Director of Development

Job Summary:

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for the school’s fundraising, donor engagement, and community-building efforts. In partnership with the Head of Schools, Board of Regents, and development team, this position establishes and advances strategies for annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, sponsorships, special events, and other philanthropic initiatives. The Director cultivates meaningful relationships with families, alumni, foundations, businesses, and community supporters while fostering a culture of gratitude, generosity, recognition, and connection. This role also oversees development communications, donor stewardship, fundraising policies, data strategy, and cross-departmental coordination to strengthen engagement and support the school’s mission and long-term financial sustainability.

Job Responsibilities:

Development Leadership

• Collaborate with the Head of Schools and Board of Regents to determine the strategic direction for fundraising and capital campaigns.
• Lead development team in all activities and create a culture of fun, gratitude, community, and recognition for staff and supporters alike.
• Lead event team in current (Impact & Auction) and possible future fundraising events assisting with theme, venue, speakers, etc. to maximize revenues, control costs, and increase community connection.

Donor Relations & Community Engagement

• Approaches NWCS families and supporters for sponsorships and donations to annual fundraising events, capital campaigns, and endowment donations.
• Cultivates new and develops current relationships with foundations (in conjunction with grant writer), companies, alumni, past parents, and other interested parties for funding of operations or other capital projects.
• Spearhead all personal phone calls for requests and to personally thank donors.
• Manages all correspondence regarding contributions with families, foundations, companies, and other interested individuals.

Data Management

• Collaborates with database manager to make sure data is accurate and to track giving trends and opportunities.
• Reviews, updates, or creates policies related to all development functions including giving, designated & undesignated funds, records management, etc.
• Maintains membership in development/fundraising organizations and stays current on trends and issues through professional development.

Planned Giving:

• Oversee and grow the organization’s planned giving program by cultivating relationships with donors, promoting legacy giving opportunities, and coordinating with donors and professional advisors to facilitate gifts that support the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.

Campaign Management

• Works with marketing to develop collaterals on giving opportunities at NWCS.
• Works with event team and Head of Schools on planning and coordinating major events throughout the year including Impact, the annual auction, Anniversary celebrations, and any future events or campaigns.
• Coordinates with the Crusader Club and Arts department on fundraising initiatives for sponsorships so that we coordinate financial asks without overburdening potential donors.
• Works with alumni relations staff to continue to grow alumni relationships, create connections between alumni, and foster a sense of community with alumni and the greater NWCS community.
• Works with marketing coordinator on all collaterals for event as well as annual business directory, and semi-annual magazine.
• Work with marketing coordinator on maintaining strong internet and social media presence to promote events and tell the NWCS story.

Compensation, Benefits & Schedule:

• Compensation: $70,000-$90,000/year
• Schedule: Full time, 40 hours/week. This 12-month position follows the school calendar during the academic year, including school closures.
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits, including medical, dental and vision. Also eligible for tuition discount.
• Time Off: Paid time off including vacation, personal time off and 10 paid holidays. School closures (e.g., Christmas Break, Spring Break) are generally unpaid unless work is assigned or approved by the supervisor.
• Timeline: Position is anticipated to begin on or around October 1, 2026. Initial review of applicants will begin on September 8, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

For questions regarding this opportunity, please email hiring@nwcs.org.