Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement

Charlotte, NC | TK–12 | ~2,000 Students | Independent Day School

Position Overview

The school seeks an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement to lead its comprehensive advancement program. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Assistant Head partners closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to support the school’s mission and long-term sustainability.

This leader oversees all aspects of fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement in a large, dynamic TK–12 independent school. A central responsibility is guiding major philanthropic initiatives—including the planning and execution of large-scale capital or comprehensive campaigns in the $30–$70 million range—to advance the school’s strategic priorities, campus growth, and educational innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a senior leader and strategic partner to the Head of School.
• Develop and implement multi-year advancement strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with and support the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising initiatives: Annual Fund, major gifts, planned giving, corporate/foundation partnerships, and capital/comprehensive campaigns.
• Design, manage, and execute major campaigns in the $30–$70 million range.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, alumni, parents, grandparents, and community partners.
• Oversee development operations: gift processing, CRM management, donor analytics, and reporting.

Marketing & Communications

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications Department on marketing and communications strategy to elevate the school’s brand and support fundraising and enrollment.
• Ensure consistent messaging and visual identity across publications, digital platforms, and media relations.

Community & Alumni Engagement

• Strengthen parent, alumni, and community relationships through programs, events, and volunteer engagement.
• Lead alumni engagement strategy for a growing, diverse alumni base.
• Represent the school at key community events.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and mentor advancement staff, including development, alumni relations, and events teams.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and accountable team culture.
• Manage departmental budgets, priorities, and external vendors/consultants.
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Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of advancement leadership experience, ideally serving as a CAO in independent schools or large nonprofits.
• Demonstrated success in planning, coordinating, leading, and executing capital campaigns from inception through completion in the $30–$70 million range.
• Proven track record in securing major gifts and stewarding sophisticated donor relationships, with personal success securing transformational philanthropic commitments.
• Experience in TK–12 school environments preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with long-term planning and analytical abilities.
• Strong team leadership and project management skills.
• Proficiency with CRMs (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, Veracross) and data-driven decision-making.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
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Competencies & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Ability to design and execute long-term advancement strategies.
• Relationship Building & Donor Engagement: Builds authentic, lasting relationships with donors, parents, and alumni.
• Communication & Brand Stewardship: Communicates clearly, consistently, and persuasively.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Leads, mentors, and motivates a high-performing team.
• Operational Excellence & Data Fluency: Uses data to inform decisions and track progress.
• Campaign & Fundraising Expertise: Mastery in managing major campaigns and moves management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Fundraising outcomes: Annual Fund growth, major gifts, campaign progress, donor retention.
• Donor engagement: Moves management, touchpoints, event participation.
• Advancement operations: Data integrity, reporting accuracy, process improvements.
• Team development: Staff retention, goal achievement, professional growth.
• Community & alumni engagement: Alumni giving and participation, parent involvement, community partnerships.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed for donor and alumni engagement.
• Regular on-campus presence to support visibility and community relationships.

Compensation

The school offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience and aligned with the senior nature of this leadership role.