Position Summary The Chief Development Officer serves as a strategic partner to the Head of School and Board of Trustees and as a member of the School’s Leadership Team, leading philanthropic efforts that advance St. John’s Episcopal School’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial sustainability. The CDO builds an enduring culture of generosity, engagement, and shared investment in the School’s future by cultivating meaningful relationships across all constituencies and connecting donors’ interests with institutional priorities. Leading a collaborative development team, the CDO designs and executes a comprehensive development strategy encompassing annual giving, major and capital gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, and parent partnerships. This role combines strategic leadership with direct fundraising responsibility, including personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors; equipping trustees and volunteers to serve as effective ambassadors; and translating the School’s vision into compelling opportunities for philanthropic support. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Development
- Establish and execute a forward-thinking development strategy that will grow annual, major, and capital campaigns; legacy gifts; and planned giving.
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement advancement strategies aligned with the School’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Oversee all aspects of the development program, including fundraising, leading annual giving campaign(s), guiding capital campaign(s), soliciting corporate and foundation grant funding, creating a strong alumni engagement program, leading ongoing donor stewardship, and hosting special development focused events.
- Identify, research, and spearhead the implementation of a diverse and multifaceted fundraising program to support the School’s strategic vision while cultivating a culture of giving that transcends socioeconomic categories.
- Build and sustain relationships within and beyond the School, engaging the talents, knowledge, and connections of faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and alumni in support of the School’s philanthropic goals.
- Serve as a lead mentor to the School community in developing habits, skills, and attitudes that support volunteerism, giving, and philanthropy.
- Nurture and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the Head of School, the Development Committee Chair, and board members, supporting them in their fundraising responsibilities and accompanying them on donor visits when appropriate.
- Personally solicit and steward donors to the School.
- Collaborate with the Enrollment Management office on public relations initiatives and with the Marketing and Communications office to develop fundraising communications that expand and enhance the School’s visibility and reputation.
- Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities and draft grant proposals and applications.
Alumni
- Oversee efforts to strengthen relationships with the School’s alumni and alumni families and support the continued development of the alumni community.
- Enhance existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that engage the generosity, talents, connections, and resources of the alumni community.
Parents Association
- With support from the Director of Philanthropy, guide the continued evolution of the Parents Association to embrace its role in supporting operational and strategic initiatives articulated by School administration.
- Partner with Parents Association leaders to encourage volunteerism, strengthen parent engagement, and connect families’ talents and resources with the School’s priorities.
Administrative
- Maintain a database of all contributors and provide development reports as required.
- Manage the advancement budget to ensure the department operates in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Supervise, mentor, and nurture development staff while participating directly in the department’s daily work.
- Build and maintain professional connections with peers at local and national independent and Episcopal schools.
- Attend conferences and professional meetings to remain current with development practices and pursue continued growth in leadership and relevant technology skills.
- Collaborate with members of the Leadership Team, faculty, and staff on the implementation of the pillars and key priorities identified in the School’s Strategic Plan.
Professional and Community Responsibilities
- Model the St. John's Code by demonstrating respect, responsibility, honesty, and care in all interactions.
- Embrace the School's Episcopal Identity, ethos, and commitment to honoring the dignity of every individual.
- Maintain current professional knowledge through continuing education, professional publications, peer networks, and relevant associations.
- Participate in leading professional learning, collaborative planning with the Leadership Team, and schoolwide initiatives that support the mission and continuous improvement of the School.
- Engage with peers at local, regional, and national independent and Episcopal schools to share best practices and strengthen professional learning.
- Support community responsibilities such as lunch, recess, carpool, supervision, admissions events, family events, and other School activities as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Knowledge, Skills, Characteristics, and Disposition Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of fundraising practices, development strategies, and approaches to building a culture of philanthropy.
- Proficiency with fundraising and donor database software, including Raiser’s Edge NXT.
- Familiarity with the local community.
- Technology proficiency consistent with the School’s minimum standards, including online Student Information and Financial Management Systems, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Microsoft 365.
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all School constituencies.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to think strategically and collaborate with colleagues to advance shared goals.
- Ability to recognize and engage the talents, knowledge, and connections of faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and alumni in support of the School’s philanthropic goals.
- Ability to mentor and inspire others in volunteerism, giving, and philanthropy.
Characteristics and Disposition
- An outward-facing, personable approach and enjoyment of building and sustaining relationships within and beyond the School.
- Willingness to participate directly in day-to-day work and contribute actively as part of the Development and External Affairs Team.
- A proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented approach.
- Enthusiasm for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Commitment to personal and professional growth, including continued development of technology and leadership skills.
- Openness to feedback and the ability to receive, reflect on, and apply it to improve professional practice.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Five or more years of experience in the nonprofit sector or fundraising; independent school experience preferred.
- Demonstrated success in directly soliciting and closing charitable gifts.
- Experience working with and motivating volunteers and staff members.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- Perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work primarily in a climate-controlled office environment, with periods of activity throughout campus and at off-campus meetings and outdoor events.
- Use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods.
- Occasionally move or transport materials and event supplies weighing up to 30 pounds, using assistance or equipment as needed.
- Manage competing priorities, deadlines, and frequent interruptions while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and professional interactions.
- Occasionally work early mornings, evenings, and weekends to support donor meetings, School activities, development events, and time-sensitive responsibilities.
Commitment to Safeguarding Children The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all faculty, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, reference checks, and child-safeguarding training. Disclaimer This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position. It is not intended to serve as an all-inclusive list of duties, skills, or requirements. Responsibilities may be modified as needed to support the mission and operations of the School. Equal Employment Opportunity In our commitment to diversity and equity, St. John's Episcopal School does not discriminate regarding race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, marital status, religion, military status, and/or any protected category. This commitment extends to our employment, educational, admission, and financial-aid policies, and other School-administered programs. How to Apply
For questions or more information, please contact:
Chris Patterson, Chief of Staff cpatterson@stjohnsschool.org Submit all correspondence, including your cover letter, resume, and application, through the St. John's apply option below. Please no emails or phone calls to submit your candidacy or show interest.
