Employment Type : Full-Time
Westmark School is currently searching for an experienced fundraising professional who thrives on building a successful fundraising organization and program. The Director of Development will be charged with growing the school’s annual fundraising programs by implementing best practices, through creativity and the ability to enlist and inspire volunteers. Located in Encino, CA, Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school grades 2-12 dedicated to educating, empowering, and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures. Our visionary Head of School, Claudia Koochek is an accomplished leader in Learning Differences (LD) education nationwide. The Opportunity The Director of Development reports to and works collaboratively with the Director of Advancement and is responsible for overseeing and managing the annual giving program, foundation relations, the annual gala and other special events. With the Development team, the Director actively manages alumni relations and events, parents of alumni and alumni and grandparent relations programs. Works closely with the Director of Advancement, the Head of School, and key influencers and committees to create a culture of philanthropy. Serves as liaison to the Westmark Parent Association (WPA). Responsibilities Collaborates with the Director of Advancement to plan, promote and grow a comprehensive development program to include an overall fundraising strategy, budget and staffing to enable the school to meet and exceed our ambitious fundraising goals. Oversees events designed to build community, steward donors and raise significant funds to support the school. Leads stewardship program to appropriately thank and recognize every donor. Develops a detailed plan for the Westmark Fund, including revenue and expenditures for inclusion in the overall annual Development plan. Sets annual giving goals based on historical analysis of donors, prospect base and school needs. Uses wealth screening, giving history and other information to determine appropriate ask amounts for each constituent. Provides ongoing analysis, evaluation and reporting of solicitation programs and monitors results. Develops, cultivates and manages a personal solicitation portfolio for major gifts. Works with the Westmark Parent Association to plan the annual event designed to build community and raise major funds for financial and special projects at the school. Annually, enlists and trains parent volunteers to spearhead the effort to encourage parents of seniors to contribute to the Class of 202X Endowment. Manages the quality and scope of the relationship between the school, parents, parents of alumni, alumni, and grandparents. Collaborates with Admission in securing alumni to attend and speak at current and prospective parent events. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher and 5+ years of experience with a proven track record of planning and executing a prosperous annual giving program. The successful candidate is an individual who has strong interpersonal skills and a warm outgoing personality to build relationships and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. They must also have directly cultivated, solicited and closed gifts. Risk-taker, goal oriented and self-motivated are good descriptions of you! Expertise in managing and motivating volunteers required. Excellent technology and communication skills including verbal, written and presentations. To Apply Please forward by email (no phone calls, please) a letter of interest, your resume, a writing sample, a list of your remarkable achievements and the names and contact information of five professional references to: devdirposition@westmarkschool.org Attn: Stephanie Sztanski, Director of Human Resources Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits offered. The position will remain opened until filled. Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for positions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, medical condition, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual expression, sexual identity or any other legally-protected status based on applicable law.