Director of Development

George Walton Academy is seeking a proven fundraising leader to join its team as the Director of Development. Reporting to the Head of School, this person will work with the leadership of the school to establish strategic priorities for fundraising efforts and be responsible for executing development plans and bolstering the school’s culture of philanthropy.

The Director of Development, in collaboration with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees and the trustee development committee will advance the school’s mission and strategic plan by coordinating all development initiatives. Leading the development team, the Director of Development will oversee robust capital campaigns and annual giving, expand efforts to enhance the endowment fund and planned giving as well as steward alumni, parent and community relationships. 

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

Responsibilities

While embracing George Walton Academy’s mission, supporting its Head of School and leadership in promoting a community of philanthropic giving, the Director of Development has several primary responsibilities:

• Develops and implements short- and long-term development plans to meet aspirational goals and objectives
• 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 Academy education 
• Manages a portfolio of approximately 100 leadership-level donors and prospects by forming authentic relationships and creating opportunities to share the school’s vision
• Directs the school’s capital and endowment campaigns while cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors
• Inspires and leads a development team with responsibilities that include annual fund, planned giving, alumni relations, fundraising events, parent volunteers and development database management
• Works collaboratively and creatively with the Director of Communications to position development opportunities and drive fundraising messaging in school publications, reports and collateral materials to cultivate and steward donors
• Frequently communicates with trustees, parents, alumni and other school constituents 
• Meets regularly with the Head of School regarding development goals and initiatives and reports as appropriate to the Board of Trustees and board 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
• Develops and fosters genuine relationships with donors
• Supports George Walton Academy by attending signature events and activities to foster pride and excitement for community life and the school’s values. During the initial three months, more time will be devoted to attending school events and then become more strategic in order to lead the department and focus on major donors.

Qualifications And Personal Attributes  

• Motivated, self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills who enjoys developing relationships with past and current donors both on and off campus
• Significant experience, including increasing responsibility in nonprofit fundraising, preferably within an independent school or higher education institution
• Proven track record of fundraising success by personally securing or facilitating multiple major gifts 
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including wills, charitable remainder trusts and insurance bequests 
• Ability to engage and motivate trustee leadership and provide insight to the Head of School on board functions
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
• 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 the ability to supervise a high performing development team 
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation and benefits:

This is a full-time position. Salary range will be commensurate with candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience. GWA offers competitive benefits including 50% tuition remission for children of employees.

Application Process

The application package must include the following:

·         Cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position

·         Resume

·         At least four references with full contact information including email addresses (references will not be contacted without consent from applicant).

Interested persons should submit application packet (preferably as PDFs) by October 20, 2023, to:

Alex Walton

Alex@lighthousecounsel.com