Winchester Thurston School, an innovative Pre-K through grade 12 independent day school in Pittsburgh, seeks a talented, experienced Advancement professional to lead, manage, and implement all facets of the school’s Advancement program. This position requires a creative, strategic, relationship-oriented fundraiser to participate in a collegial environment as part of a committed team working together to advance WT’s mission. The school completed a multiple year, $20 million capital campaign in June 2015. With a strong donor base, national recognition for forward thinking educational programs, and a track record of enrollment success, WT is well positioned for ongoing growth in its Advancement program. The Director of Advancement is a member of the senior leadership team at Winchester Thurston and reports directly to the Head of School. The Director of Advancement works closely with many constituencies, both internal and external, to achieve success in all aspects of Advancement. He or she meets regularly with the Board of Trustees.

Major Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Planning for Advancement

1. Working in concert with the Head and Board Development leadership, formulates a long-term plan for Advancement to include future fund raising goals and campaigns.
2. Identifies funding opportunities within the WT Strategic Plan.
3. Assists in the development and implementation of the School’s strategic plans.
4. Plans and manages major fundraising projects designed to advance the school strategically, including multi-year capital campaigns.

Advancement Oversight

1. Develops and directs systems to ensure a coordinated, integrated plan for Advancement designed to achieve the institution’s financial and fundraising goals, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, alumnae/i relations, and Parents Association.
2. Oversees the daily operations of the department to assure that each division performs optimally in support of the School.
3. Oversees alumni and parent programs which are designed to foster lifelong relationships.
4. Oversees expansion of the planned giving program.
5. With the input and assistance of the Head of School and members of the Advancement staff, establishes annual goals and objectives, tasks, and evaluation procedures.
6. Collaborates with Director of Marketing & Communications on Advancement communication messaging and plan.
7. Serves as Staff Liaison to the Board Development Committee and Committee on Trustees.
8. Manages the staff with collaboration and team building.
9. Manages an annual budget for cost-effective financial results.
10. Evaluates the Advancement program outcomes annually.
11. Pursues continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Major Gifts

1. Identifies prospects for annual and major gifts, and cultivates meaningful relationships with them in order to secure significant contributions.
2. Accountable and responsible for Major Gifts Program: Develops strategy, sets goals, and monitors progress.
3. Manages activities related to Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit funding.
4. Directs, leads, motivates, and partners with Trustees and Head of School in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting leadership and major donor prospects (individuals and foundations).
5. Manages a personal portfolio of high-level major gift prospects. Oversees and partners with Head, Associate Director of Advancement, and Director of Alumnae/i Relations in their management of their own personal portfolios of high-level major gift prospects and donors.
6. Works with the Head to develop Foundation relationships. Writes grants and manages Foundation reporting/stewardship.
7. Develops and oversees the Planned Giving program.
8. Develops and oversees efforts to raise funds from corporations and businesses, including the PA EITC Program.
9. Oversees and collaborates with Associate Director of Advancement on stewardship of leadership donors, including those with endowed funds at the school.