Advancement Assistant

Sinai Akiba Academy seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented Assistant to join our Institutional Advancement team. This pivotal role provides high-level administrative support to the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement (AHOSIA) and the broader Advancement team, contributing directly to the success of our fundraising, admissions, and community engagement efforts. The Assistant ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of the Advancement Office, overseeing administrative workflows, providing day-to-day support to the Parent Association (PA), and supporting all events produced by the Advancement Department. This is a non-exempt, full-time position and reports directly to the AHOSIA.

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. 

Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Support

In collaboration with SAA’s Operations Team (as needed), assist Admissions, PA, and the Development office with all aspects of event planning by coordinating vendors, meeting room reservations, equipment and set-up requests, and refreshment set-up/preparation. Assist with communications and support to volunteer leaders involved in these events.

Support the Gala and Auction Committee by entering auction items and all relevant details in our Auction software. Follow up as needed with volunteers, vendors, and ensure a successful silent auction and Gala.

Support Giving Tuesday and all other Advancement events as needed

 
Parent Association (PA) Support

Build strong, trust-based relationships with PA leadership and committee chairs

Align PA initiatives with school priorities, policies, and brand standards

Attend PA meetings; set agendas in collaboration with AHOIA, share updates, and follow through on action items

Guide communication flow to ensure accuracy, consistency, and appropriate approvals

Provide project-based support to ensure the efficient operation of the PA and school events, including Back-to-School Community event, monthly Shabbat Shuks, Annual Challah Bake, Holiday Boutique, and Book Fairs

Prepare all expense reimbursement forms and vendor requests for AHOSIA approval

Serve as the primary point of contact between the school and the PA.

Ensure compliance with school procedures, financial protocols, and risk management guidelines

Anticipate issues, resolve concerns, and elevate matters appropriately

Partner with AHOSIA and the business office to support PA work

Administrative Support

Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Advancement Department, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and preparation of reports

Prepare materials, attend meetings, take meeting minutes, and draft and distribute agendas and minutes for every Advancement Department meeting

Receive and process confidential information with discretion and in accordance with established guidelines and legal standards

Maintain efficient office systems, processes, and records to support the Advancement Department’s operations

Learn, use, and apply technology as required by the School to enhance learning and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, Raiser’s Edge, Auction software, and any other school-approved software.

Perform additional administrative tasks, special projects, and other duties as assigned by AHOSIA, and/or Head of School, in support of the school’s mission

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree preferred

At least 2 years of high-volume administrative, advancement or relevant experience

Experience in independent school advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit administration is a plus

Ability to work on campus, Monday-Friday, with the ability to attend school events on weeknights and weekends as needed

Proficiency with Google Suite (Mail, Calendar, Docs, etc.) and uploading and downloading digital resources, Microsoft Office, and Blackbaud

Graceful disposition under pressure, agile, and flexible

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

An understanding of Jewish traditions, holidays, and terminology

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

Sound judgment, anticipatory skill sets, and prioritization abilities

Ability to work well with cross-functional teams, build strong relationships, and embody a growth and collaborative mindset

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Hourly Rate Range: $24.50 - $27.50

Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA

Generous paid time off and holidays

403b and employer funded retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the hourly rate range for this position: $24.50 - $27.50. The hourly rate range is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final hourly rate will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full hourly rate range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume for consideration to Lisa Zide, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, at [email protected]. 

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.