Cambridge, Massachusetts
Posted: 20-May-25
Location: Weston, Massachusetts
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTUS
Cambridge School of Weston (CSW)
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW) invites mission-driven frontline fundraisers and team leaders to apply for the position of Director of Development. This is a great opportunity to join a vibrant, progressive educational community at a pivotal moment in its history. CSW is in the midst of a transformative $15 million campaign, now three years into a five-year timeline, with more than two-thirds of the goal already secured. As Director of Development, you will play a critical role in helping bring the campaign over the finish line while leading the execution of CSW’s development strategy and supervising the department.
ABOUT THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF WESTON
Located on 65 wooded acres just 12 miles outside of Boston in Weston, Massachusetts, CSW is a gender-inclusive, day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Through our distinct model of progressive education, we empower curious, creative learners to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and people of purpose. Every aspect of CSW reflects our core values:
- Student-Centered Teaching and Learning: We recognize the potential of every student and help them cultivate their unique passions.
- Progressive Education: Active engagement, multiple perspectives, and wrestling with complexity are at the heart of our learning process.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: Our varied identities and experiences enrich the CSW community and fuel innovation.
- Empathy and Global Engagement: We prepare students to make a meaningful impact in the world through civic-mindedness and sustainability.
CSW’s innovative programs include opportunities for students to lead and collaborate in ways that few schools offer. For example, during D Block, students can teach elective classes, sharing their expertise with peers. Students also serve as voting members of the Board of Trustees, amplifying the school's commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.
THE CAMPAIGN
CSW’s $15 million campaign is built around four pillars that reflect the school’s mission and aspirations:
- Opportunity and Access: Expanding financial support to ensure all talented students have access to the CSW experience.
- Campus Renovations: Transforming the French Gym into a hub for math and robotics, and planning for the enhancement of the art building to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Off-Campus Engagement: Creating opportunities beyond the classroom to develop locally and globally aware, civic-minded students.
- Lifelong Learning: Strengthening alumni connections and fostering a lifelong commitment to progressive education.
The campaign is on schedule and on target, offering the Director of Development an exciting opportunity to lead its successful completion and celebrate its transformative impact. CSW has retained the counsel of CCS Fundraising to support this campaign, ensuring the team has expert external resources and guidance to help achieve success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Advancement, the Director of Development will:
- Execute CSW’s advancement strategy, including oversight of the annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, development operations, and campaign initiatives
- Supervise and mentor the development team and foster a collaborative, mission-aligned team culture.
- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects. Personally cultivate and solicit major and principal gift donors, building strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the school.
- Serve as a key partner to the Associate Head of School for Advancement, supporting strategic initiatives and leading departmental implementation.
- Partner with the Head of School to engage and solicit key donors, ensuring continued momentum and successful completion of the campaign.
- Serve as a member of the School’s Operations Executive Committee (OpEx), collaborating across departments to ensure development priorities are integrated into institutional planning.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and volunteers to align fundraising priorities with the school’s mission and goals.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
CSW seeks an experienced fundraiser and leader who is:
- Mission-Driven: Passionate about progressive education and the culture of independent schools.
- Collaborative: A team player who thrives in a community-oriented environment and understands that success comes from partnership.
- Experienced in Fundraising: At least 10 years of professional experience, with a proven track record in major gift fundraising and campaign leadership; experience in an independent school or private secondary education setting is strongly preferred.
- A Skilled Leader: At least two years of experience managing and mentoring teams, with the ability to foster a positive, supportive culture.
- Community-Oriented: Comfortable building relationships and fully engaging with the CSW community to inspire philanthropic support.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
CSW is committed to offering a compensation and benefits package that is competitive within both independent schools and the broader nonprofit sector. The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience. Details about healthcare, retirement, and other benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
WHY CSW?
Joining CSW as Director of Development means becoming part of a community where ideas flow freely, creativity thrives, and collaboration defines success. The school’s progressive approach provides a unique environment for students and educators alike, fostering innovation and personal growth.
As Director of Development, you will help shape the future of a remarkable institution while advancing a mission that makes a tangible impact on students and the world beyond. If you are ready to embrace this opportunity and help advance CSW’s mission during a pivotal time in its history, we encourage you to apply.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Collegial faculty and working environment
- Competitive salary and robust human resource benefits
- Funding and institutional support for professional development
- Innovative daily and annual schedule that values reflection and relationship-building
- Provided hour-long hot lunch, as well as access to state-of-the-art fitness center
- Wooded, 65-acre campus located just 12 miles from Boston and Cambridge, in close proximity to scenic walking trails and excellent local restaurants and shops.
- Easy access to Kendal Green MBTA station, with on-campus parking and EV charging stations.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
Please email a cover letter and resume to developmentjobs@csw.org. Please send PDF files only. No phone calls, please. References will be requested later in the process.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Cambridge School of Weston welcomes the perspectives of different ethnicities, races, classes, religions, and sexual orientations that enhance our mutual understanding. Our respect for the unique gifts of each community member provides a safe environment where all can grow.
The Cambridge School of Weston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates who will increase our diversity to apply.