Global Advancement Director

CASE; Leysin; On-site; CHF 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Leysin American School in Switzerland is seeking a Director of Institutional Advancement to lead fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and communications. This full-time role reports to the Head of School and focuses on building a comprehensive program to grow major gifts and establish pipelines for capital campaigns and endowment growth.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven leader with international education experience, capable of engaging donors, alumni, families, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Significant experience and demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts, donor cultivation, and stewardship.
• Experience in international education, preferably in a boarding school environment.
• International professional experience and demonstrated ability to work effectively across cultures.
• Strong strategic, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing compelling institutional messaging and fundraising narratives.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Fluent English speaker; French and/or other language skills are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s fundraising strategy across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and donor stewardship.
• Build the foundation for future capital campaigns and endowment growth.
• Partner with the Head of School, boards, and councils on major-gift fundraising.
• Develop cases for support that connect philanthropic priorities to the school’s long-term vision and impact.
• Build relationships with alumni, parents, and families that support long-term engagement and giving.
• Provide direction for the International Council and Parent Council; oversee key publications and events.
• Set institutional messaging, positioning, and communications strategy, ensuring consistency across divisions.
• Lead the Institutional Advancement team and manage budgets, staff development, and external partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Team management

Cross-cultural experience

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Leysin American School in Switzerland is seeking a Director of Institutional Advancement to lead fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and communications. This full-time role reports to the Head of School and focuses on building a comprehensive program to grow major gifts and establish pipelines for capital campaigns and endowment growth.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven leader with international education experience, capable of engaging donors, alumni, families, and