Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Woodland School (Independent School in Portola Valley); Portola Valley (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodland School in Portola Valley seeks a Director of Development and Alumni Relations to lead a comprehensive fundraising program across Annual Fund, events, major gifts, and grants. The role collaborates with the leadership team to engage trustees, parents, and alumni in advancing Woodland’s mission.

The incumbent will oversee grant writing, donor relations, and community engagement, while guiding volunteer leadership and staff toward ambitious income goals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations.
• Minimum of 3 years of Development experience, preferably in an independent educational institution.
• Experience with annual giving, major gifts, grants, and capital campaigns.
• Excellent planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Head of School and serves on the Leadership Team and Advancement Committee.
• Designs, implements, and oversees a comprehensive fundraising program from trustee, parent, alumni, foundation, and donor sources.
• Oversees recurring fundraising activities including Annual Fund, events, and grants to meet income goals.
• Leads donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Presents annual development plans to the Board and Head of School.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts

Board engagement

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Suite

eTapestry

Job description

The Director of Development and Alumni Relations reports to the Head of School and collaborates with the entire leadership team including the Director of Finance, Director of Communications, and the Director of Admissions. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations is responsible for recurring fundraising campaigns including the Annual Fund, gala, major gifts, special events, grants, and communication.The Director works in close collaboration with the Campaign Director, a fixed-term role overseeing a four-year campaign to form an inaugural endowment for Woodland. In addition, the Director plans and executes the vision and strategy of Woodland School related to alumni engagement to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the School. The job is accomplished through the individual’s own direct efforts as well as effectively leveraging the skills and volunteer contributions of Woodland parents and alumni, Board of Trustees, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Reports directly to the Head of School, is a member of the Leadership Team, and participates on the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee
• Collaboratively designs, implements, and oversees a comprehensive fundraising program designed to secure significant financial resources from trustees, parents, alumni, foundations and others to support Woodland School’s mission and strategic priorities
• Oversees all recurring fundraising efforts and programs, including Annual Fund, special fundraising events, major donor programs, grants, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and office administration to meet or exceed annual development plan income goals
• Leads and coordinates the efforts in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors
• Guides and supports the Head of School in fundraising activities
• Presents to the Board of Trustees and Head of School an annual development plan for achieving specific goals
• Oversees all aspects of the grant‑writing program
• Attends and participates in a variety of fundraising, stewardship, community‑building, and other campus events throughout the year in order to stay informed and updated on school activities
• Collaborates with the Board of Trustees to reach fundraising goals, to engage the Board in fundraising activities, and to identify new individual and corporate funding prospects.
• Supervises the Advancement Associate, a shared resource who works to support the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Communications, and the Director of Admissions.

Leadership and Management Experience

• A charismatic leader whose approach to development creates enthusiasm for Woodland School from all constituents
• Strong management experience, including the ability to foster an environment of creativity, collaboration, and professional growth in a convivial work atmosphere
• Ability to manage and lead professional and volunteer staff, including recruiting, training and professional development.Establishes clear directions and sets goals, objectives, and benchmarks.
• Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision and sense of core purpose
• Proven ability to think strategically, creating plans that reflect best practice but also create fresh approaches.Comfortable making strategic decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experiences, and judgment
• Ability to design, implement, and direct multiple projects
• Proven success in asking for, closing, and coaching others on fundraising for annual needs and strategic campaigns, as well as building and maintaining long‑term relationships with major individual donors, foundations, and corporations in an independent school environment
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in advancement and effective independent school fundraising practices
• Ability to identify, develop, and maintain relationships with current and prospective major donors, foundations, organizations, alumni and corporate funders
• Broad financial responsibility includes setting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to create excitement about Woodland School’s goals, developing constructive and long‑lasting relationships with all constituents
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, networking, facilitation and management skills; works both independently and within a team‑oriented structure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiations and effective communication with diverse audiences
• Ability to convey Woodland’s mission to diverse groups, including major donors, board members, and others critical to Woodland’s advancement
• Strong computer skills, including experience using Google Suite, and relationship database programs (eTapestry)
• Engages alumni in the life of the School through consistent and positive communication using electronic, print, and social media
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, including solutions to complex issues. Exercises good judgment and decision making. Has the ability to work well under pressure and the ability to reason, think creatively, and solve problems
• Appreciation for and desire to participate fully in the dynamic life of an elementary school community

Professional Qualifications

• Proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations, with impressive results
• Minimum of 3 years of Development experience, preferably in an independent educational institution
• Prior experience with major gifts as well as foundation and corporate grant writing is preferred
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments and priorities
• A self‑starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals timely and without day‑to‑day supervision
• Excellent understanding of principles and techniques of Development activities, including annual giving, major giving, planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, marketing and communications, grant procurement, and alumni relations
• Excellent planning skills - organized, communicates, follows through, and evaluates
• Requires some work in evenings and weekends as well as travel. Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Position requires absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude and presentation

Position Overview

The Director of Development and Alumni Relations reports to the Head of School and collaborates with the entire leadership team including the Director of Finance, Director of Communications, and the Director of Admissions. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations is responsible for recurring fundraising campaigns including the Annual Fund, gala, major gifts, special events, grants, and communication.The Director works in close collaboration with the Campaign Director, a fixed‑term role overseeing a four‑year campaign to form an inaugural endowment for Woodland. In addition, the Director plans and executes the vision and strategy of Woodland School related to alumni engagement to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the School. The job is accomplished through the individual’s own direct efforts as well as effectively leveraging the skills and volunteer contributions of Woodland parents and alumni, Board of Trustees, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Reports directly to the Head of School, is a member of the Leadership Team, and participates on the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee
• Collaboratively designs, implements, and oversees a comprehensive fundraising program designed to secure significant financial resources from trustees, parents, alumni, foundations and others to support Woodland School’s mission and strategic priorities
• Oversees all recurring fundraising efforts and programs, including Annual Fund, special fundraising events, major donor programs, grants, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and office administration to meet or exceed annual development plan income goals
• Leads and coordinates the efforts in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors
• Guides and supports the Head of School in fundraising activities
• Presents to the Board of Trustees and Head of School an annual development plan for achieving specific goals
• Oversees all aspects of the grant‑writing program
• Attends and participates in a variety of fundraising, stewardship, community‑building, and other campus events throughout the year in order to stay informed and updated on school activities
• Collaborates with the Board of Trustees to reach fundraising goals, to engage the Board in fundraising activities, and to identify new individual and corporate funding prospects.
• Supervises the Advancement Associate, a shared resource who works to support the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Communications, and the Director of Admissions.

Leadership and Management Experience

• A charismatic leader whose approach to development creates enthusiasm for Woodland School from all constituents
• Strong management experience, including the ability to foster an environment of creativity, collaboration, and professional growth in a convivial work atmosphere
• Ability to manage and lead professional and volunteer staff, including recruiting, training and professional development.Establishes clear directions and sets goals, objectives, and benchmarks.
• Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision and sense of core purpose
• Proven ability to think strategically, creating plans that reflect best practice but also create fresh approaches.Comfortable making strategic decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experiences, and judgment
• Ability to design, implement, and direct multiple projects

Fundraising Experience

• Proven success in asking for, closing, and coaching others on fundraising for annual needs and strategic campaigns, as well as building and maintaining long‑term relationships with major individual donors, foundations, and corporations in an independent school environment
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in advancement and effective independent school fundraising practices
• Ability to identify, develop, and maintain relationships with current and prospective major donors, foundations, organizations, alumni and corporate funders
• Broad financial responsibility includes setting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to create excitement about Woodland School’s goals, developing constructive and long‑lasting relationships with all constituents
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, networking, facilitation and management skills; works both independently and within a team‑oriented structure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiations and effective communication with diverse audiences
• Ability to convey Woodland’s mission to diverse groups, including major donors, board members, and others critical to Woodland’s advancement
• Strong computer skills, including experience using Google Suite, and relationship database programs (eTapestry)
• Engages alumni in the life of the School through consistent and positive communication using electronic, print, and social media
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, including solutions to complex issues. Exercises good judgment and decision making. Has the ability to work well under pressure and the ability to reason, think creatively, and solve problems
• Appreciation for and desire to participate fully in the dynamic life of an elementary school community

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred)
• Proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations, with impressive results
• Minimum of 3 years of Development experience, preferably in an independent educational institution
• Prior experience with major gifts as well as foundation and corporate grant writing is preferred
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments and priorities
• A self‑starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals timely and without day‑to‑day supervision
• Excellent understanding of principles and techniques of Development activities, including annual giving, major giving, planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, marketing and communications, grant procurement, and alumni relations
• Excellent planning skills - organized, communicates, follows through, and evaluates
• Requires some work in evenings and weekends as well as travel. Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Position requires absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude and presentation

Compensations and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $160,000-$180,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The compensation package will be competitive and commensurate with experience, degree attainment and the local independent school market.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves and others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at‑will” relationship.

Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs. Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.