Posted: 20-May-25
Location: Weston, Massachusetts
Type: Full Time
Categories:
MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER PROSPECTUS
Cambridge School of Weston (CSW)
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW) seeks a dynamic and mission-driven Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to join a collaborative development team during an exciting moment in the school’s history. With a $15 million comprehensive campaign well underway and more than two-thirds of the goal already secured, the MGO will play a key role in deepening relationships with donors and securing philanthropic support that advances CSW’s mission.
The MGO will manage a portfolio of approximately 75–90 prospects and be responsible for conducting at least 120 individual donor meetings annually with alumni, families, and friends of the school. This is a frontline fundraising position that requires travel, primarily throughout New England, with occasional further travel for special targeted efforts. The ideal candidate will be passionate about CSW’s progressive mission, experienced in cultivating and soliciting five- and six-figure gifts, and energized by in-person engagement with donors.
ABOUT THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF WESTON
Located on 65 wooded acres just 12 miles outside of Boston in Weston, Massachusetts, CSW is a gender-inclusive, day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Through our distinct model of progressive education, we empower curious, creative learners to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and people of purpose. Every aspect of CSW reflects our core values:
- Student-Centered Teaching and Learning: We recognize the potential of every student and help them cultivate their unique passions.
- Progressive Education: Active engagement, multiple perspectives, and wrestling with complexity are at the heart of our learning process.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: Our varied identities and experiences enrich the CSW community and fuel innovation.
- Empathy and Global Engagement: We prepare students to make a meaningful impact in the world through civic-mindedness and sustainability.
CSW’s innovative programs include opportunities for students to lead and collaborate in ways that few schools offer. For example, during D Block, students can teach elective classes, sharing their expertise with peers. Students also serve as voting members of the Board of Trustees, amplifying the school's commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.
THE CAMPAIGN
CSW’s $15 million campaign is built around four pillars that reflect the school’s mission and aspirations:
- Opportunity and Access: Expanding financial support to ensure all talented students have access to the CSW experience.
- Campus Renovations: Transforming the French Gym into a hub for math and robotics, and planning for the enhancement of the art building to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Off-Campus Engagement: Creating opportunities beyond the classroom to develop locally and globally aware, civic-minded students.
- Lifelong Learning: Strengthening alumni connections and fostering a lifelong commitment to progressive education.
The campaign is on schedule and on target, offering the Director of Development an exciting opportunity to lead its successful completion and celebrate its transformative impact. CSW has retained the counsel of CCS Fundraising to support this campaign, ensuring the team has expert external resources and guidance to help achieve success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Major Gifts Officer will:
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 75–90 prospects, including alumni, current and past parents, and friends of CSW.
- Conduct a minimum of 120 individual donor meetings annually.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward five- and six-figure gifts that contribute to annual, capital, and planned giving goals.
- Collaborate with the Development Team on prospect strategy and donor engagement efforts.
- Travel as needed, primarily within New England, for donor meetings, with occasional targeted efforts beyond the region.
- Serve as a visible member of the CSW community, attending school events and engaging with students, faculty, staff, and families.
- Participate in regular faculty/staff meetings and engage with the school community as appropriate.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
CSW seeks a dedicated and personable fundraiser who is:
- Mission-Aligned: Genuinely excited by CSW’s progressive model and student-centered approach.
- Relationship-Driven: Enjoys building authentic connections and representing the school with warmth and professionalism.
- Experienced in Fundraising: At least 5 years of experience in the nonprofit and/or development sector, with at least 2 years of frontline fundraising experience.
- Confident Solicitor: Comfortable soliciting six-figure gifts and experienced in securing gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Organized and Goal-Oriented: Skilled at managing a portfolio, planning travel, tracking activity, and meeting goals.
- Collaborative: A team player who thrives in a collegial environment and works well across departments and constituencies.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
CSW is committed to offering a compensation and benefits package that is competitive within both independent schools and the broader nonprofit sector. The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience. Details about healthcare, retirement, and other benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a full-time, on-campus role. Team members are expected to be present on campus five days a week, with the option to work remotely one day per week on a consistent schedule, coordinated with the Development team. Flexibility is built in for donor travel and external meetings.
WHY CSW?
Joining CSW means becoming part of a community where curiosity, collaboration, and creativity are celebrated. The school’s progressive philosophy, inclusive environment, and commitment to excellence make it a uniquely fulfilling place to work and grow. As a Major Gifts Officer, you will help fuel the future of an institution that changes students’ lives and engage with donors who are inspired by that impact.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Collegial faculty and working environment
- Competitive salary and robust human resource benefits
- Funding and institutional support for professional development
- Innovative daily and annual schedule that values reflection and relationship-building
- Provided hour-long hot lunch, as well as access to state-of-the-art fitness center
- Wooded, 65-acre campus located just 12 miles from Boston and Cambridge, in close proximity to scenic walking trails and excellent local restaurants and shops.
- Easy access to Kendal Green MBTA station, with on-campus parking and EV charging stations.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
Please email a cover letter and resume to developmentjobs@csw.org with the subject, “Major Gifts Officer.” Please send PDF files only. No phone calls, please. References will be requested later in the process.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Cambridge School of Weston welcomes the perspectives of different ethnicities, races, classes, religions, and sexual orientations that enhance our mutual understanding. Our respect for the unique gifts of each community member provides a safe environment where all can grow.
The Cambridge School of Weston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates who will increase our diversity to apply.