What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Advancement position at St. Andrew's Schools?
JOB POSTING DETAILS
Job Title
Director of Advancement
Job Type
Full Time
Position Level
Experienced
Job Description
Position Overview
The Director of Advancement is a visionary relationship builder and strategic fundraising leader responsible for advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of St. Andrew's Schools through philanthropy, community engagement, and institutional partnerships.
Working closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Administrative Leadership Team, the Director develops and executes a comprehensive advancement strategy that inspires generosity, deepens constituent engagement, and secures philanthropic support for the school's strategic priorities. This leader cultivates meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, grandparents, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and friends of the school while fostering a vibrant culture of philanthropy grounded in Queen Emma's legacy of compassion, service, and educational opportunity.
Above all, the Director of Advancement understands that philanthropy is about people, purpose, and relationships. Successful fundraising begins with listening, building trust, and helping donors connect their passions with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
As St. Andrew's Schools begins an exciting new chapter as a fully coeducational PK–12 independent Episcopal school, the Director of Advancement will play a pivotal role in shaping the school's future by securing the philanthropic resources needed to support transformational initiatives, exceptional educational programs, student scholarships, faculty excellence, and campus improvements. This leader will help ensure that the generosity of today's donors creates life-changing opportunities for tomorrow's students, strengthening the school for generations to come.
The Director of Advancement serves as a member of the Administrative Leadership Team and works collaboratively across the school to strengthen community engagement, celebrate the school's impact, and ensure the long-term vitality of St. Andrew's Schools.
What Success Looks Like
During the first 12–18 months, the Director of Advancement will work collaboratively with the Head of School, Administrative Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees to make meaningful progress in the following areas:
Strengthen Philanthropic Relationships
Build authentic relationships with current and prospective donors, expanding the school's pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation supporters while increasing donor engagement, stewardship, and long-term investment in the mission of St. Andrew's Schools.
Grow a Culture of Philanthropy
Foster a school-wide culture in which trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends understand the transformational impact of philanthropy and actively champion the school's mission and strategic priorities.
Increase Sustainable Fundraising
Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that strengthen annual giving, major gifts, grants, endowment support, and planned giving while diversifying philanthropic revenue and increasing long-term financial sustainability.
Elevate Alumni & Community Engagement
Deepen alumni engagement while strengthening partnerships with community leaders, businesses, foundations, and strategic partners that advance the school's mission and expand its impact throughout Hawai?i.
Strengthen Advancement Infrastructure
Enhance the school's advancement operations through effective donor stewardship, prospect management, data integrity, reporting, and fundraising systems that support long-term organizational excellence.
Advance the School's Strategic Vision
Secure philanthropic support for transformational initiatives, innovative educational programs, faculty excellence, student scholarships, and campus improvements that position St. Andrew's Schools for continued success for generations to come.
Key Areas of Leadership & Responsibility
Partner closely with the Head of School to identify philanthropic opportunities and cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and Advancement Committee to establish fundraising priorities and long-term philanthropic strategies.
Develop annual advancement plans, measurable goals, and key performance indicators; regularly evaluate progress and recommend strategic adjustments.
Stay current on emerging trends and best practices in philanthropy, donor engagement, and independent school advancement.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects in partnership with the Head of School and Board leadership.
Expand and diversify the school's donor base while strengthening relationships with current supporters.
Research grant opportunities, prepare compelling proposals, and oversee grant compliance and reporting.
Develop strategies that increase donor participation, giving levels, and long-term philanthropic engagement.
Prepare annual fundraising reports that measure institutional progress and celebrate donor impact.
Ensure donors receive meaningful recognition, timely communication, and ongoing engagement that inspires continued investment.
Oversee donor prospect research, gift tracking, acknowledgements, recognition, stewardship reporting, and planned giving initiatives.
Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure accurate gift recording, endowment reporting, and donor accountability.
Promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the school with the goal of achieving broad participation among trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends.
Collaborate with the Head of School to prepare committee agendas, reports, meeting materials, and strategic recommendations.
Support trustees and volunteer leaders in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Develop fundraising policies and donor engagement strategies for Board consideration.
Strengthen alumni engagement through reunions, networking opportunities, volunteer leadership, and lifelong connections to the school.
Represent St. Andrew's Schools throughout the community, cultivating relationships with civic leaders, businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Secure sponsorships, auction donations, and strategic partnerships that enhance fundraising success.
Ensure the integrity and effective utilization of the advancement database, donor records, prospect management systems, and reporting tools.
Develop and monitor the Advancement Office operating budget.
Manage contracts, software platforms, consultants, and vendor relationships.
Oversee the preservation of the school's historical archives and institutional records.
Support integrated communication strategies that strengthen donor engagement, alumni relations, and community awareness.
Partner with school leadership to celebrate student success, faculty excellence, and transformational initiatives through print, digital, and social media communications.
Support Parent Teacher Fellowship initiatives, including oversight of the school uniform store.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree required.
Master's degree or advanced study in nonprofit management, philanthropy, business, communications, education, or a related field preferred.
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and advancement leadership experience.
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, mission-driven leader who is energized by building authentic relationships and connecting generous individuals with opportunities to make a lasting difference. They are a compelling storyteller, an excellent listener, and an experienced fundraiser who leads with humility, integrity, gratitude, and optimism. They embrace innovation while honoring tradition and are passionate about helping St. Andrew's Schools thrive for generations to come.
Why St. Andrew's Schools?
Founded in 1867 by Queen Emma Kaleleonālani, St. Andrew's Schools is one of Hawai?i's oldest and most innovative independent schools. Rooted in our Hawaiian and Episcopal heritage, we are committed to developing students who lead with integrity, compassion, courage, and purpose.
As we begin our first year as a fully coeducational PK–12 school, we are entering a transformative period of growth and possibility. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an accomplished advancement leader to partner with an engaged Board of Trustees, dedicated faculty and staff, passionate alumni, generous donors, and an inspiring Head of School to shape the future of one of Hawai?i's most mission-driven educational institutions.
If you are energized by meaningful relationships, inspired by educational excellence, and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on future generations, we invite you to join us as we continue Queen Emma's legacy of expanding educational opportunity and empowering every learner to Kūlia i ka Nu?u—Strive for the Highest.
Education
Applicant Requirements:
4 Year Degree
Non-discriminatory Statement
Apply To:
Employment at St. Andrew's Schools
employment@standrewsschools.org
Job Title
Director of Advancement
Job Type
Full Time
Position Level
Experienced
Job Description
Position Overview
The Director of Advancement is a visionary relationship builder and strategic fundraising leader responsible for advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of St. Andrew's Schools through philanthropy, community engagement, and institutional partnerships.
Working closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Administrative Leadership Team, the Director develops and executes a comprehensive advancement strategy that inspires generosity, deepens constituent engagement, and secures philanthropic support for the school's strategic priorities. This leader cultivates meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, grandparents, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and friends of the school while fostering a vibrant culture of philanthropy grounded in Queen Emma's legacy of compassion, service, and educational opportunity.
Above all, the Director of Advancement understands that philanthropy is about people, purpose, and relationships. Successful fundraising begins with listening, building trust, and helping donors connect their passions with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
As St. Andrew's Schools begins an exciting new chapter as a fully coeducational PK–12 independent Episcopal school, the Director of Advancement will play a pivotal role in shaping the school's future by securing the philanthropic resources needed to support transformational initiatives, exceptional educational programs, student scholarships, faculty excellence, and campus improvements. This leader will help ensure that the generosity of today's donors creates life-changing opportunities for tomorrow's students, strengthening the school for generations to come.
The Director of Advancement serves as a member of the Administrative Leadership Team and works collaboratively across the school to strengthen community engagement, celebrate the school's impact, and ensure the long-term vitality of St. Andrew's Schools.
What Success Looks Like
During the first 12–18 months, the Director of Advancement will work collaboratively with the Head of School, Administrative Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees to make meaningful progress in the following areas:
Strengthen Philanthropic Relationships
Build authentic relationships with current and prospective donors, expanding the school's pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation supporters while increasing donor engagement, stewardship, and long-term investment in the mission of St. Andrew's Schools.
Grow a Culture of Philanthropy
Foster a school-wide culture in which trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends understand the transformational impact of philanthropy and actively champion the school's mission and strategic priorities.
Increase Sustainable Fundraising
Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that strengthen annual giving, major gifts, grants, endowment support, and planned giving while diversifying philanthropic revenue and increasing long-term financial sustainability.
Elevate Alumni & Community Engagement
Deepen alumni engagement while strengthening partnerships with community leaders, businesses, foundations, and strategic partners that advance the school's mission and expand its impact throughout Hawai?i.
Strengthen Advancement Infrastructure
Enhance the school's advancement operations through effective donor stewardship, prospect management, data integrity, reporting, and fundraising systems that support long-term organizational excellence.
Advance the School's Strategic Vision
Secure philanthropic support for transformational initiatives, innovative educational programs, faculty excellence, student scholarships, and campus improvements that position St. Andrew's Schools for continued success for generations to come.
Key Areas of Leadership & Responsibility
- Strategic Leadership
Partner closely with the Head of School to identify philanthropic opportunities and cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and Advancement Committee to establish fundraising priorities and long-term philanthropic strategies.
Develop annual advancement plans, measurable goals, and key performance indicators; regularly evaluate progress and recommend strategic adjustments.
Stay current on emerging trends and best practices in philanthropy, donor engagement, and independent school advancement.
- Fundraising & Philanthropy
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects in partnership with the Head of School and Board leadership.
Expand and diversify the school's donor base while strengthening relationships with current supporters.
Research grant opportunities, prepare compelling proposals, and oversee grant compliance and reporting.
Develop strategies that increase donor participation, giving levels, and long-term philanthropic engagement.
Prepare annual fundraising reports that measure institutional progress and celebrate donor impact.
- Donor Relations & Stewardship
Ensure donors receive meaningful recognition, timely communication, and ongoing engagement that inspires continued investment.
Oversee donor prospect research, gift tracking, acknowledgements, recognition, stewardship reporting, and planned giving initiatives.
Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure accurate gift recording, endowment reporting, and donor accountability.
Promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the school with the goal of achieving broad participation among trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends.
- Board & Volunteer Leadership
Collaborate with the Head of School to prepare committee agendas, reports, meeting materials, and strategic recommendations.
Support trustees and volunteer leaders in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Develop fundraising policies and donor engagement strategies for Board consideration.
- Community Engagement & Special Events
Strengthen alumni engagement through reunions, networking opportunities, volunteer leadership, and lifelong connections to the school.
Represent St. Andrew's Schools throughout the community, cultivating relationships with civic leaders, businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Secure sponsorships, auction donations, and strategic partnerships that enhance fundraising success.
- Advancement Operations
Ensure the integrity and effective utilization of the advancement database, donor records, prospect management systems, and reporting tools.
Develop and monitor the Advancement Office operating budget.
Manage contracts, software platforms, consultants, and vendor relationships.
Oversee the preservation of the school's historical archives and institutional records.
- Strategic Communications
Support integrated communication strategies that strengthen donor engagement, alumni relations, and community awareness.
Partner with school leadership to celebrate student success, faculty excellence, and transformational initiatives through print, digital, and social media communications.
- Other Responsibilities
Support Parent Teacher Fellowship initiatives, including oversight of the school uniform store.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree required.
Master's degree or advanced study in nonprofit management, philanthropy, business, communications, education, or a related field preferred.
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and advancement leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading comprehensive fundraising programs, including annual, capital, endowment, and planned giving campaigns.
- Experience working closely with boards, executive leaders, volunteers, and high-capacity donors.
- Experience within an independent school, higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit organization is preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional relationship-building, networking, and interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical, organizational, and project management abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire generosity and cultivate meaningful donor relationships.
- High degree of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience with donor relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Bloomerang, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and fundraising technologies.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments while leading with initiative, optimism, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings, donor events, and school functions as needed.
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, mission-driven leader who is energized by building authentic relationships and connecting generous individuals with opportunities to make a lasting difference. They are a compelling storyteller, an excellent listener, and an experienced fundraiser who leads with humility, integrity, gratitude, and optimism. They embrace innovation while honoring tradition and are passionate about helping St. Andrew's Schools thrive for generations to come.
Why St. Andrew's Schools?
Founded in 1867 by Queen Emma Kaleleonālani, St. Andrew's Schools is one of Hawai?i's oldest and most innovative independent schools. Rooted in our Hawaiian and Episcopal heritage, we are committed to developing students who lead with integrity, compassion, courage, and purpose.
As we begin our first year as a fully coeducational PK–12 school, we are entering a transformative period of growth and possibility. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an accomplished advancement leader to partner with an engaged Board of Trustees, dedicated faculty and staff, passionate alumni, generous donors, and an inspiring Head of School to shape the future of one of Hawai?i's most mission-driven educational institutions.
If you are energized by meaningful relationships, inspired by educational excellence, and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on future generations, we invite you to join us as we continue Queen Emma's legacy of expanding educational opportunity and empowering every learner to Kūlia i ka Nu?u—Strive for the Highest.
Education
Applicant Requirements:
4 Year Degree
Non-discriminatory Statement
Apply To:
Employment at St. Andrew's Schools
employment@standrewsschools.org
Salary : $85,000 - $110,000