Overview:
Working directly with the Head of School, the Director of Advancement plans and implements programs that support and meet the goals as set by the Development Committee of the WMS Board of Directors. These goals may include the growth of the endowment fund, annual giving, special grants for classroom programs, and building and nurturing relationships with donors, including alumni families, and local foundations.
The Director of Advancement provides strategic and day-to-day leadership in all areas of development, including annual fund, comprehensive campaign execution, alumni relations, board relations and stewardship. The Director of Advancement collaborates with the Director of Enrollment Management and the Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure coordination across departments.
A key component of this position is establishing the necessary development capacity and infrastructure required to support the organization’s sustained growth. The director will provide effective leadership and management of all aspects of WMS’s fundraising efforts. Beyond immediate fundraising goals, this visionary leader will ensure WMS’s long-term financial sustainability by helping to set and achieve revenue and relationship-building objectives. The Director is responsible for strategically positioning WMS for success in terms of dollars raised; percentage participation across constituent groups; donor identification, acquisition and retention; and timely donor gift acknowledgement and stewardship. The Director of Advancement will take a leadership role in employing the activities of the overall development operation.
Principle Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, data-driven fundraising plan through analysis of the school goals with consideration of the school’s resources.
- Stewardship of major donors.
- Identify potential donors among and outside of the WMS community.
- Plan and execute fundraising events that engage the WMS community, with clearly defined goals that balance community-building and fundraising priorities.
- Initiate and coordinate relationships with local foundations.
- Research, write and submit major funding proposals to foundations and corporations that align with WMS’s strategic plan goals.
- Foster an understanding of philanthropy within WMS.
- Advance cross-functional organizational collaboration that engages staff across program areas in raising awareness and support of WMS’s mission.
- Engage and support the Board in development activities, including fundraising involvement and prospect identification and cultivation.
- Lead strategy and execution for annual giving, alumni relations and stewardship, while developing strategies to grow contributed revenue in alignment with organizational goals.
- Design and implement systems for prospect identification and the full gift cycle—including qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Develop and manage proposals, solicitation materials and reports for distribution to individuals, foundations and corporations.
- Manage gift entry, donor acknowledgment and processing of donations through Raiser’s Edge database.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Supports and exemplifies the mission and values of WMS.
- Provides leadership, guidance and support for WMS Board Development Committee and other committees as needed.
- Accountable for the solicitation of gifts for the school including, but are not limited to, planned giving, capital campaigns, major gifts plans and corporate and foundation giving.
- Engages with a variety of internal and external constituents, motivating and coaching them to support established fundraising goals.
- Researches, writes, and submits major funding proposals to foundations and corporations aligned with WMS’s strategic priorities.
- Collaborates with the business office to ensure accurate financial reporting and accounting of grants, pledges and donations.
- Works with the Director of Marketing & Communications to maintain consistent communication with donors and other constituents to keep them informed of WMS’s work and funding priorities.
- Represents WMS at fundraising and marketing events, serving as a public face of the school.
- Models professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all settings.
- Acts in the best interest of students, families and the WMS community at all times.
Requirements:
- Education - Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred)
- Required/preferred experience -
- Work in independent school or nonprofit market, fundraising, grant writing.
- Experience in fundraising, managing campaigns and managing a donor base.
- Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
To Apply: Send resume, cover letter and references to HR@wmsde.org.