Forest Hills, New York
Newport Beach, California
Houston, Texas
St. Paul, Minnesota
New York, New York
Posted: 21-Dec-25
Location: Forest Hills, New York
Type: Full Time
Salary: $125,000 - $150,000 per annum
Categories:
Salary Details:
Overview
The Kew-Forest School seeks an experienced, creative, and hands-on Director of Development & Alumni Relations to lead and grow a comprehensive advancement program at a pivotal moment in the School’s history.
Founded in 1918, Kew-Forest is the oldest independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school in Queens, serving students in Preschool through Grade 12. The School is defined by its academic rigor, deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a warm, close-knit community that reflects the extraordinary multicultural richness of Queens. Approximately 64% of students receive some level of tuition assistance, and families represent more than 60 nationalities and 30+ languages.
Over the past year, Kew-Forest has taken decisive steps to strengthen its financial foundation and position the School for sustainable growth. The School has approved and begun executing a comprehensive strategic financial plan, implemented a tuition reset, completed a full website overhaul, and seen strong admissions momentum, with enrollment well ahead of the past four years. With financing in place to support this turnaround and growth strategy, Kew-Forest is poised for significant progress and change.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Head of School and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Development & Alumni Relations leads a small but high-impact Advancement operation and plays a central role in shaping a culture of philanthropy across parents, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends.
This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic fundraiser who enjoys building systems and relationships, is comfortable working hands-on in a lean environment, and is motivated by the opportunity to make a visible, mission-aligned impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a comprehensive development and alumni relations program aligned with the School’s mission and financial goals;
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership, major, and planned gifts;
- Partner closely with the Head of School, trustees, and volunteers in fundraising and stewardship;
- Strengthen participation and engagement across alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and trustees;
- Serve as staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee; and,
- Oversee advancement communications, donor stewardship, and gift processing systems.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated success in advancement leadership and fundraising, including direct solicitation of significant gifts;
- Experience working closely with senior leadership, boards, and volunteers;
- Comfort in an entrepreneurial, evolving environment requiring initiative and adaptability;
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and,
- Fluency with fundraising databases/CRM systems; grant-writing experience preferred but not required.
Compensation
Salary range: $125,000–$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, brief statement of philanthropic philosophy, and three professional references to hr@kewforest.org with the subject line “Director of Development & Alumni Relations.”
View the full position description and message from Head of School
The Kew-Forest School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the New York State Department of Education. The School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), and the Guild of Independent Schools of New York (GISNY).
To learn more about The Kew-Forest School, please visit our website: www.kewforest.org.
MISSION
We are The Kew-Forest School.
Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.
Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.
Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The Kew-Forest School believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, culture, background, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected classes or classifications. No employee or job applicant will be discriminated against in recruitment, compensation, promotion, or termination practices.