Head of Development

Preston High School•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Preston High School, founded in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, is a Catholic, college‑preparatory school dedicated to forming young women of faith, compassion, leadership, and academic excellence. As Preston enters a new era of independence and strategic growth, we are seeking a mission‑driven Head of Development to lead our fundraising, stewardship, and advancement efforts. The Head of Development is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens Preston's long‑term sustainability and advances its mission. This leader will oversee annual giving, major gifts, alumni engagement, grant development, and campaign initiatives, ensuring alignment with the school's Catholic identity and strategic priorities. The ideal candidate is a seasoned development professional with a track record of building donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, writing successful grants, and leading campaigns-preferably within Catholic or independent schools.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
7–10 years of experience in development, advancement, or fundraising
Demonstrated success securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets.
Proven experience in grant writing, including successful awards from foundations or corporate funders.
Experience developing or expanding scholarship funds or tuition‑assistance initiatives.
Strong communication, relationship‑building, and donor‑cultivation skills.
Understanding of Catholic education and commitment to Preston's mission.
Ability to work evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Catholic or independent school experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a multi‑year development plan aligned with Preston's strategic and financial goals.
Lead all aspects of annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and grant development.
Identify, write, and submit competitive grants to foundations, corporations, and philanthropic organizations.
Expand scholarship funding through targeted donor cultivation and grant acquisition.
Manage donor pipelines, cultivation strategies, and stewardship practices.
Oversee campaign planning and execution, including the integration of campaign revenue into annual development goals.
Build strong relationships with alumnae, parents, parish communities, foundations, and benefactors.
Serve as a visible ambassador of Preston's mission and values.
Plan and execute donor events, receptions, and community‑building initiatives.
Maintain accurate donor records and reporting systems.
Provide regular updates to the Principal and Board on fundraising progress.
Ensure compliance with Archdiocional norms and ethical fundraising standards.
Partner with Communications to develop compelling fundraising materials and campaigns.
Work closely with school leadership to align development priorities with institutional needs.
Support the Principal in donor meetings, solicitations, and stewardship activities.