Director Of Development

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks a Director of Development to serve as one of three Development team leaders. Working closely with a dynamic advancement team and Head of School, the Director of Development will provide leadership for alumni/ae engagement, annual giving, and constituent relations. This position leads and works collaboratively with two direct reports, the Associate Director of Alumni Giving & Engagement and the Associate Director of Parent Giving and Engagement to identify new strategies to enhance engagement, annual giving, and set giving directions.

As a leading member of a small but highly successful development team, the Director is a proactive and supportive supervisor and team player with excellent communication skills and enjoys working in a dynamic, mission-focused organization. The ideal candidate has meticulous organizational skills, the ability to think creatively and critically, and is highly collaborative. Approximately 40% of this role requires local and domestic travel visiting donors. Occasional evening and weekend events are required.

This is a 12-month, exempt position reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO).

Position Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy, Oversight, & Activity:

• Serve as a thought-partner to the Chief Development Officer to grow the fundraising base by increasing the donor pool and increasing gifts year over year;
• Manage a key major donor portfolio that includes volunteer leadership, parents, alumni parents and alumni as well as arts philanthropists and ensure that key prospective and current donors are actively stewarded with face-to-face meetings, phone calls, special events, and other methods of contact on a frequent and regular basis, and by the appropriate solicitor;
• Design, manage, and direct fundraising to enhance the Annual Fund Giving program, including but not limited to appeals, give days, and digital fundraising;
• Monitor Annual Fund progress, trends, and provide strategic recommendations to CDO to grow and strengthen the fund;
• Work with CDO and Director of Development Operations to define long-term engagement and fundraising goals and define annual metrics from multiple constituency categories in the context of the school’s annual fund, major and planned giving programs;
• Oversee the strategic direction and operations of Alumni engagement volunteer relations (alumni committee, executive committee), budget, and staff;
• Oversee the strategic direction and operations of Parent engagement volunteer relations (family association), budget, and staff;
• Facilitate collaborative team development and execution of content-driven programs (stewardship and impact reports, Behind Stowe, annual reporting) that strengthen and promote new and meaningful connections with Walnut Hill’s community;
• Travel and occasional evening and weekend events are required; and
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Management & Supervision:

• Oversee the daily operations of the overall Development Office in collaboration with the Director of Development Operations:
  • Support the CDO and co-lead with Director of Development Operations internal team meetings. Create team meeting agendas and follow up on action items as needed;
  • Guide and mentor department staff through planning, coordination, and execution of Development events. Attend events as appropriate.
• Supervise and work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Alumni Giving & Engagement and the Associate Director of Parent Giving and Engagement to advance all annual fundraising programs;
• Supervise direct reports, provide regular clear and supportive written and verbal feedback, offer resources where needed, and conduct annual evaluations and reviews per the School’s performance evaluation process; provide expertise, guidance, coaching, and leadership to support team growth and development; and
• Manage up to the Chief Development Officer, providing detailed understanding of activity and oversight, while building trust and independence.

Collaboration & Community Involvement:

• Actively participate in the student community by supporting the Student Life program, which may include serving as a faculty or club advisor, chaperoning School events, providing weekend duty, or other opportunities for community involvement that arise throughout the School year;
• Speak authentically about the imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools; be committed to learning about and practicing anti-racist work;
• Attend student performances, art openings, and art events throughout the year; support and engage richly in arts productions, shows, exhibitions, and performances;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment for students and employees to support the school’s mission, vision, and core values;
• Attend and participate in required faculty and staff meetings and department meetings; pursue PD opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with at least five years’ experience in leadership/major gifts, campaign, or annual fund fundraising, preferably in education or the arts;
• Strong background in Annual Giving, including leadership programs, alumni/ae reunion and non-reunion programs, and constituent relations programs;
• Previous grant writing success and familiarity with foundation work;
• Experience supervising and mentoring direct reports;
• Well-developed commitment to collaborative leadership and the ability to manage and grow a team’s skills, vision and cohesion;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Google applications, Microsoft Office Suite, Veracross or equivalent database;
• Possess excellent customer service skills and ability to work with a wide range of people – alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, donors, board members, outside artists, vendors, and community members;
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a changing, fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community;
• Possess cultural competence in working with diverse populations and commitment to learning about and practicing anti-racist work;
• Possess excellent and effective written and oral communication skills, strong attention to detail, and strong analytical skills; and
• Share an educational and artistic vision that aligns with the core principles of Walnut Hill.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.

Benefits:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts offers a competitive benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability Insurance, up to 7% Matching Retirement Contribution through TIAA, Generous Time-off, Meals in the Dining Hall, Fitness Center Access, Tickets to Performances, and Professional Development Opportunities. Learn more about Walnut Hill on our website and come join our community!

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands:

Physical demands include dexterity for office machine and supply operation including but not limited to writing, typing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, traveling to/from locations on campus, ascending/descending stairs, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.