Director of Advancement

Details Posted: 13-Jul-26 Location: Santa Monica, California Type: Full Time Salary: $160,000 - $190,000 DOE Categories Development/Fund Raising Director of Advancement PS1 Pluralistic School | Santa Monica, California About The Role At PS1, we believe that impactful schools change lives and that strong communities make those impactful schools possible. Ours is a community where children are deeply known, families feel a true sense of belonging, and learning is rooted in curiosity, equity, and joy. A thriving independent school is built at the intersection of educational excellence, financial sustainability, and community connection. The Director of Advancement plays a central role in sustaining and growing that intersection, responsible for cultivating the relationships, resources, and shared sense of purpose that advance the school’s mission within the broader circle of our community of supporters. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Senior Administrative Team, this role leads the school’s fundraising, alumni relations, and capital campaign efforts. The Director of Advancement stewards projects that enhance the mission of the school, describes the benefits these projects will have for our students, and secures the financial capital to bring such projects to fruition. Guided by our vision, Many voices build a better world, the Director of Advancement ensures that the school can continue to provide progressive education that sparks curious and critical thinkers, fosters socio-economic diversity, and builds a pluralistic, mission-driven community. This role combines strategic vision, relational leadership, operational excellence, and a strong presence on campus. At PS1, advancement is storytelling. This role is about translating the magic of classrooms and community into lasting relationships and mission-aligned investment, ensuring that: Families feel connected to something meaningfulAlumni remember and feel reconnectedDonors see the real impact of their philanthropy This position calls for a strategic, relational leader who can hold both long-term vision and near-term execution, who understands that philanthropy is rooted in trust and shared purpose, who is interested in building relationships with children and valuing their growing voice, and who is energized by growth, change, and possibility in a pluralistic community. Core Responsibilities Advancement Strategy & Institutional Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive, mission-aligned advancement strategy encompassing alumni and grandparent relations, the Annual Fund, major and planned giving, and a future capital campaign, work in collaboration with the Parents Guild and school team to plan and execute the spring fundraising GalaServe as a strategic thought partner to the Head of School and Board Advancement Committee, providing data-driven insights to inform philanthropic strategy and institutional prioritiesActively participate on the Senior Administrative Team, bringing an advancement lens to school-wide planning, resource allocation, and community engagement Alumni Relations & Community Stewardship Build and strengthen lifelong alumni relationships rooted in belonging, engagement, and shared missionDesign inclusive programming and communication that reflects the school’s values of pluralism, community, and educational excellencePartner closely with the Director of Student & Community Life to align alumni engagement with student life initiatives and broader community-building efforts Annual Fund & Impact Communication Lead the Annual Fund, articulating its impact on the school’s programs, student experiences, and tuition assistance initiativesTranslate classroom and programmatic outcomes into compelling stories that inspire participation and givingSteward donors with care through recognition events, communications, and ongoing relationship-buildingBuild a culture of philanthropy rooted in shared responsibility, access, and community investmentPartner with Director of Communications and Marketing to publish an annual Report on Philanthropy Major Gifts & Planned Giving Develop and sustain a robust major and planned giving program, identifying and cultivating donors in collaboration with the Head of School and Board volunteersPartner with key volunteers to ensure relationship-driven fundraising and stewardship that honors donors and advances the school’s mission Capital Campaign Leadership Lead the planning and execution of a mission-driven capital campaign to fund the development of school-owned properties in ways that expand programming, strengthen community partnerships, and further the school’s educational missionClearly articulate why a capital campaign is essential for the school’s future, connecting physical spaces to student experience, equity, and long-term sustainabilityManage campaign strategy, phases, feasibility studies, donor cultivation, and public engagement, ensuring alignment with mission, values, and institutional prioritiesIdentify and collaborate with outside resources and consultants to further mission-aligned future development and growth of the school Operations, Data & Systems Management Maintain fluency with fundraising database tools, Google Drive, and other digital systems to track donor engagement, giving trends, and campaign progressEnsure that all advancement data, reports, and materials are accurate, well-organized, and accessible to the Head of School, Board, and staff as appropriateOversee administrative support and coordinate tasks efficiently, balancing strategic vision with operational execution Campus Presence & Educational Fluency Maintain a consistent, visible presence on campus, building relationships with students, faculty, and familiesObserve classrooms and student life to understand and describe what is happening in the learning environmentTranslate those observations into fundraising messaging that demonstrates the tangible impact of gifts on student outcomes and the overall missionParticipate in the daily life of the school; serve on committees, attend all-school events, be playful with children and colleagues, and find joy in the life of an elementary school Collaboration & Representation Collaborate closely with the Director of Enrollment Strategy and Director of Communications and Marketing to align clear, compelling, and values-driven strategy, messaging, and storytelling.Serve as a visible ambassador for the school at conferences, community events, and professional gatheringsPursue professional development in independent school advancement, philanthropy, and capital campaign best practicesRepresent the school in conversations and negotiations with consultants, lawyers, vendors, and partners to strengthen the school’s position in the market and ensure the financial sustainability of its future. Our Mission, Vision & Values in Action We Seek a Leader Who Embodies Our Mission To Spark Curious And Critical Thinkers Who Confidently Contribute To Their Communities, And Who Lives Our Values Learn With Joy — honoring curiosity, questions, and learning from failureDiscover Your Full Self — cultivating empathy, responsibility, and confidenceHonor Our Lived Experiences — embracing diverse identities and perspectivesBe Part of Something Bigger — building connection, purpose, and collective impact Compensation & Benefits This position is competitively compensated with benefits. Salary is $160,000 - $190,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Why This Role Matters Philanthropy makes possible what tuition alone cannot. At PS1, the Director of Development ensures that the school has the resources to invest in its people, programs, and places, expand access, and imagine its future, all while strengthening the sense of belonging that defines the community. This role is not just about raising funds. It is about cultivating belonging, activating shared purpose, and stewarding a community’s belief in progressive education. It is an opportunity to help shape not only how a school is funded, but how it is experienced by students, families, alumni, and generations to come. Skills, Experience & Dispositions Demonstrated success leading alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts programs, and capital campaigns, preferably in an independent school or mission-driven organizationRelational and strategic leader able to build trust with donors, Board members, parents, alumni, and colleaguesSkilled at translating classroom experiences, student outcomes, and program impact into compelling philanthropic narrativesStrong presence on campus and comfort engaging in the life of the schoolTechnologically proficient using data, CRM systems, fundraising databases, Google Drive, and other digital collaboration toolsSystems-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and execute projects with rigor and timelinessOpen to change, reflective, adaptable, and committed to ongoing learning and professional growthExceptional communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and donor presentationsCollaborative, consensus-building, and mission-aligned, with deep commitment to diversity, equity, and pluralismFamiliarity with — and personal alignment to — progressive education principles.Warmth, flexibility, integrity, and a sense of humor. Create a Job Match for Similar Jobs About PS1 Pluralistic School K-6 Elementary School PS1 MISSION STATEMENT PS1's Mission is to spark curious and critical thinkers who confidently contribute to their communities. Connections working at PS1 Pluralistic School More Jobs from This Employer https://careers.nais.org/jobs/22422580/director-of-advancement