Posted: 10-Mar-25
Location: McLean, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Salary: $70,000
Categories:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 01
Position Overview
The Country Day School is currently seeking a full-time, 12-month Development Manager to support the strategic priorities of the School. The Development Manager reports to the Head of School and is a member of the school’s leadership team (administration). The Manager will join a vibrant, warm, and inclusive community dedicated to the delivery of the school’s mission, and committed to ongoing, thoughtful and strategic planning and growth.
The Development Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all development-related events and fundraising initiatives to support Country Day School’s mission. This role works closely with the Head of School, Senior Administrators, Parent Representative Organization (PRO) Chairs, volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure that events align with organizational goals, foster donor engagement, and meet revenue targets.
Importantly, the Development Manager is responsible for planning and implementing the annual giving program (The Country Day Fund) and supporting the annual auction and gala. This position will develop strategies and campaigns (giving for alumni, faculty, staff, community stakeholders, etc.) to secure contributions and manage stewardship of annual donors in recognition of their support. This role is also tasked with building meaningful and long-lasting relationships with parent volunteers and the community at large.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Develop forward-thinking, strategic priorities and plans to achieve goals and grow all areas of development –annual giving, major giving, capital/endowment giving, and events.
- Partner with the Head of School, board leadership, and parent leadership to build strong constituency relations and increase donor support.
- Enhance the culture of philanthropy through messaging, branding, and marketing efforts in collaboration with the Communications Specialist.
- Create and maintain accurate donor database through Bonterra (Network for Good).
- Partner with Director of Finance and Operations to ensure accurate reporting and allocation of restricted and unrestricted gifts.
- Actively engage donors and solicit donations.
Event Planning and Management
- Plan and execute annual development events, including fundraising gala, holiday party, beginning of the year class parties, Book Fair, Spring Fair, Big Dig, End of Year party, and other special initiatives.
- Develop and manage detailed event timelines, budgets, and project plans.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure all aspects of events are seamless and within budget.
- Manage event logistics, including venue selection, contracts, catering, audio/visual needs, and décor in partnership with PRO Committee Chairs.
- Collaborate with the Communications department to conceptualize marketing materials, including event registration, attendee communications, and follow-up processes.
- Track expenses, providing regular updates to the development team.
- Maintain event records, including attendee lists, sponsorship details, and post-event evaluations.
- Analyze event outcomes and provide recommendations for future improvements
Volunteer and Stakeholder Coordination
- Oversee the organization and operation of the Parent Representative Organization (PRO) including co-chair selection, classroom rep selection, special events, monthly meetings, fundraising, philanthropy drives, and budget reconciliation.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for event committees, ensuring clear communication and alignment with event objectives.
- Maintain relationships with alumni, community partners, and other key stakeholders to support event success.
Leadership
- Attend board meetings as requested by the Head of School. Produce development reports for the Board and Development Committee.
- Capital projects – identify needs, plan, solicit contractors, scheduling, attend all planning meetings, all communications, maintain timeline, budget, logistics, establish restricted fund as needed, solicit additional donors as needed, solicit volunteers as needed.