Abington Friends School (AFS), a vibrant and inclusive Quaker school community located just outside of Philadelphia, serves students from age 3 through grade 12. Grounded in Friends principles of equity, integrity, community, and peaceful problem-solving, AFS provides a transformative education that cultivates intellectual excellence, creativity, and strong moral character. Learn more at abingtonfriends.net.

AFS seeks a seasoned, mission-driven fundraising professional to serve as its next Director of Major Giving – a pivotal leadership role within the Institutional Advancement Office. As the School prepares for a comprehensive capital campaign, this position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by building and deepening relationships with major donors and prospects, aligning philanthropic interests with institutional priorities, and playing a central role in the success of strategic funding initiatives.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement and working closely with the Head of School, the Director of Major Giving will lead the development and management of a robust major gifts program, managing a portfolio of leadership-level donors and prospects. This frontline fundraising role emphasizes relationship-building, strategy, and campaign planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a major gifts strategy with clear goals, defined timelines, measurable outcomes, and tailored stewardship plans.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership-level prospects and donors, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, Director of Annual Giving, and campaign counsel to identify and advance major and planned gift opportunities.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to support fundraising communications, prospect research, and cultivation and stewardship events.
• Support volunteer leadership, including campaign committees and the School Committee, in identifying and engaging potential major donors.
• Ensure accurate and timely prospect tracking, moves management, and reporting using Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Represent AFS at events, cultivation gatherings, and donor meetings, requiring some evening and weekend hours and a willingness to travel.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking culture of philanthropy at AFS.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record in major gifts or campaign fundraising. Independent school or higher education experience is preferred; experience with planned gifts is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a genuine interest in and comfort with engaging donors in person.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing donor correspondence and gift proposals.
• Familiarity with Quaker values and comfort working within a mission-driven school environment.
• Proficiency with fundraising software (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and donor research tools.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE credential is a plus.
• High level of integrity, discretion, initiative, and creativity.
  
  

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references by May 21, 2025.

Abington Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws.

About AFS

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