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Job Description
2026 | Director of Development Explore the official Director of Development job description booklet
ABOUT MADISON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
As Dane County's only independent PreK-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, MCDS delivers a top, college-preparatory education in a welcoming environment where every student and educator is truly known. We are looking for energetic, collaborative, and open-minded colleagues who are eager to embrace new challenges and inspire our students to become lifelong critical thinkers. At MCDS, we are deeply committed to an inclusive culture that respects, affirms, and protects the dignity of every individual. If you are passionate about the IB mission and want to work in a supportive community where your voice is valued and your impact is real, we want you on our team!
MCDS MISSION
Madison Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory, Pre-K to Grade 12, International Baccalaureate World School whose mission is to: Inspire each student to discover their extraordinary capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world by cultivating a challenging environment and a supportive community.
POSITION OVERVIEW FOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Madison Country Day School (MCDS), serving approximately 515 students in Madison, WI, seeks an experienced, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Development. As a vital member of both the Advancement and Leadership Teams, the Director of Development will design, execute, and oversee a comprehensive, multi-faceted fundraising program. This pivotal role is responsible for driving sustainable philanthropic growth, managing the development budget, and leading a dedicated team to cultivate a vibrant culture of generosity across local and global communities. To advance the institution's strategic vision, the Director works in close collaboration with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and school families to maximize engagement and giving. The ideal candidate is an inspiring communicator and proven relationship-builder with a successful track record in major gift cultivation, capital campaigns, and strategic annual giving. To excel in this role, the Director must possess exceptional organizational and financial acumen, a demonstrated ability to mentor and lead a collaborative development team, and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive culture of philanthropy across all school constituencies. Key Responsibilities & Portfolio Focus
FUNDRAISING & CAMPAIGNS
Annual Fund, Major Donor Development, Capital Campaigns, Endowment, Planned Giving, and Legacy Gifts.
SIGNATURE EVENTS & GIVING CIRCLES
Yahara Society, "Sharing our Love"
Silent Auction, Celebrate:
MCDS Gala, and the annual Fund-A-Need "Mini-Capital Campaign."
COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Alumni Relations, Grandparents' Council, Volunteers & Parent Guild, Community Speaker Series, and Booster Club Support.
LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS
Budget management, leadership team collaboration, and direct supervision of the Development team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY
Establish, execute, and evaluate forward-thinking development strategies to optimally grow annual, major, and capital campaigns, as well as planned giving initiatives.
CAMPAIGN & EVENT OVERSIGHT
Oversee all development operations, ensuring high-impact execution of fundraising programs, corporate/foundation sponsorships, and flagship community events (e.g., Celebrate MCDS Gala, Grandparents Day, Community Speaker Series, and the annual Yahara Society reception).
CULTURE OF GIVING
Identify, research, and implement diverse fundraising programs that support the school's strategic vision, cultivating a deep culture of gratitude and giving across all constituencies and socioeconomic strata.
COLLABORATIVE MARKETING
Partner closely with the Enrollment & Marketing Office to produce cohesive, well-branded communication materials that expand school visibility and elevate its philanthropic reputation.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities and spearhead any resulting partnership, sponsorship, or grant initiatives.
CONSTITUENT RELATIONS
Broaden and deepen lifelong relationships with the school's alumni network, grandparent community, and parent volunteers to strengthen engagement and programming.
MAJOR GIFT SOLICITATION
Personally cultivate and solicit major donors. Strategically prepare and accompany the Head of School, leadership staff, and trustees for high-level donor visits and solicitations.
DATA & SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Maintain a rigorous contributor database, establishing benchmarks to track relationship-building touchpoints, and deliver comprehensive development reports as required.
FINANCIAL & TEAM LEADERSHIP
Establish clear fundraising objectives and manage the development budget. Lead and empower the Development staff (including the full-time Development Office Manager, Development Events/Social Media Manager, and part-time Photographer/Events Assistant). Other Duties Serve as an active, contributing member of the MCDS Leadership Team. Attend the general portion of the MCDS Board of Trustees meetings. Represent the school and maintain a visible presence at occasional evening and weekend community events. Accept other strategic duties and projects as assigned by the Head of School.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred 5+ years of fundraising and development experience (non-profit sector preferred) Independent school experience and/or educational foundation preferred
BENEFITS
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are required to submit the following in a single PDF document Cover letter
Resume References:
minimum of three professional references
ANTICIPATED START DATE
August / September, 2026 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Madison, Wisconsin Located on a scenic isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison consistently ranks as one of the best places to live and work in America. The city offers a blend of small-town friendliness and big-city culture, anchored beautifully by the sprawling UW Madison campus. Foodies will thrive here, thanks to a farm-to-table culinary scene highlighted by the famous Dane County Farmers' Market, local craft breweries, and an afternoon spent grabbing a pitcher of beer on the iconic sun-burst chairs at the Memorial Union Terrace. Music and sports lovers can catch live action year-round, whether it's summer festivals on the Capitol Square, shows at historic venues like The Sylvee, or 80,000 screaming football fans singing "Jump Around" at Camp Randall. If you love the outdoors, Madison offers it all: the city boasts over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, pristine lakes perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, and a vibrant community that stays active across all four seasons. Highlights of Madison Dining & Entertainment Madison is a culinary powerhouse, home to James Beard Award winners like Fairchild and Mint Mark, alongside legendary fine dining at L'Etoile and classic lakeside spots like Sardine. When the sun goes down, catch touring artists at The Sylvee, see historic indie shows at the Majestic Theatre, or enjoy premier jazz acts at Café Coda on Willy Street. Outdoor Recreation Madison makes active living effortless. You can commute or explore via the standard-setting Capital City State Trail, kayak or paddleboard from Brittingham Boats, or head just minutes west to Devil's Lake State Park for premium hiking and rock climbing. History and Culture Anchored by the soaring Wisconsin State Capitol and the world-class UW-Madison campus, the city boasts a deep architectural and cultural heritage. You can marvel at iconic Frank Lloyd Wright designs at the Monona Terrace or the geometric First Unitarian Society meeting house, explore the Chazen Museum of Art, or catch Broadway-caliber performances at the Overture Center for the Arts. Community & Events Madison's legendary community spirit shines brightest at its hallmark weekly traditions. You can spend Saturday mornings circling the Capitol Square for the Dane County Farmers' Market, the nation's largest producer-only market, or pass a sunny afternoon sitting in the iconic sunburst chairs at the Memorial Union Terrace listening to free live music right on the water.
