DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
About Christchurch School
Christchurch School is a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school serving grades 9-12. Founded in 1921, Christchurch is located on a 125-acre waterfront campus on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. The school’s mission is to serve and guide each student in achieving personal excellence in academics and character, preparing them for meaningful lives as engaged citizens and community leaders.
Position Overview
Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Major Gifts is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to secure major gifts in support of Christchurch School’s mission and strategic priorities. This individual will manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, cultivate meaningful relationships, solicit significant gifts ($10,000+), and steward long-term engagement with the school. The Director will play a central role in capital/comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, and endowment growth initiatives. This individual will embrace our mission, vision, core values, and its place in the Episcopal Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia school system as well as understand the school’s academic program and its campus culture.
The Director of Major Gifts primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Portfolio Management:
- Manage and grow a portfolio of 100–125 major gift prospects and donors.
- Conduct regular prospect visits (in-person and virtual) to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts.
- Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor.
- Fundraising Strategy:
- Collaborate with development leadership to design major gift strategies aligned with the school’s strategic plan and campaign goals.
- Assist in identifying new prospects through research and referrals from Board of Governors and Foundation Board, alumni, past and current parents.
- Work closely with the Head of School, the Chief Development Officer, and other senior administrators to engage in donor outreach.
- Campaign Involvement:
- Play a leadership role in any capital, endowment, or special fundraising campaigns.
- Prepare briefing materials, proposals, and donor communications.
- Planned Giving:
- Promote and support planned giving opportunities in coordination with the development team and external advisors.
- Events and Stewardship:
- Help design and execute major donor events, receptions, and recognition programs.
- Ensure timely and personalized stewardship, including thank-you letters, impact reports, and donor updates.
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with colleagues in Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, and Communications to ensure integrated messaging and donor engagement.
- Represent the school at key events and serve as a visible ambassador for Christchurch School.
- Confidentiality and Compliance:
- Ensure that all donor information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and in compliance with relevant data protection laws and school policies.
- Engagement:
- Possible engagement in the school community through duty, advisory, or a co-curricular activity.
- Other Duties:
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of successful major gift fundraising or equivalent experience in nonprofit/philanthropic organizations.
- Strong track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Familiarity with independent schools or educational fundraising preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Team player with a positive attitude, proactive approach, and customer service mindset.
- A disciplined, results-oriented self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively in a fluid environment.
- Experience with donor database systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Christchurch School is an equal opportunity employer. The school provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and job applicants without regard to an individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation, age, disability, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by applicable law. All aspects of personnel management – including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment, layoff, discipline, termination, compensation, benefits, training and working conditions – will be administered in accordance with this policy. Each employee is expected to do their part to maintain a working environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Conditional Offers
An offer of employment for this position is contingent upon the applicant’s right to work in the United States, authorization for and completion of successful background checks as may be requested by the school or required by law.
Compensation and Benefits
Christchurch School offers a highly competitive compensation package with benefits to include excellent health plan options, retirement benefits, professional development, and networking opportunities. This is a 12-month full-time exempt position.
Hours of Work
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work and occasional travel may be required as job duties demand.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume, references, salary requirements, and a cover letter to Michelle S. Schroeter, Chief Development Officer, at mschroeter@christchurchschool.org. No phone calls, please.
