Esperanza Academy is entering a transformative new chapter in its history and seeks a Chief Development Officer to help lead the institution into its next era of growth and national influence. With the opening of a new campus and the expansion of its program to become the nation’s first tuition-free independent K–8 school for girls, Esperanza is building the foundation for a permanent institution that will serve generations of girls.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Chief Development Officer will play a central role in shaping and institutionalizing a comprehensive fundraising strategy capable of sustaining this ambitious vision. The CDO will lead efforts to secure the school’s annual operating support while also helping to build a permanent endowment that ensures Esperanza’s long-term stability and independence. This role will oversee major gifts, planned giving, foundation partnerships, and national philanthropic engagement as the school positions itself as a leading model for equity-centered education in the United States.

As Esperanza enters this moment of growth, the Chief Development Officer will help translate the school’s momentum, including the successful $33 million capital campaign to build the new campus, into a durable fundraising infrastructure capable of supporting the institution for decades to come. The successful candidate will understand that Esperanza operates outside the traditional independent school fundraising model. Because our donor base is not primarily derived from parents or alumni, this role requires exceptional networking skills, relational intelligence, and entrepreneurial instincts to identify and cultivate new philanthropic partners and bring them meaningfully into the Esperanza donor ecosystem

About Esperanza Academy: For more than two decades, Esperanza has paired rigorous academics with a long-term commitment to its students, supporting them through middle school, high school placement, college navigation, and early career development. As the school moves into its new home and expands its reach, Esperanza is positioned not only to serve more students and families, but also to contribute to national conversations about what equitable, justice-centered education can look like.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain Esperanza’s annual operating needs while advancing the school’s long-term endowment initiative.

• This role will be responsible for expanding Esperanza’s philanthropic reach by identifying and cultivating new donors and institutional partners who are not yet connected to the school.

• Partner closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to cultivate and solicit major and principal gifts.

• Lead the strategy and execution of Esperanza’s major gifts, annual fund, and planned giving, partnerships.

• Build and steward relationships with a national network of philanthropic leaders, foundations, and family offices aligned with Esperanza’s mission.

• Oversee the Development Office, ensuring strong systems, workflows, and staff support.

• Bring strong financial acumen and represent the Development Office in partnership with the Board’s Finance Committee, aligning philanthropic strategy with Esperanza’s long-term financial sustainability.

• Strengthen Esperanza’s major gift pipeline and donor stewardship practices to deepen long-term philanthropic engagement.

• Work in close collaboration with the Chief Strategy and Impact Officer to align development goals with Esperanza’s external communications and positioning. 

• Work collaboratively with the Finance Office to ensure proper gift acceptance, reporting, and stewardship practices, particularly related to endowment gifts.

• Serve as a member of the school’s senior leadership team and contribute to institutional strategy and planning.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in development leadership.

• Deep commitment to Esperanza Academy’s mission of advancing equitable educational opportunities for girls.

• Proven success cultivating and closing major and principal gifts.

• Ability to work closely with senior leadership and an engaged Board of Trustees.

• Strategic thinking combined with strong relationship-building and communication skills.

• Experience managing development teams and complex fundraising initiatives.

• Cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Understanding of emerging philanthropic trends and planned giving strategies.

About Esperanza Academy

Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free, all-girls, middle school, built on justice and centered in joy. We celebrate, support, and inspire each student to embrace their brilliance. Our program empowers girls to redefine what is expected of them, to counter societal limitations, and to take on challenges that will positively impact the trajectory of their lives in Lawrence, MA and beyond.

Connections working at Esperanza Academy