Job Description

Carney, Sandoe & Associates, an educational recruitment organization partnered with a PreK-12 independent school to find their next Director of the Lions Fund, in Potomac, MD.

About CS&A:

Our free job placement service connects educators with independent and private schools that align with their specific needs and qualifications. By getting to know each candidate personally, we match them with the right opportunities—saving time and ensuring the best match. Our mission is to help educators find roles where they can truly thrive. We have positions nationwide and internationally.

The Director of the Lions Fund develops, implements, and evaluates fundraising activities and initiatives to generate over $1.6 million annually in unrestricted operating support with a goal of growing to $2 million over the next three years. This position manages all aspects of the Annual Giving program and reports to the Campaign Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and implement the Annual Giving strategy to meet goals for total dollars raised and participation rates from alumni, current parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends of the School;
• Recruit, train, and manage a team of parent volunteers;
• Recruit and work with the Lions Fund Giving Chairs and the Campaign Director to develop strategies and set yearly goals;
• Actively manage a portfolio of 75+ leadership-level annual fund donors;
• Work closely with the Assistant Director of the Lions Fund and the Director of Alumni Relations to coordinate alumni and reunion giving strategies;
• Collaborate with Advancement Directors to identify opportunities to increase leadership-level participation and strengthen the campaign pipeline;
• Partner with the Director of Development Operations to conduct prospect
• research; ensure database accuracy and timely gift acknowledgements; and produce regular fundraising and development reports as needed;
• Work with the Director of Communications and the Director of Development Operations to prepare the Annual Report, including donor lists and analysis;
• Collaborate with the Lions Fund Chairs to develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship program for all Lions Fund donors.
• Maintain a visible presence in the community and an active pace of face-to-face meetings.

Desired Qualities and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus five-seven years of experience in development/fundraising; and/or significant relevant experience in education or business. Prior development experience in an independent school preferred.
• Commitment to ethical fundraising, collegiality, teamwork, and the philosophy of St. Andrew’s School.
• Proven record of donor cultivation and solicitation; and full understanding of fundraising concepts and the moves management process.
• Strong volunteer management and coaching skills: Must work collaboratively and supportively with high-level volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. This position requires the personal presence and poise to inspire comfort and confidence among board members, volunteers, School leadership, faculty, and major donors. Ability to articulate the case for Annual Giving with passion and persuasion, along with a genuine desire to build lasting relationships with the School’s constituencies.
• Strong motivation, initiative and the ability to prioritize. Because this position enjoys a high degree of autonomy, it requires strong drive and discipline to engage donors, prospects, and volunteers effectively.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to craft effective personal letters, compelling proposals, and other marketing/communication products.
• Availability and willingness to work outside the normal schedule, including early mornings, evenings, School holidays, and weekends to accommodate volunteer and donor meetings, School/departmental events, and calendar and fiscal year-end office coverage. Occasional travel required.
• Proficiency with “Raiser's Edge” or comparable fundraising management software preferable. Willingness to learn new applications as necessary to work as efficiently as possible.

Potential Benefits: Compensation and benefit packages are competitive but will differ by school and will typically depend on geographic location, your experience, and your level of degree.

💵 Competitive pay

🧠 Professional Development Opportunities

✏️ Classroom Resources

🏥 Medical, dental and vision insurance

😃 401(k) plan – Employer match

⛱️ Paid holidays, vacation and personal time

🏠 Housing (boarding schools only)

Carney Sandoe does not discriminate on the basis of physical handicap, sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its services, consulting, events, professional development, or other programs.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs