School Overview

Walden is a K-12 independent school community located in St. Matthews, KY where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our students benefit from personalized learning, hands-on experiences, and connections to nature in an environment that celebrates individuality.

Position Overview

The Director of Advancement oversees Walden's Admissions, Development, and Marketing and Communications departments. The Advancement team values initiative, collaboration, flexibility, humor, and positive energy.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Is a dynamic, open-minded, and strategic thinker driven to achieve results and advance Walden’s mission
• Presents an outgoing and welcoming presence to constituents of all ages and backgrounds
• Maintains high standards of accountability, professionalism, customer service, and confidentiality
• Is highly organized, detail oriented, and works effectively in managing multiple priorities
• Has excellent presentation and public speaking skills
• Successfully cultivates and builds relationships
• Has an understanding of and appreciation for independent school education
• Is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage, lead, and coach a dynamic team of seven Advancement professionals to foster collaboration and goal achievement
• Identify, cultivate, and execute major gift opportunities in support of planned giving, endowment, capital efforts, and grants
• Responsible for alumni development and retention
• Responsible for overall department budget goals
• Oversees school event planning and execution 
• Has a working knowledge of development databases 
• Works with the Director of Admissions to establish overall admission and enrollment yearly strategies, plans, and operations
• Works with the Head of School and Director of Finance and Operations on financial aid award decisions
• Works with the Marketing and Communications Director on all aspects of admissions and development marketing
• Produces regular reports with clear progress metrics for the Head of School and Board of Trustees
• Represents Walden School to prospective families and the wider public, enhancing the school’s visibility and perception in the community

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years of development experience at the director level or above
• Ability to work year round, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Preferred familiar knowledge of and/or past experience in a school setting, independent school 
• Marketing experience and social media use in workplace setting highly desired
• Proficient use of various admissions and school software highly desired

About Walden School

Walden is a K-12 independent school community located in St. Matthews, KY where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our students benefit from personalized learning, hands on experiences, and connections to nature in an environment that celebrates individuality.

Connections working at Walden School