The Ambleside School Director of Advancement is a follower of Jesus Christ with a heart for children. The Director leads the school’s advancement efforts with professionalism, joy, and a commitment to our Charlotte Mason philosophy. This role focuses on donor cultivation and stewardship, fundraising strategy, advancement communications, and building partnerships that strengthen and sustain the mission of Ambleside School. The Director works closely with the Directors of Operations and Finance and reports to the Head of School.

 

Personal Qualities

 

Spiritually mature, relational, teachable, organized, mission-driven, excellent communicator, strategic thinker, and committed to Ambleside’s Christ-centered and Charlotte Mason identity.

 

Primary Responsibilities

 

Mission & Community Presence

 

• Represent Ambleside’s Christ-centered, Charlotte Mason identity with warmth and professionalism.
• Build relationships with families, churches, local organizations, and community partners.
• Share mission-focused stories that connect supporters to the school.

Advancement Strategy & Donor Development

 

• Develop and execute a multi-year advancement plan with annual fundraising targets.
• Build and maintain a structured donor pipeline for new, recurring, and major donors.
• Cultivate and steward donors through regular rhythms such as handwritten thank-you notes, quarterly impact updates, and an annual donor report.
• Maintain a portfolio of donor relationships with planned touchpoints.
• Support capital or strategic initiatives in collaboration with consultants.
• Strengthen alumni engagement through communication and events

Development Operations

 

• Research and manage grants.
• Maintain the donor database (Bloomerang) with accurate reporting.
• Track and report key advancement metrics, including donor retention, recurring giving, major donor engagement, and grant progress.
• Produce stewardship materials, including updates and impact stories.
• Coordinate passive fundraising programs.

Community & Alumni Engagement

 

• Oversee alumni communication, chapel, and annual alumni events.
• Build partnerships with churches, ministries, businesses, and community groups..
• Support parent involvement through volunteer teams and ambassadors.

Fundraising Events & Campaigns

 

• Lead key fundraising events: Ambleside Experience (spring) and Golf Tournament (fall).
• Oversee the Annual Fund, monthly giving, and the Christmas Campaign.
• Create and manage an annual communications calendar for appeals, stewardship, and advancement updates
• Manage advancement communications, marketing, and stewardship follow-up.

Leadership, Collaboration & Administrative Support

 

• Partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on fundraising and strategy.
• Collaborate with Operations and Finance to align advancement and financial planning.
• Assist with school operations as needed (e.g., break coverage, greeting, carpool).

Hours

 

August 1 through July 31, full-time, 40 hours or more per week.

 

Salary

 

$75,000 - $95,000