The Opportunity

Nestled on a historic 61-acre campus just north of Charlotte, Woodlawn School is a vibrant community of "trailblazers" dedicated to an innovative, project-based learning model. We are seeking a Director of Philanthropy who is not just a fundraiser, but a relationship architect. This is a pivotal leadership role for a dynamic professional who excels at weaving together the threads of community, mission, and philanthropic investment to secure the future of our school.

As the Director of Philanthropy, you will be the heart of Woodlawn’s advancement efforts. You will lead the charge in securing major and transformational support while nurturing a culture of giving that reflects our commitment to personal excellence and lifelong curiosity.

Position Overview

The Director of Philanthropy serves as a strategic leader and a crucial member of the administrative team, reporting directly to the Head of School. Responsible for establishing and articulating all fundraising strategies, the Director will oversee the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donor prospects. This role is both strategic and hands-on—requiring a leader who can design a data-informed fundraising roadmap while personally engaging with our families, alumni, and community partners to inspire investment in Woodlawn’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Major Gift & Transformational Fundraising

• Portfolio Management: Lead efforts to secure major and transformational philanthropic support for the school’s highest priorities. Manage a personal portfolio of 75–100 prospects and donors with the capacity for significant investment.
• The Donor Pipeline: Direct the work of identifying and cultivating new prospects, developing customized solicitation strategies that align donor passions with Woodlawn’s strategic vision.
• Annual & Goal Setting: Meet or exceed annual performance metrics, including a demonstrated ability to effectively cultivate and secure significant annual commitments.

2. Campaign Coordination & Strategic Growth

• Capital Campaigns: Serve as the project manager for active and future capital campaigns (such as "Building Futures Together"). This includes planning, execution, and reporting, as well as coordinating timelines and committee engagement.
• Endowment & Planned Giving: Advance the school’s endowment and legacy giving efforts to ensure long-term financial sustainability and reduce reliance on tuition.

3. Community Engagement & Alumni Relations

• The 'Blazer Fund': Oversee the strategy and execution of the annual fund, ensuring broad participation from parents, grandparents, and faculty.
• Alumni & Special Events: Nurture the Woodlawn alumni base and oversee high-impact special events that deepen community relationships and foster a vibrant culture of philanthropy.
• Collaborative Leadership: Success here is a team sport. You’ll partner closely with the Head of School, Director of Marketing and Communication, and the Director of Engagement to ensure campaign goals are perfectly aligned with the school’s broader institutional priorities.
• Ambassadorship: Act as a visible liaison for the school, providing strategic counsel to the Head of School on donor engagement opportunities.

4. Operations & Data Integrity

• CRM Management: Ensure accurate and timely records of donor interactions and strategies using the school’s CRM system.
• Impact Reporting: Develop compelling cases for support and provide consistent, high-level impact reporting to donors and the Board of Trustees.

Position Requirements

Experience & Education:

• Stellar Fundraising Background: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing six-figure gifts.
• Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation is highly preferred.
• Independent School Experience: Previous experience in an independent school environment is a significant advantage.

Skills & Attributes:

• Relationship Architect: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a "sincere and warm" personality that allows you to relate to a diverse population of stakeholders.
• Master Communicator: Superior written and oral communication skills, including the ability to inspire others through storytelling and a deep understanding of the "psychology of giving."
• Strategic & Organized: A goal-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage complex projects (like capital campaigns) from concept to completion.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team player who is willing to "do what needs to be done" in a small school environment while also working independently with limited supervision.

Why Woodlawn?

Woodlawn is more than a school; it is a 61-acre classroom where students are encouraged to think, do, and be. Our Director of Philanthropy will enjoy a scenic work environment and a community that values inclusive community and spiritual reflection. If you are a fundraiser who believes that every gift is a story of impact, we invite you to join us.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief statement on their philosophy of donor engagement to Hello Woodlawn.

Woodlawn School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

About Woodlawn School

Woodlawn School is a modern, innovative, independent Pre-K-12 non-profit school that believes in the power and effectiveness of project-based learning based in Mooresville, NC. Our mission is to produce independent lifelong learners, who are responsible, contributing members of a diverse global society. We are creating an inspirational educational environment that promotes innovative thinking and intellectual risk taking. We believe that assessments should function as guidance rather than judgment. We favor durable skills over compliance and memorization, and collaboration over competition, and are located on a scenic 61-acre campus.

Connections working at Woodlawn School