About The Kew-Forest School. Founded in 1918, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent, coeducational, college preparatory school in Queens, serving students from Preschool through Grade 12. Located in Forest Hills, Kew-Forest draws students from more than 40 neighborhoods and areas across New York City and beyond. More than 70 nationalities and 30 languages are represented within its families and staff, reflecting the vibrant multicultural fabric of Queens.

The mission of The Kew-Forest School is to do more than just educate. It is to deeply inspire. Through challenging, thought provoking curriculum taught in a vibrant multicultural community, students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge the norm, and try new things every day so learning remains exciting and rewarding. Intentionally small and relationship centered, Kew-Forest combines high standards of scholarship with a sincere spirit of service, fostering a warm and collaborative community across students, families, faculty, alumni, and trustees.

Position Overview. The Kew-Forest School seeks a strategic and relational Director of Development and Alumni Relations to oversee all aspects of the School’s stewardship and fundraising program, including annual fund, leadership giving, capital campaigns, special events, planned giving, and alumni relations. This leader will cultivate a culture of philanthropy and gratitude across all stakeholders in support of the School’s strategic vision and long term sustainability.

Reporting directly to Head of School Tiffany D. Trotter and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Director will oversee one staff member and work closely with trustees, volunteers, alumni, and parents. At a pivotal moment that includes a Campus Master Plan initiative and continued progress toward ambitious strategic goals, this is an opportunity to help shape a durable and sustainable financial future for the School’s second century.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive leadership for fundraising, stewardship, and alumni relations, ensuring effective systems and technology support development efforts
• Formulate and implement a strategic development program in partnership with the Head of School and Board of Trustees
• Personally cultivate and solicit leadership gift prospects while supporting trustees and volunteers in their fundraising roles
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee and support training in fundraising and stewardship
• Oversee the Alumni Council and collaborate with the Parent Association to deepen engagement
• Partner on marketing and communications initiatives, including the annual report and other publications
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the School

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate success directly soliciting and closing gifts of significant institutional impact
• Bring leadership experience managing and motivating staff and volunteers
• Show exceptional interpersonal and communication skills across diverse constituencies
• Combine strategic thinking with an entrepreneurial and flexible approach
• Demonstrate fluency with fundraising data, database management systems, and data informed decision making
• Exhibit a strong commitment to inclusive community building
• Hold a bachelor’s degree and bring at least four years of relevant development experience in an educational environment

Salary and Benefits. The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $150,000 annually, tied to years and depth of experience, plus an incentive bonus structure. The Kew-Forest School offers a comprehensive package of benefits.

Application Process & Timeline

• Application Timeline: Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled
• Opportunity Statement: https://doc.storydoc.com/Akw8NA
• Apply Now: https://tinyurl.com/3bd3vrnw

ISC Consultant:

Chris Brueningsen

chris@indyschoolconsultancy.com

Candidates are asked not to contact the school directly.

About The Kew-Forest School

The Kew-Forest School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the New York State Department of Education. The School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), and the Guild of Independent Schools of New York (GISNY). *The Kew-Forest School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA), the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), and the Long Island Athletic Association of Independent Schools (LIAAIS).

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