Director of Development

Join a Mission-Driven School Changing Lives Every DayAt Boston Higashi School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive through meaningful education, connection, and community. Serving students with autism and related developmental differences, our school is internationally recognized for its Daily Life Therapy® approach, which emphasizes whole-person growth through academics, physical activity, social development, and community engagement.We are seeking a passionate, strategic, and relationship-focused Director of Development to help lead the next chapter of our organization's growth and impact.This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who is energized by fundraising, community partnerships, storytelling, and program innovation. The Director of Development will play a key role in expanding opportunities for students, strengthening community visibility, and securing the resources needed to support the school's long-term mission.Position OverviewThe Director of Development is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing the school's fundraising, grant development, donor relations, community engagement, and strategic growth initiatives.Working closely with executive leadership and program teams, this individual will cultivate meaningful partnerships, oversee fundraising initiatives, support program expansion efforts, and help increase awareness of the school's mission and impact throughout the community.This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines strong communication and relationship-building skills with strategic thinking, creativity, and organizational leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising & DevelopmentLead and implement a comprehensive fundraising and development strategyIdentify, research, write, and manage grants from foundations, corporations, and government agenciesCultivate and maintain relationships with donors, alumni families, community leaders, and philanthropic partnersCollaborate on annual giving campaigns, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising events, and capital initiativesIdentify new funding opportunities aligned with organizational and programmatic growthTrack fundraising progress, donor engagement, and grant outcomesCommunity Partnerships & OutreachRepresent the school within the community and build strategic partnershipsStrengthen relationships with local businesses, organizations, advocacy groups, and community leadersDevelop outreach materials and presentations that highlight the school's mission and student successCoordinate school tours, guest visits, and community engagement opportunitiesIncrease visibility and awareness of the school through strategic storytelling and relationship-buildingProgram Growth & InnovationSupport the development of new educational, therapeutic, vocational, and enrichment initiativesAssist leadership in identifying resources and opportunities that enhance student programmingHelp advance innovative programs that respond to the evolving needs of students and familiesSupport data-informed decision making and program evaluation effortsEvents & EngagementLead planning and coordination of the school's annual Gala and major fundraising eventsDevelop meaningful events that foster family involvement and community connectionSupport school-wide events through active participation and collaborationLeadership & CollaborationWork collaboratively across departments to support school initiatives and strategic goalsPartner with leadership and HR to support staff development related to grants, outreach, and program initiativesHelp foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and student-centered cultureQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, or related fieldMinimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, grant writing, or nonprofit leadershipStrong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skillsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively across teamsPassion for mission-driven work and supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilitiesPreferredExperience within education, special education, or nonprofit organizationsExperience leading fundraising campaigns or managing donor portfoliosKnowledge of program evaluation and data-informed decision makingWhat We're Looking ForWe are looking for someone who is:Passionate about making a meaningful impactCollaborative, engaging, and relationship-orientedStrategic and innovative in thinkingOrganized and detail-orientedComfortable leading initiatives while working as part of a teamExcited to help grow a mission-driven organizationWhy Join Boston Higashi School?Be part of a unique and internationally recognized educational modelHelp expand opportunities for students and familiesWork within a supportive, mission-centered communityCollaborate with passionate professionals dedicated to student successMake a lasting impact through meaningful community engagement and development work