive of vacation pay and commensurate with years of experience
Open and collaborative culture
Comprehensive benefits package
Matching RRSP program
Newly built inspiring campus setting
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.