Development Director: Major Gifts & Growth Strategy

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Silicon Valley Chapter; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Madonna School is seeking a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive philanthropic program, unifying major gifts, annual giving, institutional funding, and donor stewardship. The role emphasizes strategic planning, cross-team collaboration, and building durable donor relationships to support enrollment growth and program investments.

The successful candidate will partner with the Head of School and Board to shape the case for support, establish fundraising metrics, and expand the

Qualifications

• Genuine enthusiasm for K-12 independent school education and MMS's mission and values.
• A natural relationship-builder who connects authentically with donors, families, faculty, and trustees.
• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in individual giving, major gifts, and building strategic partnerships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft and present a compelling case for support.
• A strategic thinker who can build plans, set priorities, and work independently.
• Experience with donor CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead MMS's comprehensive fundraising strategy in alignment with the school's strategic plan and financial goals.
• Create an annual development plan with clear revenue targets, tactics, and timelines.
• Partner with the Head of School, Director of Community, and Board to identify funding priorities and shape the school's case for support.
• Establish metrics, tracking systems, and regular reporting to measure fundraising progress.
• Make relationship-based major gift cultivation the center of the role; cultivate gifts of $5,000 and above.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors; build a major gifts portfolio.
• Conduct regular donor visits and meetings (in person, phone, or virtual).
• Coach board members to host donor cultivation events and extend outreach.
• Develop gift proposals and donor agreements in coordination with messaging teams.
• Design and manage donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Lead MMS's annual giving program and two signature events; align with Marketing and Community teams.
• Own revenue outcomes for major campaigns and community giving initiatives.
• Lead alumni engagement efforts and rebuild donor relationships with alumni networks.
• Plan 1–2 signature donor cultivation events annually; partner with staff for logistics.
• Develop peer-to-peer and special campaigns; showcase student impact to donors.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Strategic planning

Board liaison

Relationship building

CRM experience

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Salesforce

Job description

Mount Madonna School is seeking a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive philanthropic program, unifying major gifts, annual giving, institutional funding, and donor stewardship. The role emphasizes strategic planning, cross-team collaboration, and building durable donor relationships to support enrollment growth and program investments.

The successful candidate will partner with the Head of School and Board to shape the case for support, establish fundraising metrics, and expand the