The Director of Development is a vital, relationship-focused leader who will play a key role in advancing Lawrence School's mission. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement and working closely with the Head of School, this dynamic position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to meet the school's annual fundraising goals while actively building a school-wide culture of engagement and philanthropy. The Director will oversee the Annual Fund and signature fundraising events, serving as a key connector between the school and its diverse community of donors, families, and partners. We are seeking a candidate who can not only maintain and expand upon our current fundraising efforts but also bring fresh, new ideas to help us achieve our goals. This is a twelve (12) month position that requires some evening and weekend hours.

JOB DUTIES:

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Lead and manage all aspects of the school’s fundraising efforts, ensuring annual goals are met or exceeded.
• Develop a compelling case for support that aligns with the school’s mission, programs, and capital priorities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and our community of alumni and parents, often in partnership with the Head of School.
• Design and execute the Annual Fund Campaign, a critical component of our annual giving.
• Direct the planning and execution of our signature fundraising event, Bloom, mobilizing staff and volunteers.
• Partner with the Board Advancement Committee, the Head of School, and the Director of Institutional Advancement to enhance fundraising strategies and outcomes.
• Regularly meet with current and prospective donors in order to build strong, lasting, and meaningful relationships.
• Maximize opportunities for growth through the Lawrence School Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO).

Community & Parent Engagement

• Provide strategic oversight for the Parents Pride volunteer group, including volunteer recruitment and leadership development.
• Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement team to support family transitions and acclimation.
• Support parent engagement efforts, fostering meaningful, mission-aligned relationships.
• Partner with the Director of Alumni Relations to establish gift giving potential with young alumni and alumni parents.

Institutional Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Head of School and Director of Institutional Advancement on long-term strategy and campaign planning.
• Partner with Institutional Advancement colleagues in Enrollment Management and Marketing to align fundraising strategies with broader institutional goals.
• Coordinate with the Director of Advancement Services and the Grants Specialist to uphold database integrity and strengthen grant-seeking efforts.
• Collaborate with the Business Office to align philanthropic goals with budget priorities.
• Serve on the Lawrence Leadership Council, helping to guide the strategic direction of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• A passion for the mission of Lawrence School and a commitment to its impact.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of successful fundraising experience in a nonprofit setting, including individual gift solicitation and event management.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to connect meaningfully with a wide range of people.
• Experience working with a board of trustees and managing volunteers and/or committees.
• Familiarity with fundraising-related technologies and donor databases.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a culture of giving in a mission-driven environment.

Preferred

• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with campaign planning, donor pipeline development, and donor research tools.
• Experience in an independent school setting.

TO APPLY:

Please email a resume, cover letter with salary requirements, and three professional references to Michelle Hurst at mhurst@lawrenceschool.org no later than Friday, October 31. No phone calls, please.

ABOUT LAWRENCE SCHOOL:

"Great Minds Don't Think Alike." This belief is at the heart of Lawrence School's mission: to teach students with learning differences using diverse learning strategies, ignite their potential, and inspire academic, personal, and social success. Serving approximately 300 students from grades K-12, Lawrence School is a private, independent institution dedicated to fostering an educational environment where all students can thrive. We are proud members of NAIS, ALDS, OAIS, and CCIS, and are accredited by ISACS.

Lawrence School welcomes students, staff, and trustees of all ages, races, colors, religions, sexes, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, handicaps, and national/ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available at the school. Lawrence School does not discriminate in administration of its education or admission policies, hiring practices, tuition assistance, or other school-related initiatives.

About Lawrence School

Lawrence School is an independent, co-educational day school serving students with language-based learning differences and challenges focusing attention. With our small classes, unique curricula and hands-on learning opportunities, we provide students from 70 communities and 10 counties throughout Northeast Ohio with the tools and strategies they need to become successful learners. Lawrence School has two campus locations. The Lower School campus in Broadview Heights serves students in grades K-6, while the Upper School campus in Sagamore Hills serves students in grades 7-12. Both locations are central to the greater Cleveland and Akron areas.

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