Employment

Description:  

The Little School has a full-time Director of Development & Communications position open beginning Summer 2023. We are looking for individuals with experience in strategic philanthropy design and implementation with a proven track record of successful fundraising.

Position Overview:   

The Director of Development and Communications is a strategic thought partner, relationship builder and cultural steward for The Little School. The position directs and manages an integrated program for fundraising, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, public relations, and communications in a manner that is consistent and aligned with The Little School’s vision, values and mission. This is a highly collaborative position that supports every constituent of the school, seeking to help community members feel seen, appreciated and respected in authentic and meaningful ways. The Director of Development & Communications is a member of an Advancement Team that includes the Director of Enrollment Management, the Advancement & Data Manager, the Technology Integration and Innovation Specialist and the Community Events & Alumni Coordinator. All members of the Advancement Team collaborate with and report to the Head of School.  The Director of Development & Communications partners with the TLS Advancement Team and the Board’s Advancement Committee to strategically shepherd and elevate a culture of philanthropy, gratitude, communication and connection that is central to a healthy independent school community.   

The Director of Development & Communications:  

Cultivates Philanthropy & Executes Strategic Fundraising 

• Designs and implements a multi-year development plan that diversifies and expands fundraising channels through innovation and partnerships.   

• Cultivates and maintains relationships with volunteers, trustees, staff, families, alumni, friends, prospects, donors, foundations and others to increase support of and involvement in the school.   

• Plans and manages the fundraising activities and events of the school to attract maximum support, involving trustees and volunteers, preparing materials, promoting participation and communicating progress.    

• Oversees and meets the school’s annual fundraising goals which are to raise approximately 11% of the school’s annual operating budget for operations and financial aid. For the 2023-24 school year, this number will be around $700,000.      

• Cultivates and sustains healthy donor relations through individual connection and donor recognition events. 

• Oversees the administrative tasks in the development office including database maintenance, gift acknowledgement, pledge reminders, monthly giving reports for the Board of Trustees and monthly reconciliation for charitable contributions with the Business Office.  

• Researches and submits grant requests to support existing and new funds and projects.

Supports Internal & Community Communications  

• Establishes and executes communication plan to promote connection and understanding in TLS’ community.   

• Demonstrates strong written communication for multiple audiences and purposes.  

• Oversees and organizes Annual Report and other regular publications.   

• Coordinates TLS Happenings weekly e-newsletter.   

• Designs printed calendar and supports understanding of school year cadence of events.   

• Maintains database and compiles mailing lists for all mailings, including Annual Report.   

• Coordinates graphic design/production for all school branding, signage, materials and publications.  

• Other duties as assigned by Head of School.

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• 5+ years of fundraising experience, including with annual funds and major gifts, ideally in an independent school.   

• A passion for independent schools and a belief in their public purpose.   

• Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, access and justice.  

• A desire to partner with an international community of families and to learn actively about culture.   

• A sense of humor and the ability to delight in a community centered around children and childhood.   

• Highly professional team-player with a strong sense of integrity.  

• Strong work ethic and success meeting goals.  

• Excellent communication, human relations, supervisory, and management skills.   

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge software and Blackbaud.  

• Knowledge of budget preparation and control, and the ability to work within budget constraints.

Compensation:

12-month, exempt position with health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Annual salary of $90,000 - $120,000 depending on experience.  

Submit:

Resume, letter of interest and three references to employment@thelittleschool.org as soon as possible.   

About The Little School:  

The Little School is an independent preschool-5th grade elementary school in Bellevue, WA. Nestled in 12.5 acres of woods and meadows, The Little School provides a natural setting to nurture children’s curiosity and potential. We build upon the inherent strengths of each child and support them as they expand their intellect, build foundational skills and deepen their connections to friends and teachers. Each student knows and is known in our community, and children here learn to develop the interpersonal skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and for others. Our commitment to community includes advocacy and stewardship of our surroundings as well. The classroom extends to the outdoors, providing plenty of opportunities for children to study and appreciate the natural world.  

Our Mission:  

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.  

Our Vision:  

We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy.  

Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:  

To further our children’s understanding of the world in which we live, The Little School seeks to purposefully build an environment that reflects and honors its rich diversity. The school welcomes a wide range of people and respects their personal identities, including socioeconomics, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and family composition. Our community is committed to ongoing dialogue, education, and reflection to develop understanding and inclusion of every member.  

DEI Mission:

We will reflect on our own identities, be curious about the experiences and perspectives of others and seek to understand how our identities intersect. We strive to create an educational culture where struggle and discomfort are embraced as necessary for increased understanding and a community whose members are humble, curious, kind and committed to social justice.   

DEI Vision:

The Little School creates innovative learning communities committed to equity, intentionality and continuous inquiry and growth.   

Community Values:  

The Little School is a community committed to children and learning. Each member of our school faculty and staff are expected to:  

• Demonstrate a deep respect for childhood.  

• Engage and nurture each child as a learner and valued member of the community.  

• Honor and show respect for the identity of others.   

• Anchor learning in a sense of place that demonstrates care and stewardship for the school and the environment.  

• Use evidence, scientific facts and research to inform beliefs and practices.  

• Promote ongoing learning about equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism.  

• Celebrate creativity, innovation, kindness and curiosity.  

• Strive for continuous improvement and excellence.   

• Foster a sense of belonging among all members of our community.  

• Create and embrace joy.  

Non-discrimination Statement:  

The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs.

The Associate Teacher program brings The Little School back to its roots as a place to nurture progressive educators in the early years of their careers. Associates receive training and support both from their teaching teams and from school leadership using an apprenticeship model. Learning goals are individualized to support career clarity and professional growth.  

Associate Teachers are committed to progressive education in a school with a long history of ideals and practices educating the whole child. TLS teachers deliver powerful instruction driven by curiosity and inquiry, that embraces academic and social emotional learning. Our faculty are committed to collaborative teaching within a vibrant adult learning community.  

Job Description: A TLS Associate Teacher 

Partners in Facilitating Learning

• Delights in the possibility and potential of children. Associate Teachers respect the social, physical and intellectual development of each child and create experiences where learning feels playful, and play is full of learning. 

• Nourishes the social emotional life of each child by supporting and teaching curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, interest, resilience, reflection, inquiry and collaboration.   

• Supports and provides engaging instruction, nurtures positive relationships and community, and establishes a safe, warm, responsive environment for learning. 

• Conveys an understanding of and commitment to progressive education ideals and practices, equity, inclusion and social justice; integrates these ideals in curriculum, teaching and communication with children, families and colleagues. 

• Maintains inviting, intentional and organized classroom spaces 

Supports Planning, Instruction and Collaboration 

• Supports the planning and implementation of integrated curriculum, rich learning tasks and activities, and authentic learning objectives in the areas of academic, emotional, social and physical growth.   

• Supports classroom learning during absences. This can include subbing for the entire day on one’s own or partnering with the curriculum support specialist to cover a co-teacher's absence.  

• Plans and leads lessons or units in partnership with teaching team. 

• Works with students individually, in small groups and as a whole class 

• Works collaboratively and productively with fellow teachers, associate teachers and administrators. 

Supports Assessment, Documentation and Communication 

• Works with co-teachers to understand learning and social goals and implement strategies to support that growth. 

• Partners with co-teacher in communication with parents, supporting verbal and written updates; home visits and conferences with families. 

• Uses academic work, photographs, captured quotes or student artwork to create documentation of student learning for display, parent communication or conferences. 

Shares supervision of lunch and outside time 

• Independently supervises scheduled lunch or outside time, maintaining appropriate limits and boundaries.  

• Engages with students in ways that promote outside time as an extension of the classroom. 

Builds community and collegiality 

• Models respect and ease  

• Shares a sense of humor and helps others laugh 

• Offers specific and authentic observations that lift others  

• Adapts style to the students and colleagues with whom they work  

Reflects and Learns 

• Learns and grows professional skills, maintaining an authentic interest in being part of a passionate progressive educational community 

• Meets regularly with co-teachers and Faculty Support Specialist to reflect on practice and goals. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat; stand/walk, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds. 

• Work outdoors on a regular basis, occasionally in inclement weather.  

• Work and attend various events that take place evenings or weekends.  

Skills and Experience 

• Minimum of one year of experience working with elementary school age children 

• Prior experience working collaboratively with another adult in a school or similar setting 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field preferred 

• Fluency with classroom-based and distance-learning technology 

Compensation includes salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Salary for 2022-2023 is $43,000. The budget for 2023-2024 will be set by the end of March and new salaries will be available for posting at that time. This is a 10-month position paid over 12 months.  

Submit: Resume, letter of interest and three references to employment@thelittleschool.org as soon as possible.  

About The Little School: 

The Little School is an independent preschool-5th grade elementary school in Bellevue, WA. Nestled in 12.5 acres of woods and meadows, The Little School provides a natural setting to nurture children’s curiosity and potential. We build upon the inherent strengths of each child and support them as they expand their intellect, build foundational skills and deepen their connections to friends and teachers. Each student knows and is known in our community, and children here learn to develop the interpersonal skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and for others. Our commitment to community includes advocacy and stewardship of our surroundings as well. The classroom extends to the outdoors, providing plenty of opportunities for children to study and appreciate the natural world.  

Our Mission: 

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.  

Our Vision: 

We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy. 

Non-discrimination Statement: 

The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs. 

Are you looking for a stimulating summer work opportunity — one that will allow you to be part of our amazing summer program and enjoy our beautiful, forested campus? Then being a Little School Summer Camp Counselor is the right position for you! 

Location 

The Little School 
2812 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 

Mandatory Training  

• Thursday, June 22   

• Friday, June 23  

• 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Camp Dates and Hours  

• June 26- August 11  

• 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (work hours) 

• Camp is closed on Tuesday, July 4  

Camp Information 

Our summer program is currently looking for summer camp counselors to take part in our eight weeks of themed, fun and interactive programming! Campers range in age from 3 to 11 and spend their days in three different age groups: 3–4-year-olds, 5–7-year-olds, and 8–11-year-olds.  

We are looking for candidates that will help campers explore our amazing campus, organize games, cook with students, create crafting projects and be able to implement the weekly themes. Candidates will need to think on their feet, be flexible and have a “go with the flow” mentality. 

Responsibilities 

• Supervise and ensure the safety of all campers. 

• Greet campers and assist with arrival and dismissal procedures. 

• Serve as the leader for one cohort of campers. 

• Assist in planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities and lessons. 

• Maintain a healthy, fun and structured classroom environment.  

• Maintain tidiness and organization of camp classrooms and the school playground. 

• Serve as a role model for campers. 

• Create and establish a fun, creative, and open mindedness for learning, friendship, and risk taking to take place within your summer camp group.

Successful candidates 

• Possess a Food Handlers Permit, First Aid/CPR certification, and a STARS ID or a willingness to obtain these documents.  

• Engage our continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work. 

• Love of working with children. 

• Have prior experience working with preschool and/or elementary school students. 

• Desire to learn about, reflect upon and support a dynamic learning environment. 

• Understanding of how systematic and institutional barriers affect students' learning experiences and outcomes. 

• Sensitivity to issues of bias, racism, prejudice and stereotyping. 

• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the children and program. 

• Ability to maintain confidential information. 

• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff. 

• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents. 

• An expressed effort to collaborate with colleagues, accept feedback and conduct oneself in a professional manner. 

• A positive attitude and sense of humor. 

Compensation and Benefits 

This is an hourly position for the 2023 summer term. The hourly rate is $19.57. 

To Apply 

Please submit a resume and cover letter, with three professional references, to the Director of Auxiliary Programs, dirextday@thelittleschool.org. Subject of email should read Applying for Summer Camp TLS Counselor.  

Our Mission: 

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.  

Our Vision: 

We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy. 

Our Values:  

• Demonstrate a deep respect for childhood.  

• Wonder, learn and reflect for continuous growth.  

• Celebrate creativity, innovation, kindness and curiosity.  

• Honor identity, foster belonging and promote justice.  

• Steward the environment and engage nature. 

• Cultivate and embrace joy. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement 

In keeping with our philosophy, The Little School is committed to educating our students to be citizens in a diverse and inclusive global community. 

To further our children’s understanding of the world in which we live, The Little School seeks to purposefully build an environment that reflects and honors its rich diversity. The school welcomes a wide range of people and respects their personal identities, including socioeconomics, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity and family composition. Our community is committed to ongoing dialogue, education and reflection to develop understanding and inclusion of every member. 

Non-discrimination Statement: 

The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs.