Director of Development

Job Overview

Seacrest Country Day School, an independent school serving students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade, seeks a Director of Development to lead and grow a comprehensive philanthropic program that sustains the school's mission and strengthens its future.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Development is a senior member of the school's leadership team. The Director will build lasting relationships with parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, and community partners, and will turn those relationships into annual, major, and capital support. The position is both strategic and hands-on: setting the vision for advancement while personally cultivating and soliciting key donors.

This is a full-time, exempt, 12-month position. The Director works closely with the Board of Trustees, the Director of Admissions, the Director of Communications, and the Business Office.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year development plan with clear annual goals, metrics, and timelines, aligned with the school's strategic priorities.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Head of School on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and the school's case for support.
• Manage the development budget and report regularly on progress to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate development staff, volunteers, and any outside consultants.

1. Annual Giving

• Design and lead the annual fund, including parent, grandparent, alumni, faculty and staff, and trustee campaigns.
• Increase participation rates and average gift size through segmented, multi-channel solicitation and consistent follow-up.
• Recruit, train, and support parent and class volunteers.

1. Major and Planned Gifts

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects, working side by side with the Head of School and trustees.
• Build a planned giving and legacy program, including bequests and endowment gifts.
• Pursue corporate, foundation, and community partnerships.

1. Capital and Special Campaigns

• Plan and lead capital and special campaigns for facilities, programs, scholarships, and endowments, including feasibility work and a campaign case statement.
• Support the Board of Trustees in leading campaign committees and volunteer solicitors.

1. Events and Engagement

• Plan and execute signature fundraising and friend-raising events, such as an annual gala or auction, donor recognition events, and alumni gatherings.
• Build an engaged alumni community through reunions, regional events, and regular communication.
• Partner with Admissions and Communications so that school stories, publications, and digital content support giving.

1. Stewardship and Donor Relations

• Ensure prompt, personal gift acknowledgment and meaningful recognition for every donor.
• Report on the impact of giving through donor communications and an annual report.

1. Data, Systems, and Compliance

• Maintain accurate donor records and use a CRM to track prospects, moves management, and results.
• Analyze giving data to guide strategy and forecast revenue.
• Follow professional ethics, donor privacy standards, and all legal and gift-acceptance requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least five years of progressive experience in fundraising or advancement, with a demonstrated record of raising annual, major, and/or capital gifts.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Proficiency with donor database and CRM systems and with data-driven fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present compellingly to individuals, small groups, and large audiences.

Preferred

• Experience in an independent school, higher education, or similar nonprofit setting.
• Experience leading or contributing to a capital campaign.
• Experience with planned giving programs.
• Experience supervising staff and managing volunteers.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential or a commitment to earn one.

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in an independent school, higher education, or similar non-profit setting managing a donor portfolio and closing five and six-figure gifts?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Fundraising: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential? (Required)

Work Location: In person