Career Center

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Cannon School in the search for a Director of Advancement.

Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Advancement will lead the Cannon School advancement program while nurturing a community of giving across the Cannon community. The Director of Advancement will oversee capital, endowment, and annual fundraising; alumni affairs; publications; planned giving; public relations; and community relations. The Director of Advancement will partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on the development and execution of the strategic plan; the establishment of campaign priorities; and planned giving and endowment opportunities.

Established in 1969 in Concord, North Carolina, Cannon School is a nationally accredited, independent, coeducational junior kindergarten through twelfth grade college preparatory school of over 1,000 students. Cannon School has grown to be known locally and regionally for providing a world-class education, arts enrichment, competitive athletics, and a strong character education program to children in a caring and safe environment. The Cannon community includes families from Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Salisbury, University City, and the Lake Norman towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville.

From its roots as Cabarrus Academy on North Union Street to the current 65-acre campus on Poplar Tent Road, Cannon School has experienced change and growth few could have imagined back in 1969. In the more than five decades since, Cannon School has transformed itself from a small school in downtown Concord to one of the Charlotte region’s top independent college-preparatory schools. Today, under the leadership of Head of School G. Christopher Jones, Cannon School serves more than 1,000 students.

Cannon School believes that one does not need to fit in—because one belongs. It prides itself on living out its mission each day—Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth. Relationships are the foundation of a deep, broad, and meaningful education, and create a sense of belonging that supports each member of the community’s journey of growth.

Cannon School is comprised of Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools—all aspiring to the vision of a world of wholehearted and adaptive contributors. The Lower School experience is pivotal in the educational journey of students. From junior kindergarten through grade four, Cannon School is committed to knowing, understanding, and celebrating every child in a learning environment that is hands-on, engaging, and full of energy. Because their voices are valued, Cannon students embrace their own curiosity, creativity, and confidence as learners.

The Middle School creates a sense of family and fun that brings out the best this dynamic age group has to offer. Cannon School encourages students—from fifth graders who are being introduced to the basics of Middle School to eighth graders who are anticipating the rigors of Upper School—to take risks and learn who they are.

Beyond preparing ninth grade through twelfth grade students for college, the Upper School experience challenges them to discover their own paths to successful lives. Cannon School helps students balance rigorous programs of study with extracurricular activities, so they develop their interests, passions, and talents in transformational ways. Cannon School graduates are independent learners and impact-makers who understand how they will make a difference in an increasingly diverse world.

The Cannon School community relies upon philanthropic funding to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a Cannon education that provides transformative opportunities for students to grow as scholars, artists, and athletes. Through the generosity of parents—both current and past—as well as alumni, friends, and corporate partners, Cannon School continues to grow its endowment to ensure its long-term stability and success. 

Cannon School provides a supportive team environment for its staff within a community where all are appreciated and respected for their individual and collective contributions. Cannon School actively promotes diversity among its faculty, staff, and student body. It seeks to understand differences and similarities and to appreciate the richness that diversity provides.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Cannon School as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $215,000 annually.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1318.

Cannon School will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of progressive advancement experience is preferred.