Director of Development

Director of Development PS1 Pluralistic School | Santa Monica, California About the Role At PS1, we believe that impactful schools change lives and that strong communities make those impactful schools possible. Ours is a community where children are deeply known, families feel a true sense of belonging, and learning is rooted in curiosity, equity, and joy. A thriving independent school is built at the intersection of educational excellence, financial sustainability, and community connection. The Director of Development plays a central role in sustaining and growing that intersection, responsible for cultivating the relationships, resources, and shared sense of purpose that advance the school’s mission within the broader circle of our community of supporters. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Senior Administrative Team, this role leads the school’s fundraising, alumni relations, and capital campaign efforts in partnership with the Director of Student & Community Life, operating as an advancement team of one supported by administrative staff. Guided by our vision, “Many voices build a better world”, the Director of Development ensures that the school can continue to provide progressive education that sparks curious and critical thinkers, fosters socio-economic diversity, and builds a pluralistic, mission-driven community. This role combines strategic vision, relational leadership, operational excellence, and a strong presence on campus. At PS1, development is storytelling. This role is about translating the magic of classrooms and community into lasting relationships and mission-aligned investment, ensuring that: Families feel connected to something meaningful Alumni remember and feel reconnected Donors see the real impact of their philanthropy This position calls for a strategic, relational leader who can hold both long‑term vision and near‑term execution, who understands that philanthropy is rooted in trust and shared purpose, and who is energized by growth, change, and possibility. Core Responsibilities Advancement Strategy & Institutional Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive, mission‑aligned advancement strategy encompassing alumni relations, the Annual Fund, major and planned giving, and a future capital campaign Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Head of School and Board Advancement Committee, providing data‑driven insights to inform philanthropic strategy and institutional priorities Actively participate on the Senior Administrative Team, bringing an advancement lens to school‑wide planning, resource allocation, and community engagement Alumni Relations & Community Stewardship Build and strengthen lifelong alumni relationships rooted in belonging, engagement, and shared mission Design inclusive programming and communication that reflects the school’s values of pluralism, community, and educational excellence Partner closely with the Director of Student & Community Life to align alumni engagement with student life initiatives and broader community‑building efforts Annual Fund & Impact Communication Lead the Annual Fund, articulating its impact on the school’s programs, student experiences, and tuition assistance initiatives Translate classroom and programmatic outcomes into compelling stories that inspire participation and giving Steward donors with care through recognition events, communications, and ongoing relationship‑building Build a culture of philanthropy rooted in shared responsibility, access, and community investment Major Gifts & Planned Giving Develop and sustain a robust major and planned giving program, identifying and cultivating donors in collaboration with the Head of School and Board volunteers Partner with key volunteers to ensure relationship‑driven fundraising and stewardship that honors donors and advances the school’s mission Capital Campaign Leadership Lead the planning and execution of a mission‑driven capital campaign to fund the development of school‑owned properties in ways that expand programming, strengthen community partnerships, and further the school’s educational mission Clearly articulate why a capital campaign is essential for the school’s future, connecting physical spaces to student experience, equity, and long‑term sustainability Manage campaign strategy, phases, feasibility studies, donor cultivation, and public engagement, ensuring alignment with mission, values, and institutional priorities Operations, Data & Systems Management Maintain fluency with fundraising database tools, Google Drive, and other digital systems to track donor engagement, giving trends, and campaign progress Ensure that all advancement data, reports, and materials are accurate, well‑organized, and accessible to the Head of School, Board, and staff as appropriate Oversee administrative support and coordinate tasks efficiently, balancing strategic vision with operational execution Campus Presence & Educational Fluency Maintain a consistent, visible presence on campus, building relationships with students, faculty, and families Observe classrooms and student life to understand and describe what is happening in the learning environment Translate those observations into fundraising messaging that demonstrates the tangible impact of gifts on student outcomes and the overall mission Collaboration & Representation Collaborate closely with the Director of Student & Community Life, Director of Admissions & Tuition Assistance, and Director of Communications/Marketing to ensure aligned messaging and strategy Serve as a visible ambassador for the school at conferences, community events, and professional gatherings Pursue professional development in independent school advancement, philanthropy, and capital campaign best practices Why This Role Matters Philanthropy makes possible what tuition alone cannot. At PS1, the Director of Development ensures that the school has the resources to invest in its people, programs, and places, expand access, and imagine its future, all while strengthening the sense of belonging that defines the community. This role is not just about raising funds. It is about cultivating belonging, activating shared purpose, and stewarding a community’s belief in progressive education. It is an opportunity to help shape not only how a school is funded, but how it is experienced by students, families, alumni, and generations to come. Skills, Experience & Dispositions Demonstrated success leading alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts programs, and capital campaigns, preferably in an independent school or mission‑driven organization Relational and strategic leader able to build trust with donors, Board members, parents, alumni, and colleagues Skilled at translating classroom experiences, student outcomes, and program impact into compelling philanthropic narratives Strong presence on campus and comfort engaging in the life of the school Technologically proficient in fundraising databases, Google Drive, and other digital collaboration tools Systems‑oriented, able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and execute projects with rigor and timeliness Open to change, reflective, adaptable, and committed to ongoing learning and professional growth Exceptional communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and donor presentations Collaborative, consensus‑building, and mission‑aligned, with deep commitment to diversity, equity, and pluralism #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools