Sr. Director of Development

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Director of Development (SDD) oversees all direct fundraising units including the NMH Fund, major gifts for domestic and international supporters, and legacy giving with primary responsibility for securing financial success of the current $225 million This Place, This Moment: The Campaign for Northfield Mount Hermon. The position manages a team of 7-10 staff professionals and many volunteers including Trustees, members of the Campaign Committee, Alumni and Family Councils, and others as needed both to accomplish the work and to engage constituents in meaningful ways. The position carries an advancement portfolio of 75+ potential donors created in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer to meet institutional goals and to align with SDD’s past experience and knowledge of specific regions or constituents. 

Major Functions and Key Accountabilities

The SDD is primarily responsible for overseeing and continuously improving a comprehensive development program for NMH for the duration This Place, This Moment: The Campaign for Northfield Mount Hermon. This requires knowledge and expertise of educational fundraising programs that rely largely on a matrixed-approach to secure individual gifts from alumni, parents and friends using both class and regional structures for economies of scale. NMH is fortunate to have a robust structure of volunteers who provide support to staff teams and, ideally, are more engaged with and consequently more generous to the institution as a result. Thus, the position requires deft volunteer management skills. In addition to ongoing close collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Director of Development will work closely with the Senior Director of Advancement and the Director of Marketing & Communications to shape an overall culture of generosity, gratitude and action within the division, across the campus and throughout our world-wide NMH community. These oversight responsibilities account for approximately 40% of the Director’s energies.

The SDD manages a semi-fluid portfolio of at least 75 potential donors capable of making significant philanthropic gifts to the institution including consistent annual leadership support of the NMH Fund, major gifts for campaign priorities, and often some type of deferred gift. The SDD works with the people in the portfolio at all levels of the philanthropic cycle including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Many of the people in this portfolio are apt to be key volunteers, former Trustees and other special members of the NMH community. The direct fundraising aspect of the position accounts for approximately 40% of the SDD’s energies and includes frequent travel and evening and weekend work.

The SDD will work closely with the Senior Director of Advancement and likely with an external consultant to determine effective processes to create and manage all donor portfolio assignments including those for the Head of School, and will assist with donor research needs as appropriate. While NMH is fortunate to have a sufficient pool of potential donors to meet campaign objectives, portfolio assignments need to be prioritized based on current realities. To do this effectively, we plan to develop an articulated prospect management strategy and accompanying ongoing research strategy. The SSD will be an active thought partner, designer and implementer of these systems going forward. It is expected that prospect management will account for approximately 10% of the SDD’s time.

The SSD will work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Advancement and the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure that all campaign media help fundraising staff and volunteers to secure enthusiasm and funds for campaign priorities in integrated and timely ways. The SDD’s work will largely entail providing feedback from constituents on the effectiveness of current communications including areas of confusion or need for greater elaboration. It is expected that this aspect of the work will take approximately 10% of the SDD’s time. 

The Senior Director of Development needs to be familiar with NMH culture and traditions and should be a respected campus leader and member of the NMH community. While the position will not be required to serve as teaching faculty nor assume non-Advancement responsibilities, there will be expectations of attending key campus activities as travel allows, periodically eating in the dining hall and getting to know teachers, coaches and students.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree preferred. Proven abilities of effective fundraising and management and supervision of fundraisers. Demonstrated abilities to hire, coach and develop staff members to meet institutional needs. Demonstrated experience in effective volunteer management and choreography. Excellent people and project management skills and experience. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with the capacity and expectation to thrive in a fast-paced environment; able to manage multiple concurrent projects; comfort with ambiguity; and ability to build organizational and cross-functional awareness. High attention to detail. Exemplary customer service skills. Ability to work independently and creatively within established guidelines, while at the same time functioning as a member of several collaborative teams. Creativity, curiosity, sense of humor, and an enthusiasm for meeting and working with a wide range of individuals. Comfort with technology and abilities to learn new platforms and tools.  Deep sensitivity to issues of and appreciation for confidentiality, discretion and tact. A strong respect for Northfield Mount Hermon, a commitment to its mission, and a clear understanding of and appreciation for schools like NMH . Commitment to working with a diverse and inclusive community.

The position is full-time, Monday-Friday; frequent travel and evening and weekend work are key to success. 

Northfield Mount Hermon educates the head, heart, and hands of our students. We engage their intellect, compassion, and talents, empowering them to act with humanity and purpose. NMH is committed to a diverse, innovative, and equitable workplace. We offer an on-campus daycare as well as free tuition for accepted students at one of the best high schools in the world. Some of our other outstanding benefits include free meals during work hours, state-of-the-art gym with pool, plus spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley and Northfield Forest.

NMH Human Resources

One Lamplighter Way Mount Hermon, MA 01354

Phone: (413) 498-3229; Fax: (413) 498-3240

Northfield Mount Hermon is an Equal Opportunity Employer