Career Center

Woodberry Forest School, located in Madison, VA, is an exceptional private boarding school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country. Woodberry's 1,200-acre campus is the largest for boarding schools in Virginia, and one of the largest private school campuses in the country.

Overview

The Director of Donor Relations is a senior member of the Advancement team and oversees stewardship strategies that effectively demonstrate the impact of philanthropy at Woodberry Forest.  The Director is charged with ensuring funds are expended according to donor directions, that acknowledgments are timely and personal, and that leadership donors receive additional stewardship touches as needed. Strong collaboration with members of the Advancement team is essential. The position reports to the Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Strategy: The Director will create and implement a comprehensive stewardship and donor communications plan for Woodberry Forest and lead efforts to acknowledge donors and demonstrate the impact of their philanthropy on campus and beyond. This person develops metrics, evaluates strategies, and introduces new programs as necessary to improve the donor experience.

2. Acknowledgment and Stewardship: The Director offers strategic oversight of the donor acknowledgment and recognition processes. These efforts ensure the timely and personal acknowledgment of donors at all giving levels and the development of targeted donor stewardship which includes creative touches including creative video acknowledgments and reflections, donor reporting, and other expressions of gratitude. This position will work closely with the development and communications teams to create key stewardship materials to include but not limited to the Annual Report.

3. Fund Management and Reporting: The Director will oversee the creation of gift agreements, establish funds, generate, and maintain donor documentation as well as communicate with donors the progress of their funds periodically throughout the year.. This position works across sectors of the school community to ensure funds, including scholarships, are spent in accordance with donor intent and in a timely manner, monitors fund balances, and utilization.

4. Named Space Oversight: The Director will provide oversight of all named spaces.

5. Recognition Events: The Director will assist in planning and executing recognition events, ribbon-cuttings, dedications, and dinners. The position will also include special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and direct experience in donor relations or front-line fundraising.
• Skilled written and oral communicator
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and see projects through to a timely completion.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategies for achieving operating goals
• Team player
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Able to exercise confidentiality and discretion.
• Periodic weekend work required.

WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

About Woodberry Forest School

Woodberry Forest is a highly selective, independent boarding school for 400 boys in grades 9 - 12 from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and 13 other countries. Woodberry is located in central Virginia about 45 minutes from Charlottesville and about two hours from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1889, it emphasizes an education based on intellectual thoroughness, moral integrity, and good sportsmanship.

Connections working at Woodberry Forest School