Director of Development

Job Title:                            Director of Development

Office or Division:             Experience

Reports To:                        Chief Experience Officer

Effective Dates:                 July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 (FTE 1.0, 12 month)

Position Summary
The director of development leads all aspects of resource development for The Wellington School. Critical aspects of the role include leading a donor-centered approach to annual, restricted, and planned giving; planning and executing donor events that cultivate, solicit, steward, and celebrate donors and stakeholders; and nurturing and engaging our alumni. The director of development builds lasting relationships with donors and keeps them informed on how their generosity helps advance our mission, while also engaging staff, faculty, and volunteers. The director of development reports to the chief experience officer in a deliberately de-siloed team shaped around sharing Wellington’s story and vision. The director of development is a crucial member of the administrative team working closely with the directors of marketing & communications and admissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the chief experience officer to set annual fundraising goals and budgets according to short- and long-term goals
• Supervise and support the development team
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteers for the Wellington Annual Fund Committee
• Work closely with the chief experience officer and alumni and donor experience coordinator to recruit, engage, and support the Wellington Alumni Advisory Board
• Work closely with the resource committee of the board of trustees to ensure that the annual development plan and long-term goals are in alignment with the school’s vision, growth, and strategic plan
• Manage annual fundraising calendar and strategy to achieve measurable goals
• Develop and execute solicitation and stewardship strategies for assigned major donors ($2,000+)
• Draft and write solicitation letters, pledge acknowledgements, and development office communications
• Provide regular content for publications, social media, and newsletters
• Track and report metrics for donor participation, retention, and average gift value to the chief experience officer and resource committee
• Work with the experience team to coordinate established development events and initiate future events; attend school-wide events and assist in planning and execution as needed
• Lead the development team through a recurring process of researching potential sources of grant funding and applying, when applicable
• Oversee the fundraising process and maintain records of receipts and disbursements of funds
• Support daily operations of the school in terms of schedule and administrative support as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five or more years of nonprofit fundraising experience
• Proven track record of achieving revenue targets
• Experience working with high-net-worth donors and foundation representatives
• Commitment to Wellington’s mission and values

Skills, Tasks, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving
• Attention to detail necessary for accurate record-keeping and engaging donor communication, as well as the ability to navigate supporting technology and software
• Ability to initiate, sustain, and monitor multiple tasks and see them through to a successful conclusion
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of professional practice

Characteristics

• Work style and leadership approach that inspires confidence and encourages collaboration
• Eager to take initiative
• Flexible and adaptable
• High-energy and positive
• Hungry for feedback and opportunities to exchange ideas
• Sincere affinity for our mission

All qualified candidates should submit the following to Laurie Beth Sweeney, Chief Experience Officer, [email protected] by May 12, 2023:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Completed application

We believe every person plays a role in making Wellington a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place to learn, teach, and work. We seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty and staff who thrive on being engaged participants in our vibrant, innovative educational community. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of our admission policies, financial aid, or employment.