The Windward School is looking for a Major Gifts Officer who will lead three strategic areas of the development plan pursuant to Windward’s mission, including identifying and securing major gifts, diversifying contributed income through grants and foundation support, and seeking public funding to raise visibility and awareness for the work of the Windward Institute.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assigned to all campuses, the major gifts officer will work to foster relationships with individuals, foundations, granting entities to meet annual and capital fundraising
• Directs Windward’s major gifts program; creates and manages the Development team’s portfolios using best practices and tools. Collaborates with Associate Directors for annual fund, events, and Capital Campaign to ensure cohesive and aligned portfolio strategies and comprehensive
• Is a direct solicitor and routinely identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits and stewards gifts of $100K and up. Strategically engages key volunteers to assist in donor community entry points, introductions and
• Responsible for work to diversify income by cultivating relationships with Foundations and granting entities in NYC and Westchester to fund specific initiatives including the work of the Windward Institute. Responsible for preparing compelling and competitive proposals and overseeing grant
• In conjunction with the Head of School and CAO, works in an advocacy capacity to advance funding and visibility opportunities in the public
• Becomes an active member of the school community, attending strategic events and activities to foster relationships.
• Using data as a guide, develops and executes a section of the annual development work plan, oversees plan adherence and monitors
• Routinely provides reports and analysis for efficacy of Major Gifts and grants program.
• Leads biweekly cross-departmental grants meetings and creates and manages funding priorities for the WI.
• Ensures superior donor acknowledgement and stewardship practices to keep donors positively aligned with the

Specific Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of fundraising experience
• Demonstrated success in securing six-figure donations and funded grant applications
• Fundraising experience in the New York City metro area
• Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or similar database and data analytics
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills
• CFRE credentialing a plus
• Requires work to be performed in-person, occasional evening and weekend hours

Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $210,000.00

Our Mission

The school is an independent, coeducational day school dedicated to providing an excellent instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth, enables students to understand their learning styles, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to the mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the school provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and also shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision

A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

About The Windward School

Independent School for Students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities

Connections working at The Windward School