Development Manager/Director

Development Manager/Director Note: Job level will be filled according candidate experience; responsibilities in brackets (“[“ , “]”) are additional duties for the Director level position Summary The Development Director at Emerson Waldorf School plays a key role in supporting the mission of the school by fostering a strong culture of philanthropy and community engagement.

This position is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes donor and [alumni relations], and development events. Working closely with the Director of Administration, the Board of Trustees, the Enrollment Director, and Communications & Marketing Directors, and parent leadership, the Development Director cultivates lasting, meaningful relationships within the school and broader community to secure financial resources that enhance the school’s long-term vitality and strategic initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

STRATEGIC FUNDRAISING & DONOR ENGAGEMENT ● Lead all aspects of fundraising strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor stewardship. ● [Develop long-range strategic initiatives aligned with the school’s mission and financial goals.] ● Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors including parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni families, friends, corporations, and foundations.

● Maintain and build the donor database; oversee gift processing, acknowledgment, tracking, and reporting. ● [Guide and support board members, faculty, and staff in donor engagement and solicitations through training and shared planning.] COMMUNITY RELATIONS & EVENT COORDINATION ● Chair the Autumn Fair Committee, with support from the Parent Teacher Collaborative (PTC) and other volunteers.

● Coordinate other school events that align with development goals (Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Enchanted Evening, etc.) ● Foster strong relationships with volunteers, including the Parent Teacher Collaborative (PTC) [and alumni], ensuring positive involvement in development efforts. PHILANTHROPY & CULTURE BUILDING ● Promote a school-wide culture of giving rooted in Waldorf values and community-building.

● Support thoughtful, mission-aligned approaches to donor relationships that reflect respect, gratitude, and care. ● Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with measurable goals and community engagement strategies. ● Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and trustees on development best practices, including tactful engagement of potential donors.

GRANTS & FOUNDATION RELATIONS ● Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with the school’s mission and programs. ● Collaborate on writing and submitting grant proposals and overseeing reporting requirements. COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING COLLABORATION ● [Work collaboratively with the Enrollment Director and Communications & Marketing Director to align messaging, outreach, and branding strategies with development goals.

] ● Prepare and publish the Annual Report/Quarterly Newsletter and related communications to keep stakeholders informed and inspired. OTHER ● Attend the weekly meetings of the Administrative Team, [and Enrollment Retention & Marketing (ERM) Committee]. ● Attend monthly meetings of the Philanthropy Committee ● Attend other all school events ● Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Administration Skills & Qualifications Core Competencies: ● Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.

● Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. ● Self-starter with high emotional intelligence and an ability to build trust and rapport across diverse groups. ● Professional demeanor, strong organizational ability, and attention to detail. ● Knowledge of Waldorf education or commitment to learning about Waldorf pedagogy and values.

Education

& Experience: ● Bachelor’s degree required ● Minimum 2-3 years of professional experience in development, preferably in an independent school or nonprofit setting. Experience in Waldorf Education is preferred. [Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in development for Director level] ● [Proven success in securing major gifts, managing fundraising campaigns, and developing donor strategies].

● Experience coordinating community or fundraising events and managing volunteers. ● Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, and CRM tools (e.g. Blackbaud, Little Green Light, Ravenna, etc.) Other: ● Able to lift up to 25 lbs ● Able to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time ● Have mobility required to navigate a large campus with uneven footpaths and hilly terrain ● Have visual and hearing capabilities that allow for consistent communication with donors, parents, visitors, faculty/staff in multiple formats (written, verbal, virtual, in-person, etc.)

● Able to speak English fluently; fluency in a second language (especially Spanish) preferred ● Able to work on-site; position is eligible for ad hoc remote/hybrid work with prior approval ● Able to work evenings and weekends as needed ● Able to successfully pass and maintain all background checks Salary & Benefits

• Salary between $41,000-$55,000 based on experience
• 10 days of paid sick/personal leave
• 15 days of paid vacation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Tuition Remission
• 403(b) Retirement Program
• Professional Development Funds