Description

An Opportunity for Impact

The Major Gifts Director at Christchurch School offers an important opportunity that sits at the intersection of mission, relationships, and visible growth for the school.  The Major Gifts Director will play a central role in advancing a mission that is both deeply personal and highly visible. This role is ideal for a relationship-driven fundraiser who is energized by connecting donors to meaningful outcomes, such as strengthening programs, enhancing our beautiful campus, and helping students discover their full potential. At Christchurch, philanthropy is experienced daily in the lives of students, making this work especially rewarding.

The school’s size and culture create a unique opportunity: large enough to support ambitious fundraising goals, yet small enough for one individual to truly move the needle. For a development professional seeking meaningful work, strong relationships, and visible impact, this is an exceptional opportunity.

About Christchurch School

Set on a beautiful 125-acre waterfront campus along the Rappahannock River, Christchurch School is a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school serving grades 9-12. Founded in 1921, Christchurch draws students from 17 states and 31 countries. The school’s mission is to serve and guide each student in achieving personal excellence in academics and character, preparing them for meaningful lives as engaged citizens and community leaders.  

Requirements

Position Overview

As a key member of the advancement team reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Major Gifts is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to secure major gifts in support of Christchurch School’s mission and strategic priorities. This individual will manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, cultivate meaningful relationships, solicit significant gifts ($10,000+), and steward long-term engagement with the school. The Director will play a central role in capital/comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, and endowment growth initiatives. This individual will embrace our mission, vision, core values, and its place in the Episcopal Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia school system as well as understand the school’s academic program and its campus culture.

The Director of Major Gifts primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Manage & Grow Relationships:
Build and steward a portfolio of 100–125 major donors through strategic, personalized engagement. 

Drive Major Gift Strategy:
Partner with leadership to identify prospects and execute strategies aligned with school priorities. 

Advance Campaigns & Gifts:
Support capital and endowment efforts through donor strategy, proposals, and solicitations, including planned giving. 

Lead Stewardship & Engagement:
Help deliver meaningful donor experiences through events, communications, and ongoing stewardship. 

Collaborate & Represent:
Work across teams and serve as an ambassador for the school with donors and the broader community.
 

Uphold Standards:
Maintain confidentiality, support the school community, and contribute as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
Minimum of 5–7 years of successful major gift fundraising or equivalent experience in nonprofit/philanthropic organizations.
Strong track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
Familiarity with independent schools or educational fundraising preferred.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Team player with a positive attitude, proactive approach, and customer service mindset.
A disciplined, results-oriented self-starter who can work both independently and
collaboratively in a fluid environment.

Experience with donor database systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Christchurch School is an equal opportunity employer. The school provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and job applicants without regard to an individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation, age, disability, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by applicable law. All aspects of personnel management – including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment, layoff, discipline, termination, compensation, benefits, training and working conditions – will be administered in accordance with this policy. Each employee is expected to do their part to maintain a working environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Conditional Offers 

An offer of employment for this position is contingent upon the applicant’s right to work in the United States and authorization for and completion of successful background checks as requested by the school and/or required by law.  

Compensation and Benefits 

Christchurch School offers a highly competitive compensation package with benefits to include excellent health plan options, retirement benefits, professional development, and networking opportunities. This is a 12-month full-time exempt position.  

Work Expectations

Consistent regular hours of work are expected Monday through Friday to promote and benefit the work of the Development Office. Hybrid work may be an option. Evening and weekend work and occasional travel may be required as job duties demand.