Director of Development
Opening Statement
Sacramento Waldorf School is seeking a Director of Development.
The Director of Development at Sacramento Waldorf School is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of the school’s fundraising efforts. This includes managing Annual Giving, Endowment, and Campus Stewardship Funds, donor relations, and events. The Director will lead the Development Coordinator and work closely with school leadership, faculty, and the Board of Trustees to ensure that development activities align with the school’s mission and financial goals. This role also involves cultivating major gifts, supporting alumni and grandparent programs, and ensuring the integrity of donor data and reporting systems. The position requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to foster a culture of philanthropy and long-term sustainability.
About
Established in 1959, Sacramento Waldorf School is the oldest Waldorf School in Northern California. We are an accredited full member of AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America) and have also been accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) since 1983. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer commensurate salaries and benefits for the region based on experience and qualifications. Employment is contingent on a post-offer, pre-employment, fingerprint-based background check.
Sacramento Waldorf School is at an exciting point in its 65-year history. Preschool through High School, we are deeply engaged in developing anti-bias pedagogy and policies, auditing our curriculum for values alignment, training in restorative practices, and working on the next evolution of our Waldorf education programming. Waldorf schools, as intentional cultural institutions, have a responsibility to actualize social renewal in a living and responsive way. We believe that knowledge has been collectively created, is owned by all, and should be utilized in service of humanity. SWS is committed to welcoming and affirming diverse experiences and creating shared practices that represent all people in our learning community.
Education always takes place within the context of relationship at Sacramento Waldorf School. Whether it is in the classroom, in the lab, on the playing field, on the farm, in the studio, on stage, or in any of our many campus venues, thoughtful and supportive relationships create engaged learning. With PS-12 enrollment of 440, the smaller class sizes allow students to develop meaningful relationships with both peers and teachers. Young people are nurtured and challenged over the course of their education to develop a strong sense of self that will be of service to their communities.
Sacramento Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We recognize that the range of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance the school’s learning environment, and we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion. SWS asks all employees to proactively commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion; personal improvement; and service to the SWS mission, bringing energy and excitement to serve the students, faculty, and families of the school
Essential Job Duties
The Director of Development will be instrumental in driving the success of Sacramento Waldorf School’s fundraising initiatives and shaping the future of its financial growth. This leadership role provides a unique opportunity for a seasoned development professional to contribute to a vibrant and purpose-driven educational community. If you’re ready to lead with impact and innovation, we welcome your application.
Qualifications
Education and Related Work Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of relevant professional fund development experience, including:
- Fundraising/advancement management
- Marketing/communications
- Non-profit management skills
• Proven experience in cultivating and stewarding 5-figure gifts.
• Experience working within an educational and/or nonprofit setting (preferred).
• Experience in a distributed decision-making environment (strongly preferred).
• Experience in a private independent school (strongly preferred).
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications:
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification is a plus.
Technical Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
• Excellent supervisory skills, including the ability to assess and adjust workload expectations and provide appropriate support to staff on delegated projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to initiate projects, work independently, multitask, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work flexibly in a small organization, handling both strategic and day-to-day operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong CRM skills; experience with Veracross is a strong plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as needed.
Employment Details
Full-Time Position | 5 Days/Week; 40 hours/Week
Annual Salary: $68k – $72k
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer commensurate salaries and benefits for the region based on experience and qualifications. Employment is contingent on a post-offer, pre-employment, fingerprint-based background check.
To Apply
To apply, please complete an application, and submit a resume and letter of interest to jobs@sacwaldorf.org.