What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Annual Giving position at FISHBURNE MILITARY SCHOOL?
Director of Annual Giving
Fishburne Military School
Fishburne Military School, the oldest (1879) and smallest all-male military boarding school in Virginia, seeks a new fundraising professional to serve as its Director of Annual Giving to steward and grow its $1M annual giving effort. We are looking for someone who knows that impact isn’t about scale, it’s about connection. You’ll lead our annual giving strategy, building relationships that turn alumni, parents, and friends into lasting partners. Serving day and boarding students in grades 6-12, including a growing international student body, this is a community that values tradition and personal attention. You’ll help fuel it with support that grows year after year.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic young or mid-career professional with fundraising experience, preferably in an independent school who is ready to advance in their career. A senior advancement professional looking for a new setting, especially one with untapped potential would also be a great fit. An undergraduate degree is required and working knowledge of Blackbaud Raisers’ Edge NXT is desirable. Military experience is not essential. Compensation and benefits are consistent with other small boarding schools. Some remote work is negotiable. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and resume to Colonel Randal E. Brown (VA), Head of School, at rbrown@fishburne.org.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Fishburne Military School seeks a Director of Annual Giving. Reporting to the Dean of Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving will lead the strategy and execution of a comprehensive annual giving program to advance Fishburne’s philanthropic goals. Adding to a team of three, this role is responsible for cultivating and stewarding individual donors, managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, and driving consistent annual support.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Lead the $1M Annual Giving program, setting strategy and driving results across key campaigns including calendar year-end, Fiscal Year close, and Give Day(s).
● Leverage digital tools like text-to-give and GiveCampus to expand reach, personalize appeals, boost participation, and streamline donor engagement.
● Oversee donor stewardship, gift acknowledgment, and donor base growth, with a focus on increasing first-time and repeat gifts.
● Collaborate with the advancement team, faculty, staff, and school leadership to align fundraising and community engagement efforts.
● Recruit, train, and support volunteer networks (alumni, parents, friends), setting clear goals and stewardship plans.
● Partner with the Director of Alumni Affairs on Reunion Class Giving and the class agent program.
● Analyze campaign data to inform strategy and improve results.
● Support major school events (including evenings and weekends) and assist with gift processing in Raiser’s Edge.
● Contribute to the Annual Report and maintain strict confidentiality of all donor information.
COLLABORATION & ENGAGEMENT
● Work with the Head of School and Dean of Advancement to strengthen community relations through local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Waynesboro Downtown Development.
● Support colleagues in donor cultivation and stewardship.
● This role requires occasional evening and weekend availability.
PREFERRED
● Previous experience in an Advancement Office
● Experience with Raiser’s Edge/RE NXT and GiveCampus
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor's Degree
● Experience with volunteer management
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Pay: $53,700.00 - $64,800.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $53,700 - $64,800