Director of Development

SCHOOL MISSION

George Walton Academy (GWA) provides challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives designed to inspire lives of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose. GWA is an independent, Pre-K-12, independent, college-preparatory school located on 62 beautiful acres in Monroe, Georgia, less than one hour from the state capital of Atlanta. 

 THE OPPORTUNITY 

George Walton Academy is seeking a proven fundraising leader to join its team as the Director of Development. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this person will be responsible for establishing and executing the strategic priorities of the advancement team. 

The next Director of Development, in collaboration with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and the Trustee Development will work to ensure that priorities align with the school’s mission and strategic plan. Overseeing all fundraising initiatives, he or she will work to define and execute robust capital campaigns while continuing to build on successes in annual fund support, endowment, planned giving efforts, and alumni relations. 

Additionally, the Director of Development plays a critical role in communicating and promoting George Walton Academy’s mission, history, and core values within and throughout the community. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to embracing George Walton Academy’s mission, supporting its Head of School and leadership, and representing the school at professional and public forums, the next Director of Development has several primary responsibilities: 

• Develops and implements short- and long-term advancement plans to meet aspirational goals and objectives  

• Develops and fosters genuine relationships with institutional donors, including family foundations  

• Clearly articulates and promotes a strong case for the school’s philanthropic needs and builds opportunities to enhance and sustain a culture that understands the relationship between philanthropy and the unique quality of a George Walton education  

• Manages a portfolio of approximately 100 leadership-level donors and prospects by forming authentic relationships and providing meaningful, ongoing stewardship  

• Directs the school’s capital and endowment campaigns while personally securing or facilitating major gifts  

• Develops and leads an advancement team with responsibilities that include annual fund, planned giving, alumni relations, and advancement database management 

• Works collaboratively and creatively with the Director of Communications to position advancement opportunities and drive fundraising messaging in school publications, grant submissions, reports, and collateral materials to cultivate and steward donors 

• Presents frequently to trustees, parents, alumni, and other large and small groups of school constituents  

• Meets regularly with the Head of School regarding development goals and initiatives and routinely reports to the Board of Trustees and appropriate committees  

• Experiences the value of a George Walton Academy education through intentional classroom visits and observations in order to share first-hand knowledge with current and prospective donors  

• Attends GWA’s events and activities to foster pride and excitement for community life and the school’s values.
 

 
QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES  

• Motivated, self-starter who enjoys developing relationships with donors, past and current, both on and off campus, and who is confident enough to have difficult conversations with past donors who need to be reconnected to the school  

• Significant experience, including increasing responsibility in nonprofit fundraising, preferably within an independent school or university  

• Proven track record of fundraising success by personally securing or facilitating multiple major gifts  

• Demonstrated success in structuring and managing a capital campaign  

• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including wills, charitable remainder trusts, and insurance bequests  

• Proven success in engaging and motivating trustee leadership and supporting all facets of the Board and strategic management  

• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and in speaking  

• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a complex environment  

• Professional discretion, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence  

• Deep appreciation and understanding of the school’s mission and vision and the ability to inspire internal and external constituents  

• Excellent leadership skills, including previous work experience successfully managing an advancement team  

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.