Strategenius is excited to partner with New Roads School, an academically vigorous, progressive K-12 school in sunny Santa Monica, on their search for their next Director of Advancement.

Founded in 1995, New Roads was born from a bold belief that students learn best in an authentically inclusive environment where differences are celebrated and every voice matters. New Roads is more than just a school - it is a true educational village where intellectual curiosity meets social consciousness.

Starting its 30th year this fall, New Roads is seeking a dynamic Director of Advancement with proven skills in the field who can build meaningful partnerships across the entire community. Under the leadership of Interim Head of School Dan Vorenberg, a seasoned and well-respected independent school Head, the school is ready to establish a comprehensive culture of philanthropy – one that honors the school’s mission and vision while securing the financial resources needed for lasting impact. New Roads is currently operating from a position of strength and stability – they have strong enrollment, annual giving that has surpassed target goals, and an operating budget surplus despite the recent Southern California wildfires.

Reporting directly to the Head of School and joining an engaged and dedicated senior leadership team, the Director will have the opportunity to establish new traditions of giving, build bridges across the school's diverse community, and develop innovative approaches to fundraising that honor New Roads' unique character. This position is essential to advancing the school's noteworthy goals, including strengthening campus facilities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the school's commitment to accessibility and excellence. The Director role represents a rare opportunity for an exceptional leader who understands that great philanthropy follows great ideas and compelling vision.

The Director of Advancement will join a community known for its authenticity, creativity, and unwavering commitment to each student's individual journey. With families who chose New Roads for its values-driven approach and educators dedicated to innovative learning, the school is positioned to cultivate generous investment from those who believe deeply in its mission. This role offers the chance to work alongside passionate advocates who are ready to ensure New Roads can continue changing lives for generations to come.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The Director of Advancement will collaborate across the school community to create, lead, and support opportunities for the systematic advancement of the school’s mission and strategic plan by prioritizing the following:

• Develop strategic and tactical plans for all philanthropic endeavors at the school, while staying deeply rooted in the culture, community, and mission of the school

• Utilize best practices, storytelling, and proven expertise to foster a strong culture of philanthropy within the New Roads community

• Act as a thought partner and right-hand to the Head of School, able to work collaboratively, provide educated counsel, and speak as the voice and face of the school in the Head’s absence

• Partner closely with the Board of Trustees, providing guidance, keeping them informed, and activating them as a valuable resource

• As needed, develop, strengthen, and leverage key constituencies such as the Parent Village, alumni network, alumni parents, grandparent/special friends network, and the surrounding community

• Develop and/or strengthen systems, policies, processes, and procedures related to advancement in order to better structure work for future growth and success

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree required

• A minimum of five years of experience, with increasing responsibility, in a broad range of fundraising activities – annual campaign, major gifts fundraising, events, and related fundraising activities, including:

» Experience in developing a strategic fund development plan

» Experience in establishing strategies for identifying, qualifying, and cultivating prospective donors; proven and measurable track record of successful face-to-face interactions with prospective donors; record of successful stewardship of existing donors

• Experience managing projects and a department

• Facility with Raiser’s Edge or comparable software

• Knowledge and understanding of advancement best practice trends and challenges; drive to continuously update knowledge and skills in this area

• Previous experience working on a capital campaign and/or with a capital campaign consultant

• Familiarity with independent schools is a plus

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