Job Title: Development Director
Program: Administration
Reports to: School Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date: March 2025
Position Summary
The Development Director is an integral member of the SMWS Community and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all Shining Mountain Waldorf School (“SMWS”) fundraising initiatives to secure donor funds in support of the SMWS mission. Key priorities are to nurture current legacy donor relationships and create interactions to share the SMWS history and mission with potential donors. Planning and oversight is essential in all fundraising interactive activities and donor relations including: major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events, and capital campaigns. The Development Director is aligned strategically to implement a comprehensive and result-oriented development plan in support of SMWS and Waldorf education. The Development Director leads the Advancement Team, working closely with the School Director, Board of Trustees, Admissions Office, and Senior Leadership Group.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Creates interactive opportunities to meet and develop relationships with SMWS Community members
Plans and executes fundraising objectives and strategic goals defined by School Director
Secures financial support to reach all operational fundraising goals set each school year, including Annual Fund, Gala, and other fundraising events
Cultivates major donor relationships, development, and stewardship
Offers additional fundraising techniques and strategies to showcase the SMWS history and commitment to Waldorf education
Responsible for Endowment, Planned Giving, and Capital Campaign fundraising aligned with the School’s strategic goals
Manages and collaborates with Events Coordinator (a part time supportive role) to prepare for events
Collaborates with and support the School Director and Board of Trustees on Major Donor development and donor events such as Grandparents’ Day and Alumni gatherings
Is an integral part of the Senior Leadership Group and key development advisor to the Development Committee Chair Board member
Directs all SMWS scholarship gifts and communications
Performs administrative duties to update and manage Raiser’s Edge database providing accurate donor information, donor paperwork, track and manage ongoing fundraising campaigns and incoming donations related to campaigns and donor tax documentation
Additional Responsibilities
Special events which may require night and weekends
In accordance with the SMWS philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in accordance with the duties listed above
Education and Qualifications / Regulations
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in development, fundraising at a private school or other non profit organization
Microsoft Office, Google Suite required; Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge experience preferred
Experience with managing budgets, finances, and profit/loss statements.
Knowledge of and commitment to Waldorf Education and SMWS
Professionalism and Work Environment
Proven ability to meet development goals and schedule measurable donor interactions
Friendly, clear, and timely written and oral communications
Independent work - maintaining organizational, time management, and planning skills
Inspire collaborative work with teams and Community volunteers
SMWS office environment allowing daily campus interaction with colleagues, parents, and community members which foster cultivating and building relationships
Active participation and socializing with SMWS community at school sponsored events
An ease with conversation presenting a professional demeanor and attire
Optimum hours during school hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (occasional nights and weekend availability)
Salary, Hours, and Benefits
Full time, 40 hours per week, a year-round Administrative position
This position continues to work during school calendar and break schedules - however accrued PTO can be used with School Director approval
Salary - Range of $50,000 to $60,000
Personal Time Accrual - up to 3 weeks per year
Sick Time Accrual - up to 48 hours per calendar year
Staff Holidays - up to 15 days per school year
Employee benefits - medical, dental, vision, life, and long term disability insurance, FSA
401(k) - (SMWS offers a match (determined annually) when 1,000 hours are worked in a fiscal year)
SMWS Tuition remission offered
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:
Lift 25 pounds, bending, stretching
Mobility to move boxes
Work within an office setting
Walk around campus sidewalks and grassy areas in all types of weather
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Shining Mountain Waldorf School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where employees are treated with respect and dignity.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references.