Assistant Director of Annual Fund: Memphis University School

SUMMARY
Memphis University School, a school for boys in grades 6-12, seeks an Assistant Director of Annual Fund to join its Advancement team. This full-time, 12-month position reports to the Director of the Annual Fund and plays a key role in strengthening support for MUS. The Assistant Director will help drive Annual Fund participation, lead key engagement programs, and build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and other members of the MUS community that deepen connection and foster a culture of philanthropy.

MISSION
Memphis University School is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school’s Christian tradition.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support strategies to increase alumni participation and overall philanthropic support of the Annual Fund.
• Assist in executing targeted outreach and engagement efforts across key constituencies, including direct mail and social media strategy.
• Support volunteer-led fundraising efforts, including Phonathon.
• Lead the Emerging Leaders program for young alumni engagement and giving.
• Partner with Homecoming Reunion volunteers to drive participation and giving and assist in the planning and execution of Homecoming Weekend and related events. 
• Oversee senior class giving strategy, including solicitation, engagement, and transition to alumni participation.
• Support programming for affinity-based alumni groups (e.g., veterans, arts, athletics).
• Assist in ongoing management of the Owl Engagement Hub, including content updates, user engagement, and platform maintenance.
• Contribute ideas and take ownership of new approaches to alumni engagement that strengthen connection and encourage participation.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2-5 years of experience in fundraising, volunteer management, sales, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Memphis University School.
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT is a plus.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A cover letter explaining interest in Memphis University School and why the applicant is qualified for the position.
• A current resume.

Send to Ellen Shapiro Celosky, Director of Annual Fund, ellen.celosky@musowls.org

ABOUT MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Founded in 1893, Memphis University School (MUS) is a non-denominational college- preparatory day school for boys in grades 6 through 12. MUS provides an engaging curriculum, a dedicated and supportive faculty, and a full complement of athletic, artistic, and extracurricular activities that create an environment in which boys thrive and become well-rounded young men of strong moral character, exceptionally prepared for college and life.

The student body, encompassing 610 boys, abides by an Honor Code, which is administered by the student-run Honor Council. Approximately one-third of MUS students receive financial aid, and 30% self-identify as students of color. The school is fortunate to be well-resourced and able to offer significant financial aid. MUS is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and Cognia and holds memberships in ACCIS, NAIS, SAIS, TAIS, ERB, NASSP, TSSAA, CASE, American Library Association, NACAC, SACAC, and College Board.

MUS provides a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, and about 70% of our faculty hold a master’s degree or Ph.D. The success of our students is a testament to an exceptional faculty: About 60% of our students typically score 30 or higher on the ACT (or equivalent SAT score), and 90% score 3 or higher on AP exams.

Remarkably low attrition rates among both families and faculty reflect satisfaction with our culture and programs.

This is an exciting time to be at MUS. We are in the fifth year of our Legacy Forward Strategic Plan. Read more here. Phase 1 of our Campus Master Plan, a 105,000-square-foot Arts and Sciences Center with a new Hyde Chapel, is under construction, with expected completion in mid-2027. Two more phases will follow, remaking the eastern half of the campus and adding an indoor turf field. Read more about our ambitious plans here.

ABOUT MEMPHIS
With about 1.35 million residents, the Memphis metropolitan area boasts a historic music scene, world-famous barbecue, and a small-town feel, despite the presence of the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team and several Fortune 500 companies – including FedEx and AutoZone, both founded by MUS alumni. In addition to several colleges, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the city is home to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a world-renowned leader in the treatment of catastrophic diseases in children. Memphis continues to develop and expand opportunities throughout the community with investments in projects such as a revitalized downtown, Crosstown Concourse vertical village, and the 4,500-acre
Shelby Farms Park – all of which have benefited from the leadership of MUS alumni.

The Mid-South also supports a vibrant arts community, a diverse restaurant scene, and a variety of unique neighborhoods. Plus, the cost of living is very affordable – 14.2% lower than the national average.

Employment at Memphis University School is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug-screening, and reference checks.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO EMPLOYMENT
Memphis University School is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment-related decisions based on job-related qualifications, merit, and the school’s operational needs. MUS prohibits unlawful discrimination against employees and applicants for employment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, disciplinary action, and separation from employment.