Director of Development

About the role

Madison Country Day School (MCDS), serving approximately 515 students in Madison, WI, seeks an experienced, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Development.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Campaigns: Annual Fund, Major Donor Development, Capital Campaigns, Endowment, Planned Giving, and Legacy Gifts.
• SIGNATURE EVENTS & GIVING CIRCLES: Yahara Society, "Sharing our Love" Silent Auction, Celebrate: MCDS Gala, and the annual Fund-A-Need "Mini-Capital Campaign."
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Alumni Relations, Grandparents’ Council, Volunteers & Parent Guild, Community Speaker Series, and Booster Club Support.
• Leadership & Operations: Budget management, leadership team collaboration, and direct supervision of the Development team.

Portfolio Focus

• Strategic Philanthropy: Establish, execute, and evaluate forward-thinking development strategies to optimally grow annual, major, and capital campaigns, as well as planned giving initiatives.
• Campaign & Event Oversight: Oversee all development operations, ensuring high-impact execution of fundraising programs, corporate/foundation sponsorships, and flagship community events (e.g., Celebrate MCDS Gala, Grandparents Day, Community Speaker Series, and the annual Yahara Society reception).
• Culture of Giving: Identify, research, and implement diverse fundraising programs that support the school’s strategic vision, cultivating a deep culture of gratitude and giving across all constituencies and socioeconomic strata.
• Collaborative Marketing: Partner closely with the Enrollment & Marketing Office to produce cohesive, well-branded communication materials that expand school visibility and elevate its philanthropic reputation.
• Institutional Advancement: Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities and spearhead any resulting partnership, sponsorship, or grant initiatives.
• Constituent Relations: Broaden and deepen lifelong relationships with the school's alumni network, grandparent community, and parent volunteers to strengthen engagement and programming.
• Major Gift Solicitation: Personally cultivate and solicit major donors. Strategically prepare and accompany the Head of School, leadership staff, and trustees for high-level donor visits and solicitations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• 5+ years of fundraising and development experience (non-profit sector preferred)
• Independent school experience and/or educational foundation preferred

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

How to apply

Interested candidates are required to submit the following in a single PDF document:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• References: minimum of three professional references

Anticipated Start Date

August / September, 2026

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