Chief Advancement Officer

About the School

Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in the college town of Charlottesville, Va., our 900+ students, age 2 through Grade 12, inspire us each day as we aspire to educate the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders.

The school is part of a community passionate about their roles and contributing to a community of purpose and belonging. Those who thrive at St. Anne’s-Belfield are people who, as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, pursue knowledge to generate impact, seek to engage diverse perspectives and practices, engage in reflection, demonstrate moral character and integrity, and work to understand and meet the needs of the community.

This is perfectly complemented by our location in Charlottesville, one of the top 5 happiest cities in the U.S., as recognized by National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Opportunities abound to connect with nature, enjoy arts and culture, engage with the University of Virginia, only one mile away, and explore American history both within our region or Richmond (one hour by car) and Washington, D.C. (two hours by car).

The Opportunity

St. Anne’s-Belfield School is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). This is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the school’s strategic vision through philanthropy and community engagement. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Senior Administrative Leadership Team (SALT), the CAO will support St. Anne’s-Belfield’s mission of preparing students to be “strong in body, broad of mind, tender of heart, responsive in soul” while ensuring the financial sustainability and vitality of the school’s programs and campus life.

Professional Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., M.A., MBA, M.Ed.) strongly preferred.
• At least 7–10 years of senior-level experience in advancement/fundraising, institutional advancement, or development — preferably in independent schools, boarding/day schools, higher education, or nonprofit educational institutions.
• Demonstrated success with solicitation, stewardship, major gift fundraising, annual funds, planned giving, and campaign management.
• Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, and operational management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills — ability to engage with a wide array of stakeholders (alumni, parents, students, faculty, trustees, donors, community partners).
• Leadership style characterized by collaboration, integrity, diplomacy, and a commitment to mission-driven work.
• Deep appreciation for St. Anne's-Belfield’s core values: “Integrity, Curiosity, Diversity, Creativity, Agency, and Impact.” An orientation toward innovation, but sensitive to the culture of a close-knit school.
• Mission-driven, student-centered, community-oriented, and equity-minded.
• Entrepreneurial and strategic — able to envision and develop new programs while balancing mission and financial sustainability.
• Highly organized and flexible, demonstrating strong initiative and the ability to juggle competing priorities in a dynamic school setting.

Responsibilities Include

• Develop and lead a comprehensive advancement strategy — including annual giving, major and planned gifts, capital campaigns, endowment growth, grants, and other philanthropic initiatives — aligned with the School’s Portrait of a 2036 Graduate and strategic priorities.
• Solicit, steward, and cultivate alumni, past and current parents/guardians, grandparents, faculty/staff, and foundations.
• Create annual and multi-year strategic fundraising plans for the Advancement team, with particular emphasis on metrics, KPIs, and goals to ensure sustainable programmatic growth in both the donor pipeline and annual revenue.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors: alums, parents/guardians, foundations, community partners, and friends of St. Anne's-Belfield.
• Work with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to identify philanthropic priorities and shape fundraising priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Advancement Office: donor communications, stewardship, family and alumni relations, development events, fundraising database management, and reporting.
• Cultivate, maintain, and steward an active portfolio of major donor prospects and solicit leadership gifts as appropriate.
• Work closely with Enrollment Management, Academics, Arts, Athletics, Student Life, Residential Life, Finance, and Facilities leadership to align advancement initiatives with St. Anne's-Belfield overarching priorities.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of signature events (reunions, fundraising events, donor receptions, community gatherings, alumni events, etc.) that engage key stakeholders and strengthen community bonds.
• As a member of the Senior Administrative Leadership Team, contribute to schoolwide planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.
• Serve as a public ambassador and representative for St. Anne's-Belfield — with alumni, parents/guardians, donors, community partners, and external stakeholders — building external relationships that support the school’s vision and growth.

Compensation

• Competitive annual salary ($200,000 to $240,000 per year), based on experience
• Generous paid time off (PTO) — up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days annually
• Shared cost high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
• School paid short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Retirement plan with match
• Supplemental insurance policies
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition remission and program discounts for children enrolled at the school
• Free, after-school care for children enrolled at the school
• Free lunch when school is in session
• 20% discount to the St. Anne’s-Belfield School store

Application

To apply, send an email to stabcao@ies-consulting.org with:

• A letter of interest addressing qualification and vision for the role
• A complete resume detailing positions and responsibilities
• Five professional references with contact information