What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Woodland Country Day School?
About Woodland Country Day School: Woodland Country Day School (WCDS) is an
esteemed independent school in Bridgeton, NJ, dedicated to fostering academic excellence and
personal growth in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our school serves a diverse student
body, providing a comprehensive educational experience from preschool to eighth grade.
Position Overview: The Development Director will play a critical role in advancing the mission
and strategic goals of Woodland Country Day School by leading and managing all aspects of
the school’s development efforts. This includes the annual giving program and major giving efforts,
communications and community engagement to support the fundraising programs, and engaging
with alumni, parents and friends of the school to further its mission.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Fundraising and Development:
○ Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual
and long-term financial goals
○ Cultivate and solicit major gifts, annual fund contributions, planned giving, and
corporate and foundation support
○ Plan and execute special fundraising events and campaigns
○ Foster relationships with major donors
○ Manage donor recognition and stewardship programs
○ Prepare and execute grant applications to benefit the mission of WCDS
○ Execute digital donation paperwork in a timely manner, including tax receipts, gift
acknowledgments, and management of our online donor management software
2. Alumni Relations:
○ Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni to foster a sense of
community and encourage ongoing support for the school
○ Develop and manage alumni engagement programs, including reunions, events,
and communications
3. Communications:
○ Oversee all development-related communications, including newsletters and
annual reports
○ Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling content that promotes
the school’s mission and achievements
4. Community Engagement:
○ Act as a key representative of WCDS in the community, building partnerships and
fostering positive relationships with local organizations, businesses, and other
stakeholders in support of our fundraising efforts○ Organize and participate in community events to promote the school and its
programs
5. Strategic Planning:
○ Work with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop and implement a
strategic plan for development activities
○ Provide regular reports and updates on fundraising progress and initiatives to the
Head of School and Board of Trustees
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred
● Minimum of 5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field,
preferably within an educational or non-profit setting
● Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor cultivation
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and
effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders
● Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage
multiple priorities and meet deadlines
● Familiarity with fundraising software and donor management systems
● Passion for education and a commitment to the mission and values of Woodland
Country Day School
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact
information for three professional references to blewl@wcdsnj.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Woodland Country Day School is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages
applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.