Director of Advancement

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Fundraising

• Design and execute a multi-year advancement strategy that integrates annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, planned giving, and fundraising events into a cohesive and sustainable program aligned with the school’s strategic vision.
• Lead and strengthen the annual giving program.
• Partner with the Head of School and trustees to cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership-level gifts, and independently manage a portfolio of approximately 50-75 major gift prospects across the full donor lifecycle.

Community Engagement & Governance

• Build and sustain strong relationships with the Head of School, Board leadership, and trustees, providing guidance and support to advance their role in fundraising.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee, supporting its work to achieve annual and long-term goals.
• Recruit, mobilize, and support parents, alumni, and other volunteers to deepen engagement and advance fundraising priorities.
• Lead the strategy and execution of signature fundraising and community-building events, including the annual gala and other key initiatives.
• Collaborate and liaise with the parents association.

Communications & Brand Visibility

• Partner with the Head of School, Admissions, and Communications Support to implement a comprehensive and strategic internal and external communications plan that supports both enrollment and fundraising.
• Instill donor confidence and clearly articulate fundraising strategy and campaign cadence.
• Ensure consistent and compelling institutional “brand” voice that effectively communicates the impact of philanthropy. 
• Oversee the creation of high-quality advancement materials, including annual fund collateral, acknowledgement letters, case statements, campaign communications, and donor impact reports.
• Collaborate on a comprehensive communications plan, including the school’s magazine, weekly e-newsletters, and strategic social media engagement.

Operations & Data Management

• Manage the development budget with precision, ensuring responsible resource allocation and a strong return on investment for all fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Standardize reporting, providing regular reporting and analysis to the Head of School, including key performance indicators and fundraising progress. Provide periodic fundraising updates and reports to the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees. 
• Supervise and mentor the Advancement Associates (PT Database & Gift Processing Coordinator and PT Event Coordinator) supporting professional growth and ensuring strong execution of database management, gift processing, and reporting, and advancement events such as the annual gala and auction.
• Oversee and enhance all fundraising operations, including donor systems, database management, gift processing, gift acknowledgements, and reporting; ensuring compliance with industry standards, accuracy, efficiency, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management or Communications, preferred.
• Professional Experience: 5-8 years of progressive leadership in development within an independent school setting.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in personally soliciting and closing major gifts and managing multi-year capital campaigns. 
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level experience with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud). 
• Leadership and Presence: Ability to build trust and inspire confidence among donors, volunteers, and school leadership, with exceptional boardroom presence and the ability to connect with and influence high-net-worth individuals and executive leadership.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support.
• Due to the fiduciary responsibilities of this role, including access to sensitive donor financial information and school accounts, the final candidate will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background check, including a criminal history and credit check.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor events and board meetings.
• Ability to lift and transport materials to events and travel locally as needed
• Ability to drive a vehicle and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Key Competencies:

Strategic Vision & Long-Range Planning, Relationship Management, Communications & Storytelling, Budgeting & Financial Literacy, Integrity, Cultural Competency, Change Management, Conflict Resolution