What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Sanford School?
Sanford School seeks a dynamic, talented, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Development. The Director will promote and build the school’s culture of philanthropy and bring creative ideas and effective strategies to fundraising, fundraising communications and alumni/parent relations. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, articulate and experienced frontline advancement professional who demonstrates the ability to think strategically and creatively, communicate effectively with a diverse constituency, and engage the community in support of a common goal.
This full-time, 12-month senior administrator reports to the Head of School and is a member of the leadership team. This position will play a key role in planning and executing Sanford’s centennial celebration in the 2030-2031 school year. The Director will supervise three development staff: two Associate Directors of Development and the Alumni and Family Engagement Coordinator.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
● Lead the Development Team with a mission-oriented vision and effective development strategies to enhance fundraising efforts and expand donor engagement.
● Advance a culture of philanthropy by engaging parents, alumni, faculty, and volunteers to foster a shared practice of giving.
● Cultivate meaningful relationships with various constituents on and off campus to secure annual, major, capital, endowed, and planned gifts.
● Work effectively with volunteers, Board members, faculty and staff to instill affinity and cultivate volunteer leadership.
● Collaborate with the Head of School and Board to set and execute fundraising priorities and campaigns in line with the school’s Strategic Plan.
● Lead all fundraising efforts to include the Sanford Fund (annual giving), major gifts, capital, endowment, foundation support, and legacy giving. As the school’s lead fundraiser, manage a portfolio of leadership prospects and frequently visit with contacts to develop and deepen relationships.
● Mentor and guide development staff to maximize their effectiveness and build a high-performing team.
Fundraising:
● Manage and continuously improve daily operations of the Development Office including gift acknowledgment, database management and reconciliation of revenues with the Business Office.
● Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and partners, developing customized engagement plans to deepen their commitment to Sanford’s mission.
● Increase face-to-face engagement with high potential donors to strengthen relationships, especially with first-time and recurring $1,000 donors.
● Develop and implement best practices in donor stewardship, aiming to strengthen donor retention and engagement.
● Provide regular, detailed dashboard reports and information to the Head of School and Board of Trustees; assist in orientation of new Board members; attend Board meetings; sustain strong ties with members of the Board, involving each in fundraising as appropriate.
● Serve as a visible leader at school events to build relationships and foster generosity.
● Occasional evening and weekend days required.
Personal Values:
● A high level of integrity, a strong work ethic, a positive outlook and a good sense of humor.
● A deep commitment to education and the importance of the learning process in a diverse, mission-driven independent school.
● A commitment to and interest in providing the Head of School and Board with strategic processes that serve the school’s fundraising priorities.
● Commitment to Sanford’s strategic, mission-aligned DEI work.
Skills and Qualifications:
● An open and collaborative leadership style.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Knowledge and experience managing a performance focused development office with multiple functions such as alumni relations, parent relations, and internal/external school communications.
● Familiarity in an independent school setting is preferred.
● Appreciation of the importance of institutional history and tradition while forging new and innovative paths forward in engagement and fundraising.
● Proven experience soliciting major and planned gifts.
● Ability to oversee the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major gift and annual fund leadership prospects.
● Knowledge and experience in prospect tracking and reporting procedures.
● Proven ability to effectively market and communicate the values and mission of the school internally and externally.
● Experience managing volunteers, including members of governing boards.
● Bachelor’s degree required.
● 5 years of progressive fundraising and leadership experience preferred.
● CFRE credential welcomed.