Career Center

Position Overview:   

The Director of Development and Philanthropy is a strategic thought partner, relationship builder and cultural steward for The Little School. The position directs and manages an integrated program for fundraising, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, public relations, and communications in a manner that is consistent and aligned with The Little School’s vision, values and mission. This is a highly collaborative position that supports every constituent of the school, seeking to help community members feel seen, appreciated and respected in authentic and meaningful ways. The Director of Development & Philanthropy reports to the Head of School and works with the Head, Advancement Team and Board Advancement Committee to strategically shepherd and elevate a culture of philanthropy, gratitude, communication and connection that is central to a healthy independent school community.   

The Director of Development & Philanthropy:  

Cultivates Philanthropy & Executes Strategic Fundraising 

• Designs and implements multi-year development plan that diversifies and expands fundraising channels through innovation and partnerships.  
• Ignites passion for strategic initiatives particularly as they relate to programmatic vibrancy, social justice, environmental sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, access, belonging and faculty nourishment and care. 
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with volunteers, trustees, staff, families, alumni, friends, prospects, donors, foundations and others to increase support of and involvement in the school.  
• Plans and manages the fundraising activities and events of the school to attract maximum support, involving trustees and volunteers, preparing materials, promoting participation and communicating progress.   
• Oversees and meets the school’s annual fundraising goals.   

• Plans and supervises the stewardship of donors and cultivation and recognition events.  
• Maintains confidential, accurate, up-to-date records of gifts and deposits and of constituency/donor database (including current names, addresses, status, and notations).  

• Sends gift acknowledgement letters and pledge reminders bi-monthly to all donors with outstanding pledges.  
• Prepares monthly giving reports and dashboard for the Board of Trustees and Head of School.  
• Reconciles charitable contributions with the Business Office on a monthly basis and prepares monthly reports for reconciliation meetings.   

• Researches and submits grant requests to support existing and new funds and projects.   

Supports Internal & Community Communications  

• Establishes and executes communication plan to promote connection and understanding in TLS’ community.  

• Oversees and organizes Annual Report and other regular publications. 

• Writes and sends TLS Happenings e-newsletter.  
• Designs printed calendar and supports understanding of school year cadence of events.  
• Maintains database and compiles mailing lists for all mailings, including Annual Report.  
• Coordinates graphic design/production for all school branding, signage, materials and publications.  

Inspires Collaboration and Participation  

• Partners with Board and volunteer committees to develop and strengthen a culture of philanthropic support for the school among all constituencies.  
• Partners with the Advancement Team to ensure coordinated efforts in the areas of recruitment, outreach, publicity, and internal retention.   
• Collaborates with faculty on Strategic Plan initiatives.  
• Acts as thought-partner with administration.  
• Actively partners with and supervises Community Events and Alumni Coordinator to support event and alumni initiatives.  
• Models active participation in the life of the school (supporting events, lunch, turnaround, etc., attending meetings, etc.).  
• Other duties as assigned by Head of School. 

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• 5+ years of fundraising experience, including with annual funds and major gifts, ideally in an independent school.  

• A passion for independent schools and a belief in their public purpose.  
• Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, access and justice.  
• A desire to partner with an international community of families and to learn actively about culture.  
• A sense of humor and the ability to delight in a community centered around children and childhood.  
• Highly professional team-player with a strong sense of integrity. 

• Strong work ethic and success meeting goals. 
• Excellent communication, human relations, supervisory, and management skills.  
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge software and Blackbaud. 
• Knowledge of budget preparation and control, and the ability to work within budget constraints. 

About The Little School

Important resources to get to know The Little School include: https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/diversity-and-inclusion https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/mission-vision-and-values https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/strategic-plan https://www.thelittleschool.org/program

Connections working at The Little School