Director of Development

St. Thomas School • Medina, WA

5d • $170,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Director of Development leads the strategy, planning, and execution of all fundraising efforts at St. Thomas School (STS). This role is responsible for strengthening a culture of giving across the school community while building meaningful, long-term relationships with current families, alumni, grandparents, trustees, and community partners. The director serves as a strategic partner to the Head of School and senior leadership, helping ensure philanthropic efforts directly support the school’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability. This position oversees annual giving, major gifts, events, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship, while also leading and mentoring the development team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field; master’s degree or CFRE preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working in fundraising, advancement, or development, preferably in an independent school, education, or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Background leading or supporting capital or comprehensive campaigns.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff.
• Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems, such as Veracross or Raiser’s Edge
• Willingness to travel locally as needed.
• Readiness to obtain First Aid and CPR certification, and maintain throughout employment
• Successful completion of required background checks in accordance with school policy and state regulations.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to work with diverse individuals and groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, flexible, and growth-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency with basic technology tools and a willingness to learn school-specific systems.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and community of STS.

Responsibilities

• Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of all fundraising efforts, including annual giving, auctions, capital campaigns, major gift campaigns, and planned giving.
• Develops and maintains the infrastructure, policies, and procedures that support sustainable, ethical, and effective fundraising practices.
• Partners closely with the Head of School, senior leadership, and the board of trustees to shape strategy, cultivate relationships, and support major gift solicitation.
• Manages a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Manages and supports the Head of School’s cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Cultivates and personally solicits leadership Annual Fund prospects.
• Educates the school’s constituencies about development and fundraising activities, with a particular emphasis on new parents.
• Collaborates closely with marketing and communications, as well as admissions, to support school-wide efforts to engage parents and faculty in the life of the school.
• Develops activities and strategies that support a sense of community and belonging.
• Leads, mentors, and supports development department staff, setting clear goals, priorities, and performance metrics.
• Partners with the Assistant Director of Development on the annual report and other key advancement communications.
• Actively engages in the life of the school and contributes to community-wide events and programs.
• Upholds and models the mission, values, and strategic priorities of STS.
• Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
• Collaborates across departments and participates in team and division meetings to support a cohesive preschool through eighth grade experience.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Adheres to school policies and procedures and performs other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Benefits

• Employer-paid premiums for employee medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer contributions to retirement and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
• Competitive paid time off, holidays, and vacation.
• Robust professional development opportunities.
• Lunches provided at no cost to faculty and staff when school or summer camp is in session.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director