Director of Development

Title:   Director of Development

Revision Date:  January 2025

FLSA Classification: Exempt

To Whom Responsible:   Head of School

Position Begins: July 1, 2025

The School 

Founded in 1962, the Seven Hills School is a learning community whose mission is to develop the intellect, engage the spirit, and foster respect for, and responsibility to, our world. Our beautiful campus, located on nine acres of former ranch land near Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, CA (approximately 35 miles from downtown San Francisco), is home to our outstanding PS-8th grade program and offers over 420 students the daily opportunity to move freely from engaging classrooms to great expanses of natural outdoor space. Every student deserves a whole-child education that harmonizes their academic growth with their social-emotional development.

At Seven Hills, learning is joyful–from the preschool sandbox to the 8th grade Japanese Exchange Program, learning is fueled by curiosity, exploration, and the love and encouragement of trusted adults. Our small class sizes allow for greater differentiation, building strong partnerships with parents, and employing passionate teachers who love what they do and bring creativity to their daily practice of challenging, nurturing, and inspiring each child.

The Position

This is a full-time leadership position with the primary responsibility of leading all the annual and long-term fundraising efforts to carry out goals set forth by the Head of School, in conjunction with the School’s Board of Trustees. This position oversees staff in the Development office. It works collaboratively with the Chief of Staff & Capital Campaign Director, The Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, and the rest of the Administrative Leadership Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Admin Leadership Team that oversees all day-to-day operations and sets strategic goals and plans for the School.
• Design and implement an overall fundraising strategy for the School using specific knowledge of school program intent and outcomes, including but not limited to the Annual Fund, Auction, and the 8th Grade Parent Gift.
• Evaluate and assess past and current development practices in order to innovate, ask for feedback, and assure continued alignment with our strategic priorities and DEIB goals.
• Set strategy and build momentum for fundraising activities related to the Modified Tuition Program and Endowment at the School.
• Support the philanthropic work of the Board of Trustees and its various committees, including the Development and Governance Committees.
• Liaise with the Parent Involvement Association (PIA) leaders for parent/guardian volunteering, community engagement, and educational opportunities.

Management

• Lead and manage activities related to school fundraising initiatives, including but not limited to Annual Fund, Alumni Relations, and corporate and foundation support by working closely with the Family Engagement and Special Events Manager and the Development Coordinator.
• Supervise and manage Development Department staff (2.0 FTEs), including hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation.
• Prepare monthly reports and statistics, with the assistance of the Development team, for Board meetings and administrative projects as requested.
• With the Family Engagement and Special Events Manager and volunteer team, strategize and oversee the planning and execution of the annual spring fundraiser.
• Identify prospects for major gifts, including endowment and planned gifts. Conduct research and develop cultivation strategies for such prospects.
• Oversee the annual fundraising budget, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Oversee the maintenance of an accurate donor database, tracking interactions and contributions.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Other Skills, Abilities & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field: graduate degree preferred.
• Excellent working knowledge of the demographic structure of the current parent/guardian body.
• A passion for building a culture of philanthropy at the School.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Dedicated team player willing to enthusiastically take on additional responsibilities.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and intellectual freedom.
• A growth mindset, sense of humor, and warm personality.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite and Google online platform; experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge software a plus.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Understanding and supporting the School’s mission and core values.
• A sensitivity to and knowledge of the needs of a diverse community and the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, families, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Salary Range: $125,000-$175,000 (based on relevant experience)

To apply, please send a single pdf file that includes a letter of interest, resume, and a list of three (3) references to the Head of School, Kathleen McNamara at kmcnamara@sevenhillsschool.org, no later than Feb. 21, 2025.

Tagged as: K-6, Middle School, Preschool