Director of Development

High Meadows School and Camp in North Atlanta (Roswell), Georgia is accepting Director of Development applications for the 2025-2026 school year. This position begins June 2, 2025, and reports directly to the Head of School. The Director of Development will supervise the Associate Director of Development and Development Coordinator. The school takes pride in hiring dynamic, compassionate, and diverse faculty and staff who are among the finest in their areas of expertise.

School’s Mission Statement

The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.

School’s Vision Statement

High Meadows School and Camp inspires adventurous learners who ask questions that drive learning and seek sustainable solutions in collaboration with others. Our students emerge as ethical leaders with the skills and habits of mind to grow and adapt as they discover a place of purpose and joy in an ever-changing world.

Summary of Our School

Our educators are experienced, energetic, and collaborative individuals who follow a constructivist, progressive educational philosophy which is student-centered and holds kids to high and reasonable standards. Our tenets of progressive education include: (1) embracing the world, (2) hands-on and inquiry-driven learning, (3) holistic approach to educating children, (4) social justice and sustainability, and (5) transdisciplinary learning. We look for faculty and staff who maintain excellent relationships with families, work successfully within a team, understand developmentally appropriate practices for students, recognize the educational value of the natural environment and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in their teaching practice. At High Meadows, we believe that children possess a drive for cognitive, physical, and social engagement—a drive that is developed and enhanced by an environment that promotes academic challenge, creativity, personal responsibility, and a positive self-image. Our work culture is defined by mutual accountability to these ideals, as we work in service of the mission and values of High Meadows:

• Autonomy - We are given the professional freedom to teach children and do our work.

• Belonging - We are recognized and feel cared for through respectful relationships within a diverse community.

• Voice & Collaboration - My perspective will be heard and valued and, equally, I will actively listen to the perspectives of others.

• Growth Mindset - We encourage and place value on lifelong, continual learning.

Position Summary

High Meadows School seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Development. This individual will build and implement a comprehensive development strategy that supports the school’s short- and long-term goals. They will lead the school's fundraising efforts, build strong relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and the broader community, and help advance the school’s mission through philanthropic initiatives. The Director of Development will be on the School Leadership Team reporting to the Head of School.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as key strategic thinking partner to the Head of School and Board to generate a greater culture of philanthropy at High Meadows School and Camp.

• Design and lead the implementation of the development plan for High Meadows School and Camp including separate programs for Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Alumni Relations, Events, and Planned Giving through community partnerships and various constituencies.

• Establish and maintain a high degree of collaboration with the School Leadership Team, staff & faculty, as well as key Board Members and the Business Office.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal prospects gifts and commitments personally and consistently.

• Coordinate and supervise the collaborative efforts of Development staff and volunteers, to meet team goals.

• Partner with the Development office to ensure the best fundraising practices are followed.

• Supervise the management of Raiser’s Edge, ensuring prospect plans and solicitations are entered, as well as the export of timely reports.

• Prepare written development materials, including case statements, proposals, and fundraising initiative/campaign related literature, for assigned initiatives or program(s).

• Develop and secure execution of an ongoing solicitation and stewardship plan.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification in nonprofit management or fundraising preferred.

• Experience: At least 6 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field, with a proven track record in soliciting and closing major gifts (15K ) and/or principal gifts ($100K )

• Experience with fundraising at an independent school preferred.

• Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and inspire trust.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling fundraising materials and messages.
• Proven track record of success and continuity in establishing and managing long-term donor relationships, and producing consistent major and principal gift results.
• High-level strategic thinking and the ability to translate the school’s Mission, Vision, and Values into actionable development goals.
• Ability and desire to create and execute fundraising strategies that are new to the school.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Basic understanding of planned giving vehicles o Proficiency in fundraising software and donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge)

• Personal Attributes:

• Passion for education and the Mission, Vision, and Values of High Meadows.
• A professional, caring and collaborative temperament to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including donors, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni in a process driven culture.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

The Campus

High Meadows School and Camp sits on 42 wooded acres in Roswell. The school is housed in several buildings spread across the two meadows on the property. We have an active barnyard on campus, serving as the home for horses, sheep, bunnies, and chickens. Faculty and staff must be comfortable traveling between buildings in all types of weather, participating in outdoor activities on the meadows and in the forest, and intermingling with animals.

Application Process

Please email a cover letter indicating interest along with your resume to HR Manager, Jane Murphy, jmurphy@highmeadows.org. If you are selected for the next steps in the process, an application link will be emailed to you.

No phone calls please. Only candidates who have the stated requirements may be contacted by the Hiring Committee; all others’ information will be kept on file.

High Meadows School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or status as a protected veteran in employment, admission of students, or in providing its services in any manner.