Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Director of Development The Children's School - 4.2 La Jolla, CA Job Details Full-time $140,000 - $200,000 a year 3 days ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Qualifications Stakeholder engagement Bachelor's degree Newsletters (communication methods) Stakeholder management
Full Job Description Position Title :
Director of Development Reports To :
Head of School Classification :
Full-Time, Exempt School Overview The Children's School, an independent school located in La Jolla, California, inspires children from toddlers through grade eight with a rich academic and social curriculum. The Children's School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. To learn more about The Children's School, please visit www.tcslj.org. Position Summary The Director of Development is a strategic and relationship-driven leader responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program to support the school's mission and long-term sustainability. This individual works closely with the Head of School, Leadership Team, and parent community to cultivate a culture of philanthropy and secure annual, major, and planned gifts. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive development plan aligned with the school's strategic priorities Partner with the Head of School and Director of Finance to set and achieve annual fundraising goals Lead and support Board development committee Fundraising & Advancement Oversee all aspects of the Annual Fund, including strategy, messaging, and volunteer engagement Cultivate and steward major gift prospects and donors Manage donor relations and stewardship programs to ensure strong retention and engagement Community Engagement Build meaningful relationships with parents, alumni, grandparents, and community partners Support and enhance a culture of giving across all constituencies Collaborate with admissions and communications to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment Events & Communications Oversee fundraising events, including gala and donor gatherings Partner on development-related communications, including newsletters, impact reports, and campaigns Operations Manage development office operations, including database oversight, gift processing, and reporting Supervise development staff and coordinate volunteer efforts Track and analyze fundraising performance metrics Qualifications Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred 5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, preferably in an independent school or nonprofit setting Proven success in major gifts, annual giving, and campaign management Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills Ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders High level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity Preferred Attributes Passion for independent school education and child development Experience working with boards and volunteer leadership Strategic thinker with a hands-on, collaborative approach Compensation & Benefits $140,000 - $200,000 Competitive compensation package, including health benefits, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. To Apply Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to John Fowler, Head of School.
Pay:
$140,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan
