Director of Advancement

Ambleside School (Ambleside) is seeking a visionary, relational, and spiritually grounded leader to serve as its Director of Advancement. Founded in 1999, Ambleside is a Christ-centered K–8 school in McLean, Virginia, committed to providing a Charlotte Mason “living education.” In partnership with families, the school guides and empowers each student to think with the mind of Christ and to author a life rich in relationship to God, self, others, ideas, and all of creation. This enduring mission informs every decision the school makes and undergirds its academics, spiritual life, and community life. Through a broad and rich curriculum grounded in living books, daily spiritual rhythms, and a non-competitive atmosphere that cultivates habits of attention and diligence, Ambleside prepares students not only for future academic success but for thoughtful Christian discipleship and lifelong learning.

The Director of Advancement reports directly to the Head of School and works closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership. The Director is responsible for leading the school’s fundraising, donor cultivation, advancement communications, and community partnerships. This leader must be an effective relationship builder who can manage strategy, systems, and people with professionalism and warmth. As such, he or she must be skillful in collaborating with leadership, trustees, faculty, parents, alumni, and donors – producing consistently high-quality work while inspiring others to invest in and advance the mission of Ambleside School. As Ambleside continues to grow in influence and impact, the Director of Advancement will play a critical role in strengthening the partnerships and philanthropic support that sustain its mission.

Essential Job Functions

Mission & Community Presence

• Represent Ambleside’s Christ-centered, Charlotte Mason identity with warmth and professionalism

• Build meaningful relationships with families, churches, and community partners

• Share compelling, mission-centered stories that inspire engagement and support

Advancement Strategy & Donor Development

• Develop and execute a multi-year advancement strategy with annual fundraising goals

• Build and manage a healthy donor pipeline, including new, recurring, and major donors

• Cultivate and steward donors through thoughtful, consistent engagement

• Strengthen alumni engagement through communication and events

• Partner on capital or strategic initiatives as needed

Development Operations

• Oversee donor database management (Bloomerang) and reporting accuracy

• Track key advancement metrics (retention, major gifts, recurring giving, grants)

• Research and manage grant opportunities

• Produce high-quality stewardship materials and impact updates

Community & Alumni Engagement

• Lead alumni communications and annual alumni events

• Build partnerships with churches, ministries, and local organizations

• Support parent engagement through volunteer teams and ambassador programs

Fundraising Events & Campaigns

• Lead signature events, including the Ambleside Experience and Golf Tournament

• Oversee the Annual Fund, monthly giving, and seasonal campaigns

• Manage a comprehensive communications calendar for appeals and stewardship

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on advancement strategy

• Collaborate with Operations and Finance to align fundraising and financial planning

• Support broader school operations as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A vibrant, personal faith in Jesus Christ and alignment with Ambleside’s mission

• Strong relational and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders

• Strategic thinking combined with strong organizational and execution skills

• Experience managing donor relationships, fundraising strategy, and advancement systems

• Ability to inspire generosity and build long-term partnerships

• High level of professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail

Background and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 3–5 years of advancement, fundraising, or related experience preferred

• Master’s degree preferred

• Experience with donor management systems and reporting tools

• Alignment with Charlotte Mason philosophy and willingness to engage in ongoing training