Overview of Woodland School 

Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland School is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth grade. Woodland is a small school with a big heart.

Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-centered learning, children are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. 

Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, respect, and stewardship. The teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports the faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.

Woodland School is seeking a highly motivated Director of Development and Alumni Relations.  The Director will join the school as Woodland begins a new chapter in its 40 year history and will have an opportunity to create and implement various strategic initiatives for the school.

Position Overview 

The Director of Development and Alumni Relations reports to the Head of School and collaborates with the entire leadership team including the Director of Finance, Director of Communications, and the Director of Admissions. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations is responsible for all aspects of fundraising including the Annual Fund, gala, major gifts, special events, grants, and communication.  In addition, the Director plans and executes the vision and strategy of Woodland School related to alumni engagement to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the School. The job is accomplished through the individual’s own direct efforts as well as effectively leveraging the skills and volunteer contributions of Woodland parents and alumni, Board of Trustees, and staff. 

Key Responsibilities

• Reports directly to the Head of School, is a member of the Leadership Team, and participates on the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee
• Collaboratively designs, implements, and oversees a comprehensive fundraising program designed to secure significant financial resources from trustees, parents, alumni, foundations and others to support Woodland School’s mission and strategic priorities 
• Oversees all fundraising efforts and programs, including Annual Fund, special fundraising events, major donor programs, grants, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and office administration to meet or exceed annual development plan income goals
• Leads and coordinates the efforts in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors 
• Guides and supports the Head of School in fundraising activities
• Presents to the Board of Trustees and Head of School an annual development plan for achieving specific goals
• Oversees all aspects of the grant-writing program

• Attends and participates in a variety of fundraising, stewardship, community-building, and other campus events throughout the year in order to stay informed and updated on school activities 
• Collaborates with the Board of Trustees to reach fundraising goals, to engage the Board in fundraising activities, and to identify new individual and corporate funding prospects

Leadership and Management Experience

• A charismatic leader whose approach to development creates enthusiasm for Woodland School from all constituents
• Strong management experience, including the ability to foster an environment of creativity, collaboration, and professional growth in a convivial work atmosphere
• Ability to manage and lead professional and volunteer staff, including recruiting, training and professional development.  Establishes clear directions and sets goals, objectives, and benchmarks
• Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision and sense of core purpose
• Proven ability to think strategically, creating plans that reflect best practice but also create fresh approaches.  Comfortable making strategic decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experiences, and judgement
• Ability to design, implement, and direct multiple projects

Fundraising and Campaign Experience

• Proven success in asking for, closing, and coaching others on fundraising for annual needs and strategic campaigns, as well as building and maintaining long-term relationships with major individual donors, foundations, and corporations in an independent school environment
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in advancement and effective independent school fundraising practices
• Ability to identify, develop, and maintain relationships with current and prospective major donors, foundations, organizations, alumni and corporate funders
• Broad financial responsibility includes setting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to create excitement about Woodland School’s goals, developing constructive and long-lasting relationships with all constituents
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, networking, facilitation and management skills; works both independently and within a team-oriented structure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiations and effective communication with diverse audiences 
• Ability to convey Woodland’s mission to diverse groups, including major donors, board members, and others critical to Woodland’s advancement
• Strong computer skills, including experience using Google Suite, and relationship database programs (eTapestry)
• Engages alumni in the life of the School through consistent and positive communication using electronic, print, and social media
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, including solutions to complex issues. Exercises good judgment and decision making. Has the ability to work well under pressure and the ability to reason, think creatively, and solve problems
• Appreciation for and desire to participate fully in the dynamic life of an elementary school community

Professional Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred) 
• Proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations, with impressive results 
• Minimum of 3 years of Development experience, preferably in an independent educational institution
• Prior experience with major gifts as well as foundation and corporate grant writing is preferred
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments and priorities 
• A self-starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals timely and without day-to-day supervision
• Excellent understanding of principles and techniques of Development activities, including annual giving, major giving, planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, marketing and communications, grant procurement, and alumni relations
• Excellent planning skills - organized, communicates, follows through, and evaluates
• Requires some work in evenings and weekends as well as travel. Must have valid driver’s license 
• Position requires absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude and presentation 

Compensations and Benefits

The appointment is a full-time, year-round, administrative position and the compensation package will be competitive and commensurate with experience, degree attainment and the local independent school market.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance. 

How to Apply

Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three to five references. Please combine all documents into a single PDF and send to HR@woodland-school.org.