Vice President for Development - West End School

Founded in 2005 with just three middle school students, West End School has grown over the past 20 years and is now serving over 205 boys and girls in pre-k through eighth grade. In addition, students who are graduates of the program may continue to live on campus while attending local high schools. The school is fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS).

West End School offers small class settings so that all students receive individualized instruction. Additionally, we provide counseling support to address emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns. Before and After School enrichment programs are available for pre-k through fifth grade day students. Middle school students participate in team sports and board in our residence hall five days a week. The school also provides optional on-campus housing for alumni who have graduated from the program.

West End School is searching for a new Vice President for Development, reporting directly to the Head of School. The Vice President for Development will serve as the school’s chief fundraising strategist and leader. This is a newly created position designed to build and oversee a comprehensive development program that secures the philanthropic resources necessary to advance the West End School’s mission to provide a safe and structured environment for scholars in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th in which academic rigor, character development, and responsible action establish the foundation for a purposeful life. The Vice President will work closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and community leaders to cultivate and steward relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven leader with experience in building development programs and engaging high-capacity donors. This role requires a strong relationship-builder who can leverage the school’s powerful story to inspire philanthropic support.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, foundation and corporate giving, annual giving and special events.

· Partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to set annual and long-term fundraising goals aligned with the school’s strategic priorities.

· Build and lead a high-performing development team as resources and growth allow.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, with a focus on high-capacity individuals, foundations, and corporations.

• Partner with Board members to expand the school’s philanthropic network and donor pipeline.

• Ensure consistent and meaningful donor engagement, recognition, and stewardship.

Board and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to maximize their influence, networks, and philanthropic capacity.

• Serve as a key ambassador for the school within the community, representing the mission to stakeholders and prospective supporters.

• Provide leadership to the Head of School and Board in all development-related efforts.

Development Infrastructure

• Establish systems, processes, and metrics to ensure an efficient and effective development operation.

• Oversee donor database, gift acknowledgment, reporting, and compliance functions.

• Ensure transparency and accountability in fundraising results and reporting.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses. Analyzes market and competition. Identifies external threats and opportunities. Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to all stakeholders.

• Ethos – Models and embodies the values and mission of the school. Practices servant leadership by placing the needs of students, families, and community at the center of decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or fundraising certification preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts and institutional giving.

• Proven experience creating or significantly expanding a development program.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills

• Ability to articulate mission with passion and clarity.

• Demonstrated track record of cultivating and closing high-level philanthropic gifts.

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire school administration, Board, donors, and volunteers.

• Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and access in education.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range $100,000 - $112,000, commensurate with experience

• 403(b)

• 403(b) match

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Short Term Disability

• 2 weeks paid time off

• Sick Leave

Working Environment & Conditions

• This position is full-time and is an exempt role. Working hours will be required outside of the standard business day, and nights and Saturdays will periodically be required due to scope of responsibility

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

• This position requires working in an office and business environment

• Local travel will be required

How to Apply: Please submit the following to gkosse@h2rconsultingllc.com 

• Letter of interest

• Resume

• Three professional references

West End School is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. West End School encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.