Development and Alumni Program Director

Located in the heart of Cambridge, MA, since 1963, Cambridge Montessori School is a dynamic, international community, which reflects the diverse culture and rich educational resources of the region and enrolls students from over 20 different countries. Cambridge Montessori School is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Association of Independent Schools in New England, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. CMS educates the whole child, applying the Montessori philosophy in a joyful learning environment. We partner with our diverse community, using authentic Montessori principles, to reveal each child’s innate love of learning and prepare our children to thrive in a complex world.

Overview

Now celebrating our 60th anniversary, Cambridge Montessori is seeking an experienced development and fundraising professional to build up our development and fundraising. The Director of Development will partner with the Head of School, the Development Committee, Board of Trustees, colleagues, families, alumni, and others to reach fundraising goals and cultivate a community of philanthropy and giving. This will include conducting events, campaigns, and more to gather the community and build philanthropic goodwill resulting in financial support. As part of the DOD’s first task, they will design and implement a development and fundraising strategic plan, aligned with industry best practices and inclusive of yearly goals and growth metrics, to engage, solicit, and steward philanthropic support from a range of donors.

For this position we are seeking a candidate with the following qualities:

• Self-starter who enjoys being a department of one yet has a collaborative working style
• An entrepreneurial mind-set that enjoys building up a fundraising platform from the ground up
• A track record of building and successfully implementing comprehensive fundraising and engagement plans
• An understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in independent school fundraising
• Has a high level of confidence and skill navigating various fundraising tools and software platforms

Responsibilities

• Work with the Head of School, the Executive Team, the Board’s Development Committee, and others as needed to lead and execute fundraising strategies to meet development goals for annual fund, scholarship fund, and other funds as needed
• Creates an alumni engagement program
• Design programs to attract gifts of time, talent, treasure and strategies to attract, retain, and connect community members to each other and the school beyond time on campus
• Enhance and strengthen existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the community including alumni, families, local organizations, and major donors
• Ensure that cultivation, fundraising, campaign events are produced professionally
• Lead events throughout the year such as Auction, Giving Tuesday, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, 5K race, and more
• Oversee management, accuracy and entry of development and donor activities by: maintaining donor database; processing donations; tracking records, pledges, donations; generating reports for Development Committee and Board of Trustees
• Share results and measure success in fundraising dollars and in community connection, engagement, and support
• Partner with Director of Communications/Marketing, and others for positive outcomes
• Support building a strong culture of philanthropy with faculty/staff and families
• Research, identify, and apply for corporate, government, and foundation grants
• Manage the development budget, leveraging resources to maximize donations coming in
• Complete all donor acknowledgements including tax letters and donor receipts
• Align annual giving goals to strategic plans and initiatives
• Lead all aspects of Auction event: parent committee meetings, key relationships with major donors and business partners, online software and fundraising platforms

Requirements

• Experience fundraising in a nonprofit organization, preferably an independent school
• Track record of successful development or fundraising activities
• Fundraising platform knowledge: Raiser’s Edge, Bidding for Good preferred
• Strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the organization
• Team player willing to step in and support in various capacities as needed
• Solid communication, interpersonal, relationship-building skills
• Preferred experience interacting with and recruiting large donors
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• CORI/SORI check will be required before joining our team
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Cambridge Montessori School offers a generous benefits package.

Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to:

communications@cambridgemontessori.org

Cambridge Montessori School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and people who come from low income or working-class backgrounds. All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to apply without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, veteran status, or any other class protected under federal, state, or local laws. CMS is a non-sectarian institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national or cultural origin, sexual orientation, family style, political belief, or disability in the administration of its admissions, financial assistance, education or employment practices.