Campaign Director

Overview of Woodland School 

Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland School is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth grade. Woodland is a small school with a big heart.

Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-centered learning, children are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. 

Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, respect, and stewardship. The teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports the faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.

Position Overview 

The Campaign Director reports to the Head of School and collaborates with the entire leadership team including the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Director of Finance, and Director of Communications. The Campaign Director will play a critical role in the success of Woodland School's four-year, $8 million Comprehensive Campaign, which includes a goal of $3 million to form an inaugural endowment for Woodland. The Campaign Director will be responsible for all aspects of the campaign, including planning, implementation, and management. The job is accomplished through the individual’s own direct efforts as well as effectively leveraging the skills and volunteer contributions of Woodland’s Campaign Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and staff. 

Key Responsibilities

• Reports directly to the Head of School, and provides periodic updates for the Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee and Leadership Team via the Director of Development and Alumni Relations. 
• Develops and implements a comprehensive campaign plan, including fundraising goals, timelines, strategies, and tactics.
• Conducts thorough research and develops compelling case statements and materials to support the campaign.
• Identifies, cultivates, and solicits potential major gift donors.
• Cultivates relationships with prospective donors through personalized outreach, including phone calls, site visits, and events.
• Stewards donors effectively through personalized communications, recognition events, and donor rosters on campus and in campaign reports. 
• Recruits, trains, and manages Campaign Cabinet volunteers.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy to promote the campaign to the school community including current parents, alumni families, grandparents and former trustees.
• Oversees the production of campaign materials, including the case statement, print collateral, presentations and campaign web pages. 
• Manages donor records, including the pledge reminder process. 
• Tracks campaign progress and prepares regular reports on campaign activities and results.
• Manages campaign budgets and expenses.

Leadership and Management Experience

• A charismatic leader whose approach to development creates enthusiasm for Woodland School from all constituents.
• Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision and sense of core purpose.
• Proven ability to think strategically, creating plans that reflect best practice but also create fresh approaches. 
• Comfortable making strategic decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experiences, and judgement.
• Ability to design, implement, and direct multiple projects.

Fundraising and Campaign Experience

• Proven success in asking for, closing, and coaching others on fundraising for annual needs and strategic campaigns, as well as building and maintaining long-term relationships with major individual donors, foundations, and corporations in an independent school environment.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in advancement and effective independent school fundraising practices.
• Ability to identify, develop, and maintain relationships with current and prospective major donors, foundations, organizations, alumni and corporate funders.
• Broad financial responsibility includes setting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to create excitement about Woodland School’s goals, developing constructive and long-lasting relationships with all constituents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiations and effective communication with diverse audiences. 
• Ability to convey Woodland’s mission to diverse groups, including major donors, board members, and others critical to Woodland’s advancement.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, including solutions to complex issues. Exercises good judgment and decision making. Has the ability to work well under pressure and the ability to reason, think creatively, and solve problems.
• Appreciation for and desire to participate fully in the dynamic life of an elementary school community.

Professional Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred). 
• Proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations, with impressive results. 
• Minimum of 3 years of Development experience, preferably in an independent educational institution.
• Prior experience with major gifts as well as foundation and corporate grant writing is preferred.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments and priorities. 
• A self-starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals timely and without day-to-day supervision.
• Excellent understanding of principles and techniques of Development activities, including annual giving, major giving, planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, marketing and communications, grant procurement, and alumni relations.
• Excellent planning skills - organized, communicates, follows through, and evaluates.
• Requires some work in evenings and weekends as well as travel. Must have a valid driver’s license. 
• Position requires absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude, and presentation. 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $135,000-$165,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The position is a fixed term, 18 month appointment designed to start at full time and move to part time over the term. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance. 

How to Apply

Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for a minimum of three references (at least one recent supervisor is required).

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs. Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.

Salary : $135,000 - $165,000