As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all religious and non-religious affiliations. Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in ability, age, cultural or religious tradition, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status enhance the individual’s sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility. 

The Cathedral School seeks a dynamic, warm, and strategic Director of Advancement to lead and grow our philanthropic efforts, sustain our supportive academic environment, and maintain strong partnership across constituencies. This role is ideal for a passionate, seasoned Advancement professional who believes in the transformative power of education and seeks a joyful, mission-driven community. The Director of Advancement will lead current and future fundraising efforts that include our robust Annual Fund and Annual Benefit (raising over $1 million combined). They will supervise a department team composed of an Advancement Associate and a Marketing and Communications Manager. The Director of Advancement is a member of the Senior Administration Team and reports directly to the Head of School.

Responsibilities  

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that reflects the School’s mission, Core Values, and goals related to our five-year strategic plan
• Fundraising Management: Oversee all aspects of the Annual Fund, Absalom Jones Benefit for Financial Aid, future capital campaigns, and major gifts strategy, serving as primary solicitor and ensuring annual fundraising goals are met or exceeded 
• Donor Engagement: Cultivate and steward relationships with established and prospective donors, including current parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of the school 
• Community Collaboration: Build a collaborative and responsive direct relationship with the Head of School and with fellow senior administrators; Work closely with the Board of Trustees (including co-leading the Board’s Institutional Advancement Committee) and the Parents Association to support advancement initiatives and strengthen community ties 
• Communications: Guide and support the Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure cohesive, mission-driven messaging across all platforms 
• Team Supervision: Provide clear, consistent, and supportive leadership to an Advancement Associate and a Marketing and Communications Manager, fostering professional growth and creative collaboration 
• Data and Reporting: Partner routinely with the Business Office on projections, reports, recognitions, and reconciliation efforts; Utilize data-driven insights to inform strategy, track progress, and present on advancement activities and outcomes

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:  

• Prior professional experience in an independent school setting 
• Proven success in fundraising, with experience managing annual giving programs, securing major gifts, and executing special events 
• Commitment to and experience with professional practices that cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in an academic setting 
• Strong leadership and team management skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, with a warm, authentic, and professional approach to relationship-building
• Familiarity with the grant writing process and successful execution
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational, analytical, and research skills 
• Passion for education and alignment with Cathedral’s mission and values 

This is a 12-month role with a hiring range of $175,000 - 190,000 based on experience. Full-time employees are eligible for tuition remission for their child/ren upon admission to the School. Cathedral offers a comprehensive benefits package, generous holidays and vacation time, an allotment of remote days for annual use by eligible staff, and a supportive, inclusive work environment within a dynamic, diverse, and authentic school community that believes in the magic and genius of childhood. 

The Cathedral School is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment for all employees. 

About The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent, Episcopal, K-8 day school for girls and boys of all faiths. The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, and leadership development. Located on New York City’s Upper West Side on the 11.5-acre Close of the Cathedral, the School offers a unique setting for the celebration of the many traditions shared by its families. The School prides itself in being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children’s intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world. Continuing a century-old relationship, the School draws upon the Cathedral’s vast resources and provides its children’s choir.

Connections working at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine