Director of Institutional Advancement

Job Overview:

Stephen Gaynor School is looking for a dynamic and strategic Director of Institutional Advancement to lead and grow the school's advancement and development efforts. This senior leadership role is an opportunity for an experienced professional to shape the future of our institution. The director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet and exceed institutional goals, with a particular focus on building our endowment.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy. You'll oversee all aspects of our fundraising program, including the annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, and special events like our bi-annual gala. A critical part of this role is managing a personal portfolio of major donors, building authentic relationships, and securing leadership-level support. We're seeking a candidate with a proven track record of securing seven-figure gifts and a minimum of 10 years of experience in development, preferably in an independent school or a mission-driven nonprofit organization. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator, a strategic thinker, and a passionate advocate for our mission. 

Essential Functions: 

Strategic Leadership

• Support and drive the school’s mission to the external community through Development (fundraising) and Alumni Relations
• Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy to meet and exceed institutional priorities, with a focus on raising funds for the endowment.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, aligning fundraising efforts with the school's overall mission and strategic goals.
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy in partnership with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the fundraising program, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, major events, and capital campaigns.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and high-potential prospects, building authentic relationships and soliciting leadership-level support.
• Design and implement donor stewardship strategies to ensure long-term engagement and gratitude with alumni, parents, board members and the wider community.
• Direct and execute special fundraising events, such as the bi-annual gala.
• Develop and foster strong relationships with current families, alumni, and other key constituents.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create compelling fundraising materials and donor communications.

Team Leadership and Operations

• Lead and mentor the Advancement team in the support of annual giving, major gifts and events. Providing clear direction, professional growth opportunities, and performance management.
• Manage the departmental budget, establishing performance metrics and reporting on progress to the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with the Business Office to ensure accurate gift processing, financial reporting, and donor acknowledgment.
• Maintain accurate records and tracking systems for donor engagement and fundraising performance.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend full faculty and staff meetings. 
• Willing to commit to anti-bias and anti-racism work and to promoting inclusion, belonging and equity through their work in the classroom and school community. 
• Ensure a commitment to the school’s DEI mission and goals by participating in continuous professional development for learning differences, anti-racism and anti-bias of all kinds.
• Be an active member of the Gaynor community
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate<