Director of Advancement

About Alta Vista School

Alta Vista School (AVS) is an independent JK–8 STEAM school in San Francisco, with campuses in the Mission and Portola neighborhoods serving approximately 306 students. We are a community of curious, creative, and engaged learners — driven by inquiry, innovation, and a deep commitment to belonging and equity.

As AVS enters its next chapter — including a 15th anniversary milestone and exploring a potential capital campaign to unify our campuses — we are seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Director of Advancement to lead our fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts.

The Opportunity

The Director of Advancement is a senior leadership position responsible for building a robust culture of philanthropy at AVS while stewarding our school's story with authenticity and care. The Director of Advancement works in partnership with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and the Parent and Family Group to design and lead a comprehensive fundraising program encompassing annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, community events, and strategic communications.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the advancement program of a beloved school at a pivotal moment in its history — and to do so with the full support of school leadership, an engaged Board of Trustees, and a passionate community of alumni, families, and friends.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the school’s operating and strategic plans as appropriate, helping to secure the resources to achieve the school’s goals.
• Serve on the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring strong coordination between fundraising and communication activities and broader school priorities.
• Supervise and mentor the Advancement Associate, supporting their professional growth.
• Serve as the strategic leader of all fundraising efforts at AVS, responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening donor engagement, and building long-term philanthropic capacity.
• Partner with the Head of School, the CFOO, and the Advancement Committee to establish annual and long-term fundraising goals aligned with institutional priorities.
• Lead all aspects of the annual fund, including strategy, execution, and performance tracking.
• Own and grow a portfolio of major gift donors driving all stages of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to shape and advance major donor strategy and engagement.
• Lead the strategy and execution of signature fundraising events, including the Community Celebration and other key initiatives. Celebration and other signature fundraising events
• Lead the planning and execution of capital campaigns, overseeing all phases from feasibility and planning through execution and completion, including strategy, prospect pipeline development, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee and strengthen all fundraising operations, including donor systems, database management, gift processing, and reporting, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.



• Collaborate closely with the CFOO on budgeting, financial reporting, and gift accounting.
• Develop and manage the Advancement budget, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to meet fundraising objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward fundraising goals, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Provide regular, clear reporting on performance to the Head of School and Board of Trustees.

• Partner with the Advancement Committee Chair to establish the annual and long-term work of the Committee.
• Provide tools, strategy, and coaching to strengthen Board engagement in fundraising.
• Ensure strong alignment between Board leadership and Advancement strategy.

Communications & Publications

• Work closely with the Head of School and the Director of Admissions and Enrollment to implement a broad, comprehensive, and strategic internal and external communication plan. 
• Oversee all school communications, including newsletters, the annual report, website content, and social media
• Develop and maintain a consistent, compelling brand voice that reflects AVS's values and mission
• Create high-quality advancement materials, including case statements, campaign materials, and donor impact reports
• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to authentically tell the story of teaching and learning at AVS

Community Engagement & Alumni Relations

• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with current families, alumni, and the broader AVS community
• Develop and grow alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives
• Represent AVS with warmth, enthusiasm, and integrity at community events and donor meetings
• Liaise with the PFG (Parent and Family Group)

Qualifications

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds. The ideal Director of Advancement brings:

• 5 years of experience in nonprofit development, school advancement, or a related field
• A proven track record of managing and closing major gifts
• Experience with or strong interest in leading a capital campaign
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills — you are a storyteller
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with grace
• Proficiency with donor management software (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar)
• A genuine passion for independent school education and progressive pedagogy
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging — in practice, not just principle
• Experience managing staff and building collaborative, high-performing teams

What We Offer

• A mission-driven community that genuinely walks its values
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Salary range of $160,000 - $190,000 commensurate with experience
• A leadership role with real impact at an exciting moment in AVS's history

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Head of School, Rob Cousins at rob.cousins@altavistaschool.org.