Director of Advancement

Director of Advancement Madison, WI Job Details Full-time $60,000 - $70,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance 401(k) matching Opportunities for advancement Flexible schedule Qualifications Writing grant proposals Stakeholder engagement Managerial strategic planning Strategic management Raiser's Edge Charter school experience 5 years Major gifts Email marketing campaigns Research Salesforce Cloud Database management Data management Fundraising CRM system proficiency Strategic communications Senior level Leadership Communication skills Teaching Donor and alumni database management Developing multi-channel marketing campaigns Stakeholder relationship building

Full Job Description Advancement Director Location:

Madison, WI Salary:

$60,000--$70,000, with performance-based incentives Lead a Transformative Campaign and Shape the Future of Montessori Education Isthmus Montessori Academy is Madison's first and only public Montessori school and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma high school, serving children 6 weeks through 12th grade. Our school provides families the opportunity for a Montessori and IB education tuition-free from 4K through graduation, serving nearly 300 students and welcoming learners from all backgrounds and abilities. Since our founding in 2012, we have grown steadily, building a strong reputation for authentic Montessori education, a dedicated and highly skilled teaching staff, and a vibrant community grounded in dignity, independence, and respect for every learner. We prepare students not only for academic success, but for life by emphasizing grace, courtesy, global awareness, and a commitment to community. We are at an exciting moment of growth, including launching a major campaign to expand our facilities, strengthen programs, and support our staff and students. This is a rare opportunity for a proven advancement professional to make a transformational impact on a growing school. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Advancement Director to lead our fundraising efforts. This role is highly strategic and autonomous: you will design and execute advancement strategy, build and steward relationships, and work closely with the board and leadership team to achieve ambitious goals. This is not an entry-level fundraising role. We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of securing significant gifts, leading or contributing to capital campaigns, and leveraging strong professional networks.

Your work will directly impact:

The success of our school's growth initiatives Programs serving over 250 students Continued faculty development and retention Expansion of campus and school facilities Key Responsibilities Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to support capital and ongoing fundraising needs Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors Lead grant writing efforts, including research, proposal development, and reporting Partner with the Board of Directors and leadership team to engage stakeholders and advance fundraising priorities Track fundraising progress, analyze giving trends, and adapt strategies to meet goals Oversee donor data management using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar) Collaborate on strategic communications and campaigns (email, digital, and events) to support fundraising and community engagement Ideal Candidate ProfileExperience & Qualifications 5+ years of fundraising experience, including: At least 3 years leading or co-leading major gift programs or capital campaigns Demonstrated success securing significant gifts ($25K-$500K+) Strong existing network of philanthropic connections (Wisconsin or national) Experience collaborating with boards, leadership teams, and community stakeholders Familiarity with CRM systems and donor database management Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Passion for education and alignment with Montessori values Key Attributes Strategic thinker with the ability to design and execute multi-year advancement plans Self-starter comfortable working autonomously and with high-level stakeholders Skilled relationship-builder who can inspire donors, volunteers, and colleagues Experience navigating nonprofit and/or public charter school environments Ability to balance big-picture strategy with execution and follow-through Compensation & Benefits Base salary: $60,000-$70,000 Performance-based incentives tied to fundraising success Flexible work schedule with remote work options Health, vision, and dental benefits after 90 days Child enrollment preference Opportunity to shape and lead a major campaign at a growing school Why Join Us? This is a high-impact role for a seasoned advancement professional ready to: Lead a transformative campaign that will shape the school's future Apply their expertise and network to build meaningful, lasting relationships Directly influence the growth and sustainability of a tuition-free public Montessori and IB school You will have the autonomy, independence, and support to design and execute advancement strategy while making a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of learners, families, and educators. How to Apply Submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio or evidence of prior fundraising success to .

Please include examples of:

Major gifts secured Campaigns led or supported Networks or relationships cultivated Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Vision insurance

Experience:

Fundraising:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53704