Eagle Hill School | Hardwick, MA
Director of Development Opportunity Statement
How to Apply
Eagle Hill School has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Head of School, Erin Wynne), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document to Alison Moore, Senior Recruiter, at [email protected]. Please do not contact the school directly.
Read the full Director of Development Opportunity Statement
About Eagle Hill School
Eagle Hill School is the premier college preparatory boarding school for students in grades 8–12 with diverse learning profiles such as ADHD and dyslexia; and is an authorized IB World school offering the IB Diploma Programme.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is a senior administrative role responsible for advancing Eagle Hill School’s philanthropic priorities and securing the financial resources necessary to support its mission and vision. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director 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 Director 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. The Director manages an associate director of development and stewardship, a development associate/database manager, and a part-time alumni relations associate.
Roles & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities
- Serve as the primary architect of 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
Annual Giving & Leadership Giving
- 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 Parent Advisory Board and class agents
- Analyze performance data to refine strategy and maximize results
Major Gifts & Campaign Fundraising
- 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
Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Design and maintain comprehensive stewardship program that demonstrates impact and deepens relationships
- Oversee recognition programs, endowed fund reporting, and giving societies (including the 1967 Society)
- Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts
- Produce high-quality donor communications, including but not limited to relevant portions of the annual report.
- Maintain accurate records of donor engagement and recognition commitments
Alumni & Community Engagement
- 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
Foundation & Grant Relations
- Identify and pursue foundation and institutional funding opportunities when appropriate
- Prepare competitive proposals and reports as needed
- Build long-term relationships with foundation partners
Communications & Advancement Operations
- Oversee development communications, including print and digital materials, giving pages, and donor publications
- Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to ensure consistent messaging
- Utilize advancement databases and analytics to support strategy and reporting
- Prepare reports for the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Parent Advisory Board
Professional Engagement & Institutional Knowledge
- Remain current with best practices in independent school advancement
- Participate in professional development opportunities and peer networks
- Develop a deep understanding of Eagle Hill’s mission, programs, and community
- Serve as a knowledgeable and compelling ambassador for the school
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School in support of the school’s advancement goals
- Serve as member of administrative leadership governing school policy, student affairs, and operations
- Frequent domestic travel and occasional/seasonal evening weekend events
Qualifications
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, preferably in independent schools, higher education, or nonprofit organizations
- Experience securing major gifts and leading comprehensive campaigns 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
How to Apply
Eagle Hill School has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Head of School, Erin Wynne), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document to Alison Moore, Senior Recruiter, at [email protected]. Please do not contact the school directly.