Director of Advancement

BACKGROUND: The Chapin School is dedicated to empowering a diverse, ambitious, and resolute community of young women to thrive and lead in their world. Guided by their motto, Fortiter et Recte, Chapin considers bravery, compassion, service, and respect for self and others to be fundamental values. Chapin believes that equity, inclusion, and collaboration are critical to personal growth. By advancing and deepening each student’s agency, confidence, and resilience within an affirming and joyful learning environment, Chapin strives to ensure that each student is emboldened to pursue distinction as a leader and contributing citizen.

Named in Forbes Magazine as one of the top 20 prep schools in America, Chapin offers a rich curriculum of the humanities, sciences, social studies, and arts for approximately 810 students in grades K-12.

Located on East End Avenue in Manhattan, Chapin’s college-preparatory curriculum focuses on the total development of each student, from their academic progress to their social and emotional health. Through athletics and clubs, fine and performing arts, and enriching social activities, a Chapin education challenges the minds of its students while preparing foundations for a lifetime of curiosity, creativity, intellectual achievement, and an understanding of the power of empathy and compassion.

THE OPPORTUNITY: Chapin seeks a dynamic and seasoned Director of Advancement to provide strategic leadership and management for a comprehensive advancement program encompassing all areas of fundraising, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, alumnae relations, prospect research, grant writing, archives, and special events.

The Director of Advancement reports to the Head of School, Suzanne Fogarty, and will work closely with a group of engaged Trustees and parents, colleagues, and a supportive community to define and implement a vision to address both short- and long-term advancement goals to ensure a robust future for the School. The Director will lead a team of ten professionals in annual giving, alumnae affairs, major gifts, and special events to maximize contributed income from current and prospective donors and to foster an institution-wide culture of strategic major gift philanthropy, launching a new campaign and moving toward an even more robust and vibrant future. This is a well-timed opportunity to elevate the advancement program to its next level of achievement.

FUNDING: Chapin has an annual operating budget of approximately $46 million (approximately 84% derived from tuition) and an endowment with a market value of $88 million as of June 30, 2021. The annual fund generates approximately $4.2 million, and is supported by generous alumnae, parents, grandparents, students, friends, and Trustees.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep appreciation for the rich history, achievements, and aspirations of Chapin, and an authentic commitment to the importance of girls’ education.
• Ability to effectively articulate the Head of School’s vision to a diverse audience.
• Track record of building and leading a successful advancement program in an educational setting, cultural organization, or other leading not-for-profit setting.
• Knowledge of best practices in the advancement field.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership gifts at the six- and seven-figure level.
• Experience in capital campaign planning and execution.
• Ideally, direct experience in marketing and communications.
• The gravitas and sophistication required to work with an engaged Trustee group.
• Knowledgeable about the NYC philanthropic and business communities.
• Willingness to experiment with new approaches/technologies to advancement and resource development.
• Ability to sustain key relationships with a wide range of people including the Head of School, Trustees, senior administrators, parents, alumnae, and donors.
• Sound financial acumen and knowledge of budget preparation and administration.
• Strong management skills and the ability to build, manage, mentor, and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Approachable, charismatic, positive presence.
• High “social EQ” level.
• Ability to travel occasionally and attend evening events.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Howe-Lewis International has been retained by The Chapin School to assist with this important search. Please click here to apply online via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal. You may also email your resume and letter of interest to Chapin@howe-lewis.com