St. Michael’s Country Day School, located in historic Newport, Rhode Island, serves ~265 students from Toddler through Grade 8 and is guided by the mission of developing Courageous Learners and Caring Citizens who are World Ready. With a vibrant community, small class sizes, and an impressive campus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the school fosters joyful, student-centered learning where curiosity is encouraged, and every child is known and valued. Our dedicated faculty and staff collaborate to design innovative, project-based curricula that engage students across academic disciplines. The school is known for its strong academic preparation for the full range of secondary schools, extensive arts programming and commitment to meeting the needs of a range of learners. As the school continues to grow, we seek mission-aligned professionals eager to contribute to a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Development leads the school’s fundraising efforts, collaborating closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees and key administrators to design, implement, and grow a comprehensive development program.  The primary focus of this role is fundraising—securing annual and capital gifts.  This is a highly collaborative role, best suited for someone who thrives in a mission-driven environment, and is energized by the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing school.  

While the aim is to secure someone full time for this role, the school is willing to consider alternative arrangements for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Lead and grow all aspects of the school’s fundraising program, including the Annual Fund, major gifts, capital and strategic initiatives, and securing grants from foundations.
• Develop and execute a year-round fundraising plan and strategy, aligned with school priorities and mission.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors and prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. 
• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on meaningful, long-term engagement.
• Support and guide the Head of School, Trustees, and other key stakeholders in donor outreach and solicitation efforts.

Donor Relations & Communications

• Ensure timely and personalized stewardship of all gifts and donors.
• Create compelling fundraising materials and communications, in partnership with the Head of School and Communications team.
• Provide regular reporting on fundraising progress to the Head of School and Board of Trustees.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as the voice of leadership, in collaboration with the Head of School, to the Board’s Advancement Committee.
• Work in coordination with the administrative team to align messaging and support school-wide initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to school leadership on development best practices and donor engagement strategy.

Other Duties (as time and priorities allow)

• Support occasional school-wide community events with a donor or alumni focus.
• Oversee and strengthen alumni engagement efforts in a strategic and scalable way.
• Research and pursue relevant grant opportunities to support school initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, with a strong track record of soliciting and closing gifts.
• Independent school or nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, and senior leadership.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases (e.g.,  Raiser’s Edge) and donor management best practices.
• Deep appreciation for the mission of St. Michael’s and a willingness to engage in the life of the school.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Desired Characteristics 

• Acts with integrity and authenticity and aligns decisions with the school’s mission.
• Exercises discretion and maintains a high level of professionalism.
• Supportive and positive team member.
• Collaborative in approach.
• Comfort navigating complexity and ambiguity.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills - direct communicator.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits include health insurance, retirement plan contributions, tuition remission, and generous paid time off.

To Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references to:

Walter Landberg, Head of School
Email: wlandberg@smcds.org
Subject line: Director of Development Application