Director of Development

The Boston Higashi School•Randolph, MA

About The Position

Join a Mission-Driven School Changing Lives Every Day At 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 Overview The 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, or related field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, grant writing, or nonprofit leadership
Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively across teams
Passion for mission-driven work and supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities

Nice To Haves

Experience within education, special education, or nonprofit organizations
Experience leading fundraising campaigns or managing donor portfolios
Knowledge of program evaluation and data-informed decision making

Responsibilities

Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy
Identify, research, write, and manage grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies
Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, alumni families, community leaders, and philanthropic partners
Collaborate on annual giving campaigns, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising events, and capital initiatives
Identify new funding opportunities aligned with organizational and programmatic growth
Track fundraising progress, donor engagement, and grant outcomes
Represent the school within the community and build strategic partnerships
Strengthen relationships with local businesses, organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders
Develop outreach materials and presentations that highlight the school’s mission and student success
Coordinate school tours, guest visits, and community engagement opportunities
Increase visibility and awareness of the school through strategic storytelling and relationship-building
Support the development of new educational, therapeutic, vocational, and enrichment initiatives
Assist leadership in identifying resources and opportunities that enhance student programming
Help advance innovative programs that respond to the evolving needs of students and families
Support data-informed decision making and program evaluation efforts
Lead planning and coordination of the school’s annual Gala and major fundraising events
Develop meaningful events that foster family involvement and community connection
Support school-wide events through active participation and collaboration
Work collaboratively across departments to support school initiatives and strategic goals
Partner with leadership and HR to support staff development related to grants, outreach, and program initiatives
Help foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and student-centered culture