Bullis School is seeking an Associate Director of Advancement to manage and grow a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program—currently generating approximately $1.2M annually—to a more competitive level aligned with peer institutions. This individual must possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the school’s mission, and the ability to inspire philanthropic support from major donors.

Serving as a trusted philanthropic advisor to qualified prospects and families, the Associate Director will provide donor-centered communication and stewardship, with a strong focus on meeting agreed-upon fundraising goals and metrics. Success in this role will require identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.

Working closely with the Director of Advancement, the Associate Director will help design and implement effective cultivation and stewardship strategies across all constituencies. Key responsibilities include managing a portfolio of donors, overseeing a network of peer-to-peer volunteer solicitors, supporting and executing events, and coordinating direct mail and online campaigns.

Additionally, the Associate Director of Advancement will play a critical role in alumni engagement by strengthening lifelong connections between alumni and the school. This includes developing meaningful programming, organizing regional and on-campus alumni events, and cultivating alumni as donors, volunteers, and ambassadors. The Associate Director will collaborate closely with the Alumni Board to ensure broad generational and geographic representation and will implement targeted strategies to increase alumni participation in annual, reunion, and leadership giving initiatives.

Working at Bullis means being a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.  We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits that make it an ideal place to build a thriving career. 

If a joyful and supportive work environment is important to you, Bullis is where you'll want to be!

Essential Functions

• Co-lead Bullis Annual Fund solicitations and appeals

• Create a compelling case for support of Bullis’ Annual Fund program for current and potential donors.

• Develop and implement a plan for increased Annual Fund support and participation rates across all constituencies including current parents, alumni, past parents, friends, and more.

• Oversee the creation of our moves management system. Support the development and production of all Annual Fund materials (coordinated with the Communications Department) for print, digital, and social media channels.

• Use prospect research to determine appropriate targets and solicitation strategies for individuals.

• Manage a portfolio of donors and solicit constituents for Annual Fund gifts and major gifts for all fundraising events

• Provide support in the planning and execution of all cultivation and stewardship events for donors and volunteers.

• Assist with internal and external progress reports that evaluate overall success of the Annual Fund against benchmarks and develop strategies to increase effectiveness.

• Develop and implement initiatives to engage alumni, increasing their participation in events, and fostering long-term support for the organization.

• Oversee donor tracking, providing regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement and outcomes.

• Regularly analyze donor data to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities for personalized engagement.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, preferences, and contributions in the school's donor management system.

• Support the development of marketing and communication materials related to fundraising initiatives, including newsletters, social media campaigns, and annual reports.

• Keep current with best practices, innovative developments, and trends in the annual giving field with a focus on the independent school community.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, sales, communications, marketing, or project management.

• Minimum of 7 years Major Gifts experience.

• Proven track record of successful fundraising in major gifts.

• Experience with volunteer management.

• The ability to effectively negotiate and persuade potential donors to make significant financial contributions.

• Proficiency in using fundraising software and databases to manage donor relationships and track fundraising progress. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge desired.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.

• Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills.

• Must be a collaborative team player.

• Possess a demonstrated ability to take initiative, work under pressure, meet deadlines and independently make decisions.

• Prior fundraising experience in an independent school setting preferred.

• Understanding of the Washington, DC metro area independent school landscape a plus.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends.

Compensation and benefits are competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $90,000 to $100,000

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Employer-provided basic life insurance

• Employer-provided short-term and long-term disability

• 401(k) employer match and safe harbor contribution, up to 7% of annual compensation

• Paid time off 

About Bullis School

Bullis School is an independent coeducational college preparatory day school for students in grades K-12 situated on a beautiful 102-acre campus in Potomac, MD, and is home to a full range of state-of-the-art facilities for learning, arts, discovery, and athletics.

Connections working at Bullis School