Director of Advancement

Burr and Burton Academy (BBA) is an independent high school with a public mission. BBA seeks a Director of Advancement to lead and grow our fundraising efforts, build strong relationships with our donor community, and strengthen the school’s culture of philanthropy. This is an opportunity to join a thriving school with deep community support, an ambitious vision for the future, and a high-performing team.

About Burr and Burton Academy

Located in historic Manchester, Vermont, Burr and Burton Academy serves 800 students through open admissions, welcoming a diverse population of learners from our 13 surrounding sending towns and beyond. As an independent school that serves the public, we are committed to educating students of all backgrounds and abilities, providing a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum in academics, athletics, and the arts. Our mission is to prepare students intellectually and morally for a life of responsibility, integrity, and service while fostering a culture of respect in a caring, supportive community.

Position Overview

The Director of Advancement reports directly to headmaster Mark Tashjian and is a key member of the senior administrative team. This person will be responsible for developing and executing fundraising strategies that support the school’s mission and long-term vision, including overseeing all aspects of annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, alumni and parent engagement, and donor stewardship.

This role requires strategic leadership, relationship-building skills, and technological proficiency. The Director of Advancement will serve as a thought partner to the Headmaster and work closely with the Board of Trustees, the business office, and other key stakeholders to ensure the school’s financial health and future sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Advancement will lead and support a high-performing advancement team, ensuring a cohesive, organized, and productive work environment. 

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Lead and grow BBA’s annual fund, currently $1.2 - $1.5 million per year, increasing participation and engagement among all donor constituencies.
• Oversee campaigns and major gift initiatives for infrastructure, endowment, and strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement leadership gift solicitation strategies in partnership with the Headmaster and Board of Trustees.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni, parents, community members, and other key donors, ensuring a strong and lasting culture of philanthropy.
• Steward donors by ensuring prompt and personalized gift acknowledgments and impact reporting.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and the Advancement Committee, engaging trustees in fundraising efforts and helping them understand their roles as cultivators, stewards, and solicitors.
• Collaborate with the business office to ensure sound financial planning, accurate gift processing, and compliance with fundraising best practices.
• Partner with the Headmaster, Associate Head of School, Director of Admissions, Director of Operations and Finance, and other senior leaders to align advancement efforts with school priorities.
• Be a visible and engaged presence on campus, actively participating in school events and fostering connections with faculty, students, and families.

Operations and Team Management

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to the advancement team, ensuring strong performance and professional growth.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge software for donor management, reporting, and analytics.
• Oversee marketing and communications efforts related to fundraising, in partnership with the Director of Communications.
• Ensure that all fundraising efforts align with BBA’s core values of respect for individual differences and a caring, supportive community.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in fundraising, advancement, or nonprofit development.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of donors and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term fundraising plans.
• Technological proficiency, particularly with Raiser’s Edge or similar donor management software.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, and senior leadership in a mission-driven organization.
• A deep appreciation for independent education and the mission of Burr and Burton Academy.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to Stephanie Liy at sliy@burrburton.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.