Director of Development

About the Organization

Founded in 1965, Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The school boasts sixty years rich in a history of nurturing a lifelong love for learning among children ages 18 months through 6th grade – grounded in the Montessori method. An American Montessori Society Member School, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.

About the Opportunity

MCS seeks a dynamic and experienced fundraising professional to build and lead the school’s fundraising and alumni engagement programs. This is an opportunity to galvanize a community of current and alumni families to show their love for MCS and support the school’s mission and long term vision via generous financial support. Leading strategy and execution of annual fund, the spring gala and alumni engagement and giving programs, a team member in this role will demonstrate a bias toward action, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and strong systems thinking. This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves and help the community to come together in support of our whole-child educational program and a 60-years-old community of families across Santa Barbara County and beyond.

Roles & Responsibilities

The Director of Development will advance the following priorities and responsibilities for the school:

1. Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Create and implement a comprehensive fund development plan to meet the school’s financial goals that articulates the case for giving, the user experience of an MCS family – from admissions to alumni-hood – with respect to giving, and the role of the Board of Trustees in fund development.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, including current families, alumni families and foundations. 
• Lead The Fund for MCS annual giving campaigns and planned giving initiatives.

Donor Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors with a particular emphasis on cultivating engagement among MCS alumni families.
• Plan and execute donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Prepare and deliver compelling proposals, presentations and reports for donors.

Events & Community Engagement

• In close collaboration with the school’s Director of Community Engagement and gala committee, plan the school’s annual benefit auction gala, delivering strong financial performance and a great donor experience.
• Engage with the school community to promote a culture of philanthropy.
• Represent the school at community events and networking opportunities.

Development Operations

• Manage the development budget and ensure effective allocation of resources.
• Actively manage the donor database and ensure accuracy of records.
• Provide regular reports to the Head of School and Board of Trustees on fundraising progress and initiatives.
• Oversee production of the school’s annual report and other donor engagement communications tools and collateral.

Qualifications

Successful candidates for this role will bring the following qualifications:

Experience & Professional Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
• 5+ years experience in a fundraising role for a school or nonprofit organization
• Prior leadership responsibility for raising $500,000+ in annual giving with a proven track record of meeting annual development goals
• Strong understanding of the principles and practices of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving and capital campaigns
• Experience delivering strong communications across a diverse community of donors
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills with the ability to create compelling narratives and presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with donors, volunteers and community members
• Highly organized, with strong event management skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in development software and donor database management

Mindsets

• Commitment to MCS’ mission, vision and core values
• Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively as a member of a results-oriented, high-performing team
• Commitment to living out principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills 
• Independent self-starter capable of managing multiple, complex projects to completion on competing and parallel timelines
• Capacity to share and receive and implement feedback with grace and agility
• High level of emotional intelligence, integrity and humor

Compensation

This is a salaried, exempt full-time position 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with starting annualized salary for experienced applicants ranging from $113,000 to $130,000 annually. Full-time employees of MCS are eligible for comprehensive health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan matching and paid time off. 

To Express Interest

To express your interest in this role with MCS, please email: (1) a one-page cover letter and (2) a one- or two-page professional resume to Head of School Vanessa Jackson: v.jackson@mcssb.org. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we aim to make an offer to a highly qualified candidate for this role by August 1, 2025.

Talent Inclusivity & Non-discrimination

Montessori Center School is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for our students, families, faculty, and staff. Our Montessori philosophy emphasizes respect for all individuals, and we strive to uphold these values in every aspect of our school community. If you require accommodations during the application process, please let us know.