Director of Development

The Rivers School — a 6-12 co-ed independent day school in Weston, MA, just outside Boston — seeks professionals who are looking to join a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming school community.

Position Summary:

The Director of Development (DoD) is a senior leader on the Advancement team, responsible for securing major philanthropic support and building long-term relationships with donors aligned with the school's mission and strategic goals. As a key partner to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the DoD will lead a team of frontline fundraisers and administrative professionals, manage a robust portfolio of major gift prospects, and drive strategies that deepen donor engagement across constituencies.

This individual will play a pivotal role in Rivers' upcoming comprehensive capital campaign to support the newly developed strategic plan. Additionally, the DoD will coordinate fundraising efforts related to annual, major, capital, and planned giving, and will serve as a trusted thought partner to the CAO in overseeing the Development and Governance Committees of the Board of Trustees.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of approximately 80 prospects, each with the capacity to give $250,000 or more.
• Personally solicit major, planned, and annual fund gifts, achieving ambitious visit and revenue goals (e.g., 120 prospect meetings annually).
• Support the CAO in planning for and participating in meetings of the Development and Governance Committees of the Board.
• Supervise and mentor a team of five direct reports: Director of Annual Giving, Senior Major Gift Officer, Major Gift Officer, Leadership Giving Officer for the Rivers School Conservatory, and Development Information Systems Coordinator.
• Oversee and develop the Nonesuch Society, which is the planned giving program in partnership with the Director of Annual Giving.
• Build strategies that integrate donor interests with institutional priorities and increase philanthropic revenue through campaigns and targeted initiatives.
• Develop meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, parents/caregivers, and trustees; serve as a representative at events and professional community gatherings.
• Partner with senior administrative leaders and professional community members to connect donors with programs, people, and opportunities that align with their philanthropic goals.
• Ensure the accurate documentation of donor interactions and strategies in Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Guide the creation of compelling donor proposals, stewardship materials, and strategic communications.
• Regularly analyze metrics and use data to inform decisions, track progress, and refine tactics.
• Travel as needed and occasional work on nights/weekends to support events and prospect meetings.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree and have at least five years of fundraising experience, preferably in an educational setting. An understanding and appreciation of independent schools is preferred.
• Proven success managing a portfolio of leadership-level donors and soliciting six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior administrators, faculty, and volunteer leaders including Boards of Trustees.
• Comfort with data analysis and strategy development based on donor research and engagement metrics.
  
  

Required Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to connect, influence, and inspire.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with a propensity to navigate multiple initiatives and deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of Raiser's Edge NXT and comfort with donor databases, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• A team-oriented mindset with a high degree of emotional intelligence, discretion, and cultural competency.
• Energetic, entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to the mission and community values and norms.
  
  

Rivers encourages interest from candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, experience, and perspectives among our professional and school community. Rivers offers BIPOC affinity, LGBTQ affinity, and white allyship spaces for professionals, as well as institutional professional development, to support and enrich our work around equity and access.

Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.