Chief Development Officer

About the role

The Overlake School seeks a strategic and relationship-centered Chief Development Officer to lead the continued evolution of its philanthropic program at a moment of opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to design and execute advancement strategies that support institutional priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead and mentor the development team, strengthen data-informed decision-making, and personally manage a significant portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects.
• Cultivate high-value relationships and inspire a culture of philanthropy across parents, alumni, trustees, and friends of the School.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, development, or campaign management.
• Proven success securing major gifts and leading complex fundraising initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen and familiarity with fundraising databases and analytics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Achievement of fundraising and campaign targets like annual and multi-year fundraising goals (major gifts, annual giving, campaigns).
• Growth of major donor pipeline and legacy commitments through the number and quality of prospects, major gift solicitations, planned/legacy gift commitments.
• Strong staff performance, morale, retention, and collaboration.
• Enhanced culture of philanthropy across the community demonstrated by increased donor retention rates, donor upgrades, and lifetime giving.
• Clear, reliable advancement reporting and operations.
• Positive feedback from Board, key stakeholders, and leadership.