About the school

Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in the college town of Charlottesville, Va., our 900+ students, age 2 through Grade 12, inspire us each day as we aspire to educate the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders. 

As a member of our school community, you'd be joining a team of people who are passionate about their roles and contributing to a community of purpose and belonging. Those who thrive at St. Anne’s-Belfield are people who, as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, pursue knowledge to generate impact, seek to engage diverse perspectives and practices, engage in reflection, demonstrate moral character and integrity, and work to understand and meet the needs of the community. 

Our two beautiful campuses on 55 acres serve as vibrant hubs for curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence. This is perfectly complemented by our location in Charlottesville, one of the top 5 happiest cities in the U.S., as recognized by National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Opportunities abound to connect with nature, enjoy arts and culture, engage with the University of Virginia, only one mile away, and explore American history both within our region or Richmond (one hour by car) and Washington, D.C. (two hours by car).

If you're looking for a dynamic learning environment where your contributions help spark each child’s potential, we invite you to consider a career with St. Anne’s-Belfield. We at St. Anne's-Belfield School believe it is the quality and passion of our people that set us apart. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, staff members, and coaches to support our student body by offering a competitive benefits package and providing a wonderful working environment.

About the position

St. Anne’s-Belfield seeks a Director of Advancement to strengthen and expand its fundraising efforts in support of new strategic priorities and in preparation for a multimillion-dollar comprehensive campaign. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Advancement will develop a strategic plan for the major and planned giving programs to maximize philanthropic potential and engage and inspire alumni, families, and donors to invest in the School and deepen their commitment to the community.

The Director will carry a portfolio of at least 150 donors and prospects at the major gift level ($25,000-plus) and will also help to raise leadership gifts ($5,000-plus) for The Fund for St. Anne’sBelfield. In addition, the Director will partner closely with the Chief Advancement Officer on special initiative and capital campaign priorities, spearhead the 1910 Society planned giving program, and assist with the development and implementation of a thoughtful stewardship program, inclusive of special events. 

An exceptional relationship-builder and fundraising strategist skilled in the use of data and metrics to drive sustainable growth, the ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of major and planned giving experience. Prior independent school fundraising experience is preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major ($25,000–$250,000 and above) and planned giving donors through meetings, communications, visits, events, and other significant outreach.
• Direct new or current special campaign giving initiatives as part of a current capital campaign and other philanthropic priorities.
• Solicit and steward leadership giving ($5,000-plus) for the Fund for St. Anne’s-Belfield annual fund in conjunction with the major and planned gift outreach.
• Expand the 1910 Society planned giving program and serve as the point of contact for planned gifts.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues and the Communications team on production of materials to support philanthropic initiatives aimed at attracting major and planned gifts.
• Contribute to the development and execution of a comprehensive stewardship plan, with focus on major and planned donors for campaign and special giving priorities to ensure donors feel informed and appreciated.
• Execute special events aimed at cultivating and stewarding major and planned gift donors and prospects.
• Provide regular reports on major and planned gift activity and contribute stories that celebrate leadership and major giving in School publications and newsletters.
• Identify and manage volunteers as determined necessary to achieving major and planned giving.

Development Overview

St. Anne's-Belfield raised nearly $30 million between 2017-2022 to fulfill the now completed strategic plan's priorities. In FY24, the School raised nearly $6 million with $1.4 million towards the unrestricted Fund for St. Anne's-Belfield. 62% of parents made charitable gifts in FY24. The school will draw $500,000 from the endowment this year.

In 2021, the school partnered with Grenzebach Glier and Associates (GG&A), a philanthropic consulting firm, to conduct a campaign readiness assessment. In 2025, they will conduct a feasibility study to prepare for a comprehensive multi-million dollar.

Skills/Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative thinking and demonstrated ability to affect growth in desired results.
• Strong interest in K-12 education, and St. Anne's-Belfield School more specifically.
• High level of attention to detail, with an ability to analyze data, segment donor lists, and produce giving reports.
• Experience working with volunteers and other key stakeholders in a philanthropic context, and within an educational institution preferred.
• Ability to function as a consummate, positive team player comfortable working with a wide range of people.
• Experience working within comprehensive fundraising campaigns is a plus

What we offer

Competitive annual salary
Paid time off
Shared cost Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Employer paid Short and Long-term Disability and Life Insurance
Retirement plan with match
Supplemental insurance policies
Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
Discounted Gym Membership
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition remission and program discounts for children enrolled at the school
Free lunch when school is in session
Free after-care for children enrolled at the school
Free admission to the Virginia Discovery Museum
20% discount at St. Anne's-Belfield School store

To Apply

Application Deadline: ASAP

Please note that strong candidates may be considered before the application deadline.

Candidates should submit a current resume, cover letter specific to this opportunity statement, and a list of five professional references on our Careers page.