Posted: 19-Jun-25
Location: Litchfield, Connecticut
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
- Position Overview
The Director of Advancement will lead a motivated team in driving transformative fundraising initiatives for a mission-driven school that empowers students with learning differences. This exciting role offers the opportunity to shape and implement strategies that fuel the school’s growth and success, including managing major donor relationships and overseeing effective, comprehensive fundraising campaigns. With the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of students, the Director will collaborate closely with school leadership and departments to build a culture of giving that supports both immediate needs and long-term goals. This is an inspiring opportunity to contribute to a school dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences and support for every student.
Forman’s Mission, Promise, and Core Values
Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences. Forman develops the whole student, based on each individual’s learning profile, so that all graduates become educated, confident self-advocates throughout life. Forman is committed to sustaining an inclusive environment that fosters a deeper understanding of differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, geographical origin, physical ability, and family structure. We believe society is bettered when we learn from and embrace those with different experiences and perspectives from our own. Our community values truth, respect, and kindness.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Work in partnership with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and senior administration to lead the school.
- Participate as a member of the senior leadership team.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop strategic philanthropic initiatives, long-range plans, and fundraising strategies, following best practices.
- Support and co-lead the Advancement Committee meetings, providing regular reports to the Board.
Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Oversee all aspects of fundraising (annual, major, planned, and campaign giving) and constituent engagement.
- Establish and achieve fundraising targets and develop strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at all levels.
- Ensure effective use of data management systems for major gifts prospect management, campaign tracking, and stewardship reporting.
- Manage a portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and oversee major gift solicitation and stewardship.
- Lead the development of persuasive fundraising materials (proposals, case statements, donor communications).
- Oversee donor recognition, volunteer programs, and fundraising events.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy and volunteerism within the school community.
Team Management & Development
- Lead and manage the Advancement Office team of three, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and promoting professional development, training, and monitoring outcomes against stated goals.
- Collaborate with the Communications, Marketing, Admissions, and other administrative teams to support enrollment, public relations, and recruitment efforts.
- Oversee the daily operations of the Advancement and Alumni office, ensuring effective use of resources and systems.
Alumni & Community Engagement
- Guide, monitor, and grow alumni relations, mentoring programs, and parent engagement initiatives.
- Act as a key spokesperson, building relationships with school constituents, community members, and donors.
- Represent the school at local events, town relations, and other community organizations/boards.
Event Planning & Travel
- Represent the school at on- and off-campus events, maintaining a visible and active presence in the community.
- Oversee the planning and execution of major on-campus events (Family Weekends, Alumni Weekend, etc.) and off-campus events (alumni gatherings, socials, receptions).
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed for advancement. Budgeting & Financial Sustainability
- Develop and manage the Advancement Office budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to meet fundraising goals.
- Work with the Board of Trustees, CFO, and Head of School to develop long-term financial sustainability plans.
- Establish goals for fundraising budgets, following best practices, and setting metrics for success for the team.
- Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Educational and Experiential Background and Credentials
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in development, preferably in independent schools or nonprofits.
- Proven track record in fundraising and donor relations, especially major gifts and campaigns.
- Successful experience running endowment campaigns
- Strong understanding of and experience in marketing and communications.
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Experience with advancement software (e.g., Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, or similar CRM platforms).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Personal Qualities
Collaborative and strategic thinker with a deep commitment to the mission of independent education.
- Relationship builder and connector.
- Strategic, creative, and data-informed.
- Enthusiastic team player with a positive and professional demeanor.
- High level of integrity and discretion.
Other Expectations
This position is a member of a boarding school faculty. Candidates should be interested in contributing outside of the classroom and becoming fully involved in the student life program. Faculty are expected to demonstrate respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of school life.