Careers

Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS), a premier ski academy serving 135 alpine and nordic ski racers who are also deeply committed to their academic pursuits is seeking a Director of Development.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Development will provide leadership designed to establish and execute forward-thinking fundraising and community engagement programs in the spirit of promoting a culture of philanthropy among the schools many constituents. The Director of Development will work closely with the school’s leadership team and the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of GMVS’s fundraising, including the major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events and capital campaigns.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage forward-thinking development/advancement and strategic programs that optimally grow the annual, major, and capital giving campaigns as well as planning giving in a manner that supports the school’s mission and long-range goals.
• Oversee all aspects of the development program, including fundraising, leading the annual giving program, guiding any capital campaigns, soliciting corporate and foundation grants, and planning and managing special development events.
• In conjunction with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, develop and execute strategic cultivation and annual solicitation programs specifically targeting key donors and prospects among our various constituencies.
• Enhance existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the community.
• Nurture and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the Head of School, the Board Chair, and individual Trustees, supporting them in all their fundraising responsibilities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications on public relations initiatives and the production of fundraising-related communication materials to expand and enhance the school’s visibility and reputation.
• Collaborate with the Alumni & Events Coordinator(s) to strength relationships with the school’s alumni and alumni parents, and further develop alumni programming.
• Serve as a liaison to the Advancement/Development Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Measure and track progress against established goals and keep the Head of School and Board of Trustees’ Development Committee engaged with and informed of plans and progress.
• Liaise with the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees and provide regular reporting to the Board.
• Establish and oversee the development office budget and administrative systems to accurately manage donor/prospect information, gift processing, acknowledgement, accounting, management, data and reporting systems.
• Oversee management of any grants and, in consultation with the Business Manager, maintain working knowledge of all relevant IRS regulations, ensuring compliance.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• Demonstrated depth of knowledge and skill regarding fundraising – ideally with experience in independent schools, non-profits, or college settings.
• Proven, hands-on skills in fundraising/development and events
• Extensive organizational and people skills with experience in working independently and with initiative
• Proficiency in computer skills and use of Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Excel, as well as database management
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple, competing projects and meeting established goals
• Ability and willingness to participate fully in the life of the School – including providing general supervision of students and working occasional nights and weekends
• Ability and desire to quickly acclimate to GMVS, by developing a thorough understanding of the School’s history, culture, traditions, constituencies, philosophy, vision, and values
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, a detail-oriented creative eye, enthusiasm for the GMVS experience and the ability to work collaboratively with other staff
• Passion for working with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including colleagues, faculty, parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends
• Passion for advancing competitive sports, particularly ski racing