Career Center

Reporting to the Head of Advancement (HOA), the Director of Development will oversee and manage the staff and day-to-day operations of the Emma Fund and Alumnae Relations program. The Director of Development will work closely with the HOA and will manage a portfolio of leadership gift prospects including alumnae and parents, as well as support the efforts of high-level volunteers, including our Trustees.

The Director of Development will oversee the  implementation of all initiatives that are part of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School as well as future fundraising initiatives.

The incumbent must possess excellent judgment and knowledge regarding best advancement practices, and exceptional fundraising and campaigning skills. They will need to demonstrate success with motivating and supporting staff and volunteers, and a deep understanding of strategic Annual Giving and Alumnae Relations programs. 

We seek someone who is committed to and willing to navigate today’s changing and diverse landscape. This individual will help the school promote and nurture diversity, equity, and inclusion. The School encourages candidates from under-represented groups and individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service to apply.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Ability to interact effectively with all the constituencies of the school community: the Head of School, the administration, staff, faculty, the Board of Trustees, alumnae, parents, and friends of the school.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 50 leadership gift ($100,000+ level) prospects; 

• Partner with and oversee the activities of the annual Emma Fund program:
• Develop strategies and approaches to generate higher levels of giving in our leadership society donors to the Emma Fund (1814 Association).
• Analyze and use data to plan for and realize growth in the number of donors across all constituencies, through a direct mail program, personal outreach, volunteer management, social media and more.
• Partner with communications staff to develop communications and marketing collateral for diverse media and communication outreach.
• Recruit, organize, and oversee volunteer committees for Emma Fund fundraising initiatives.
• Travel for individual prospect visits as needed and to increase engagement and solicit support for the Emma Fund.

• Partner with and oversee the activities of the Alumnae Relations and Campus Events program and two staff members: the Director and Assistant Director, to plan, implement, and promote programs and projects that strategically engage alumnae while supporting the school’s Strategic Plan and the goals of the Advancement Office.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the administrative offices (including, but not limited to Head of School, Admissions, Student Life, and Communications) to create and maintain pathways for alumnae participation that advance the goals of the school.
• Guide and support the work of the Alumnae Relations team to facilitate robust campus events, including Reunion Weekend, Commencement, Family Weekend, Revels Receptions, Spring Showcase and other related programs.
• Partner with the Chief Communications Officer to strategically plan, develop, and execute program collateral and communications strategies for the Emma Fund and Alumnae Relations programs. Key partner in developing and facilitating content for the bi-annual Alumnae Magazine.

• Bachelor's degree with 10 years of progressive experience in advancement preferably in an independent school setting and/or higher education or 15 years of fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success in management of fundraising staff and events staff and ability to motivate and inspire direct reports.
• Experience in translating goals into metrics-driven action.
• A sophisticated advancement professional who possesses strong frontline fundraising skills and a track record of successful annual and major gift solicitation of both alumnae and parents.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills, passion and integrity
• Ability to oversee the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift

and annual fund leadership donors.

• Knowledge and experience in prospect tracking, stewardship and reporting procedures and all aspects of annual giving programs. Experience with Raiser’s Edge is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience in planned giving preferred, but not required.
• Experience managing volunteers, including members of governing boards.
• Experience with fundraising within a campaign environment preferred
• Committed/passionate about girls’ school mission

We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Emma is an equal opportunity employer.

Emma Willard School requires employees to be fully vaccinated with the exception of qualifying exemptions. You will need to submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.

Please apply through the school's Career Center website.

About Emma Willard School

Since 1814, Emma Willard School has been one of the nation's leading college preparatory boarding and day schools for young women. At Emma Willard, every possible resource is dedicated to developing in students the values and skills that form the foundation of a life of accomplishment, leadership, and fulfillment. These include a love for the life of the mind, a commitment to service, courage and confidence, grace and creativity, and collaboration and friendship. Known for its rigor, the school promotes intellectual curiosity and disciplined study habits through a challenging curriculum distinguished by a wide array of advanced placement courses and electives. It also promotes active involvement in the life of the campus and off-campus communities through a rich co-curricular program. In all they do, students are both challenged and closely supported by an outstanding faculty and staff. The school's extraordinary physical plant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides a breathtakingly beautiful yet state-of-the-art setting for learning and living. Throughout its history, Emma Willard has been committed to enrolling a diverse student body from across the Ca...pital Region, across the country, and around the world. This commitment is honored by significant expenditures in financial aid to assist families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to provide an extraordinary secondary education for their daughters.

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Connections working at Emma Willard School