Chief Advancement Officer

The role

The Chief Advancement Officer will advance the School's strategic vision through philanthropy and community engagement. This person will lead an office of six full-time advancement professionals and report to the Head of School.

What you will do

• Develop and lead a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with strategic priorities.
• Solicit, steward, and cultivate alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and foundations.
• Create annual and multi-year strategic fundraising plans.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and community partners.
• Work with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to identify philanthropic priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Advancement Office.
• Cultivate and maintain an active portfolio of major donor prospects.
• Work with school leadership to align advancement initiatives with overarching priorities.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of signature events.
• Contribute to schoolwide planning and strategic decision-making as a member of the Senior Administrative Leadership Team.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 7–10 years of senior-level experience in advancement/fundraising, institutional advancement, or development
• Demonstrated success with solicitation, stewardship, major gift fundraising, annual funds, planned giving, and campaign management
• Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, and operational management skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Leadership style characterized by collaboration, integrity, and diplomacy
• Commitment to mission-driven work
• Ability to envision and develop new programs while balancing mission and financial sustainability
• Highly organized and flexible

Nice to have

• Advanced degree (e.g., M.A., MBA, M.Ed.)
• Experience in independent schools, boarding/day schools, higher education, or nonprofit educational institutions

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary
• Up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days annually
• Shared cost high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
• School paid short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Retirement plan with match
• Supplemental insurance policies
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition remission and program discounts for children enrolled at the school
• Free, after-school care for children enrolled at the school
• Free lunch when school is in session

Before you apply

• Send an email to stabcao@ies-consulting.org with a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references
• Materials submitted through any other website or means will not be considered

About the company

St. Anne’s-Belfield School is an independent school in Charlottesville, Va., with 900+ students from age 2 through Grade 12. The school has two campuses on 55 acres.