Director of Annual Giving

Esperanza Academy is entering a transformative new chapter and is seeking a Director of Annual Giving to help build the philanthropic engine that will sustain the school’s next phase of growth. As Esperanza enters this new era, including the opening of its new school, the Director of Annual Giving will help translate community belief in the mission into sustained annual support that fuels the school’s daily work with students and families.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Annual Giving will lead the Esperanza Fund, designing and implementing strategies that grow and sustain annual giving. The role will focus on deepening engagement with current donors, broadening the base of support, and ensuring that Esperanza’s annual fundraising efforts reflect the ambition and momentum of the institution.

ABOUT ESPERANZA: For nearly two decades, Esperanza has paired rigorous academics with a long-term commitment to its students, supporting them through middle school, high school placement, college navigation, and early career development. We believe that everyone deserves the right to a high-quality independent school education. Our school emphasizes racial, cultural, and community identity affirmation, music therapy, and restorative justice. As the school moves into its new home and expands its reach, Esperanza is positioned not only to serve more students and families, but to lead national conversations about what equitable, justice-centered education can look like.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy that sustains Esperanza’s operating needs.
• Manage all aspects of the Esperanza Fund, including appeals, events, and stewardship efforts.
• Lead annual giving efforts in a context where the donor base is not parent- or alum-driven, by building relationships with foundations, individual donors, and corporate partners who are aligned with Esperanza’s mission and values.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, trustees, and partners.
• Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer and Head of School on donor cultivation and engagement strategies
• Set, monitor, and report on goals for dollars raised, donor retention, and participation
• Coordinate annual fundraising communications, including digital campaigns, written appeals, and donor updates in collaboration with the Chief Strategy and Impact Officer.
• Support content development and amplification for fundraising and engagement efforts by drafting short-form content, posting to social media using established voice and guidelines, and helping gather and organize “mission moments” from across the school community.
• Strengthen donor participation and engagement across the Esperanza community.
• Track and analyze giving data to identify trends and opportunities for growth in partnership with the Director of Technology and Data
• Oversee the execution of fundraising events, working in collaboration with the School Principal's Office to support events when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Development team to ensure strong donor stewardship and retention practices.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of related work experience in fundraising, stewardship, community engagement, or donor events management is highly preferred.
• Strong personal commitment to our school values; a growth mindset, curiosity, and humility.
• Proven track record in fundraising, donor engagement, or development operations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and an ability to communicate a compelling case for support.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-moving, mission-driven organization.

Esperanza Academy offers an attractive benefits package including 403(b), medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, and a comprehensive professional development program.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter specifically detailing your qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references to employment@esperanzaacademy.org.