Head of Development

Location: Potomac, Maryland | Type: Full Time

About the School

Connelly School of the Holy Child is a Catholic, college preparatory school committed to the intellectual, spiritual, artistic, physical, and social development of young women in grades 6 through 12. The school emphasizes academic challenge, joy of learning, and education of well-rounded women of faith and action. Holy Child enrolls approximately 300 students annually from the Washington, DC metropolitan area and across the globe, offering a personal learning experience with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school provides fine arts programs, competitive sports teams, and integrates service into its curriculum, with students completing over 5,000 hours of community service last year. Building an inclusive and diverse school community is a priority, and the school is committed to hiring faculty and staff with diverse experiences and backgrounds to empower students to connect, belong, and grow.

About the Role

The Head of Development is a senior administrative role responsible for advancing Connelly School of the Holy Child’s philanthropic priorities and securing the financial resources necessary to support its mission and vision. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this role provides strategic vision, leadership, and execution for all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, foundation relations, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship. The Head of Development manages the full donor lifecycle, from prospect identification to stewardship, while building a culture of philanthropy across the school community. This role partners closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and volunteer leaders to develop meaningful relationships that inspire giving and leads a team overseeing annual giving, events, alumni and parent engagement, and the donor database.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Serve as the primary architect of planned giving, annual, major gift, and campaign fundraising efforts.
• Advise the Head of School and Board on philanthropic strategy, campaign process, and donor engagement.
• Build a culture of philanthropy across parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends.
• Direct the planning, execution, and growth of the Annual Giving Fund.
• Expand participation and leadership-level giving across constituent groups.
• Oversee Annual Giving Fund messaging, marketing materials, and digital giving strategies.
• Manage volunteer structures such as the Holy Child Parent Association and class agents.
• Analyze performance data to refine strategy and maximize results.
• Build and manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects.
• Partner with the Head of School on cultivation and solicitation of major and transformational gifts.
• Lead planning, communications, and execution for comprehensive and capital campaigns.
• Develop customized proposals and engagement strategies for top donors.
• Track moves management activity and pipeline development.
• Design and maintain a comprehensive stewardship program that demonstrates impact and deepens relationships.
• Oversee recognition programs, endowed fund reporting, and giving societies.
• Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts.
• Produce high-quality donor communications, including relevant portions of the annual report.
• Maintain accurate records of donor engagement and recognition commitments.
• Strengthen alumni relations through events, communications, and volunteer opportunities.
• Foster enduring connections between alumni and the school.
• Support parent engagement initiatives and community-building efforts.
• Assist with the planning and execution of development-related events, receptions, and cultivation experiences.
• Identify and pursue foundation and institutional funding opportunities when appropriate.
• Prepare competitive proposals and reports as needed.
• Build long-term relationships with foundation partners.
• Oversee development communications, including print and digital materials, giving pages, and donor publications.
• Serve as staff support for the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to ensure consistent messaging.
• Utilize development databases and analytics to support strategy and reporting.
• Prepare reports for the Head of School, Development Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Remain current with best practices in independent school advancement.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and peer networks.
• Develop a deep understanding of Holy Child’s mission, programs, and community.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and compelling ambassador for the school.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School in support of the school’s advancement goals.
• Serve as a member of administrative leadership governing school policy, student affairs, and operations.
• Frequent domestic travel and occasional/seasonal evening and weekend events.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, preferably in independent schools, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience securing major gifts and leading comprehensive campaigns is preferred.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, trustees, volunteers, and staff.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Familiarity with advancement databases and fundraising analytics.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $150,000–$170,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan contributions.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.