The Director of Leadership Gifts reports to the Director of Institutional Advancement and is responsible for securing and growing leadership gifts for the Nightingale Fund across all constituencies. This will require the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors making annual gifts between $2,500 – $10,000 as well as identifying new leadership prospects. In partnership with the Director of Institutional Advancement and the Director of Major Gifts, the Director of Leadership Gifts serves as one of the lead fundraisers for qualifying prospects and driving the School’s leadership program and fueling the major gift program and prospects for Nightingale-Bamford’s Future Ready endowment campaign.

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Managing a personal portfolio of approximately 140-160 Nightingale Fund leadership gift prospects and donors with a giving capacity of $2,500 – $10,000. Responsibilities include identification, qualification (setting targets), cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship as outlined in the Metrics for the Advancement Office
• Moving leadership annual giving prospects through the various stages of the donor cycle based on the moves management model established for all fundraisers documenting contacts, solicitations and meetings in Raiser’s Edge.
• Working with the Director of Annual Giving and Director of Alumnae Relations, identify and recruit new members for volunteer leadership opportunities including, but not limited to, Nightingale Fund Parent Class Agents, Alumnae Class Agents, the Alumnae Board, and the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborating with the Director of Annual Giving to develop and implement annual and multiyear plan for increasing total Annual Giving and participation across all constituencies at the leadership level. Plan and execute leadership annual giving cultivation and stewardship events.
• Partnering with the Manager of Data Services and the Director of Annual Giving, develop reports that track year-to-date progress in areas such as leadership giving, constituency giving, rates of participation, number of gifts, average gift size and year over year variances by constituencies. Analyze trends and identify areas of growth.
• Providing support as needed to programs and events outside the scope of Leadership Giving that provide a meaningful stewardship opportunity. Attend key events to interact with donors and prospects as well as keep apprised of timely and relevant School events and activities.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Institutional Advancement.

Required Qualifications:

•  Understanding of the role of annual giving in building a culture of philanthropy.
• Five to seven years of proven success in fundraising and direct solicitation.
• Demonstrated experience taking ownership of solicitations and developing fundraising strategies.
• Ability to set goals strategically and oversee execution.
• The successful candidate will be highly organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, creative, strategic, professional and able to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
• Candidates must have a high level of computer literacy, including experience using online databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge, and other sources to locate financial and philanthropic
• Strong and sound judgment.
• Natural ability to hear what people are saying and what their real concerns may be.
• Innate ability to show respect and honor the dignity of all donors regardless of gift level.
• Ability to fully embrace the Nightingale-Bamford mission and culture.
• Occasional nights and weekends will be required as well as some travel. Managing the expenses and reporting associated with that travel are also required.
• Bachelor’s degree is required.

Personal and Professional Characteristics:

• A shared understanding of the mission of the School and a demonstrated commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• An appreciation of independent school environment with a passion for all-girls education.
• Excellent attention to detail, professional attitude, a high level of integrity and a strong work ethic.
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• Flexibility and initiative combined with the skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve institutional goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff, volunteers, trustees, donors, and prospective donors.
• Strong organization and project management skills.
• Superb oral and written communication skills.
• High level of initiative, proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Possesses a sense of humor and appreciates this trait in others.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of the School to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The School’s employment practices and decisions adhere to the principles of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. This commitment to equal opportunity applies to and is reflected in all School activities, including, but not limited to, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, staffing, training, promotions, compensation practices, employee benefits, social programs, discipline, and termination of employment. The School maintains zero tolerance for violations of this policy and expects all employees to abide by and support this policy without reservation.