The Waldorf School of Lexington, now in its 50th year, is seeking a Director of Advancement & Outreach with an immediate start date. This is a benefited, full-time, 12-month salaried position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The Director of Advancement & Outreach is responsible for advancing the school and its mission with the full arc of constituencies, from prospective families to alumni and donor relationships. The Director promotes and cultivates a spirit of giving throughout the school community and is responsible for achieving the school’s fundraising goals. The Director will lead in the development and implementation of advancement strategies for WSL, working closely with school leadership and the Board of Trustees. Additionally, this position will build relationships to achieve short and long-term financial support as well as to guide others in serving as ambassadors for the school among their professional and personal networks.

Advancement Responsibilities

• Working with school leadership, Board leadership and the Board Advancement Committee, develop and implement advancement and outreach strategies for both the short-term and longer term; these strategies include unrestricted and restricted giving, endowment and planned giving programs.

• Initiate, plan, and carry out all advancement fundraising campaigns and initiatives, working closely with school leadership and the Board Advancement committee.

• Identify and cultivate individuals within and outside of the school who have financial resources that can advance the school’s mission and development goals.

• In collaboration with school leadership and the Board of Trustees, cultivate relationships with past and present major donors and identify new prospects, who have the resources and interest in supporting WSL and the mission of Waldorf education.

• Create relationships with like-minded businesses, organizations and individuals who see Waldorf education as a catalyst for social change; lay the groundwork for a “Partners Program.”

• Strengthen alumni relations through outreach campaigns and establishing alumni programs for engagement and giving.

• In person events at WSL are limited during the pandemic; efforts to develop alternative engagement events for advancement and outreach will be important. To the extent that event planning becomes significant, or Covid-19 restrictions are eased for in-person events, additional event planning resources will be provided.

• Oversee the processing and recording of gifts and recognition of such within the RaisersEdge fundraising software/database; administrative support is provided for this function.

• Identify charitable foundations whose mission is aligned to support programs, services and facilities development of WSL. Cultivate a relationship with these foundations, assess feasibility and work with a grant writer to solicit financial support.

Outreach Responsibilities

• Support the development of outreach strategies in conjunction with the Marketing/Communications Department, along with the Enrollment Manager and school leadership.

• The Director cultivates relationships with prospective families who express interest in the school, and promotes enthusiasm and understanding of the school’s mission, curriculum, and culture.

• Works in collaboration with the Enrollment Manager to hand off prospective families into the admissions and enrollment process.

• In conjunction with the School Director and the Enrollment Manager, attends surrounding town community events, school fairs, and other outreach events to establish and further cultivate relationships and WSL’s presence in the area.