Head of Development

Preston High School Head of Development

Location: Bronx NY

Reports to: Principal

Start Date: July 1 2026

Employment Type: FullTime 12Month Position

About Preston High School

Preston High School founded in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion is a Catholic collegepreparatory school dedicated to forming young women of faith compassion leadership and academic excellence. As Preston enters a new era of independence and strategic growth we are seeking a missiondriven Head of Development to lead our fundraising stewardship and advancement efforts.

Position Summary

The Head of Development is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens Prestons longterm sustainability and advances its mission. This leader will oversee annual giving major gifts alumni engagement grant development and campaign initiatives ensuring alignment with the schools Catholic identity and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned development professional with a track record of building donor relationships securing philanthropic support writing successful grants and leading campaigns-preferably within Catholic or independent schools.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a multiyear development plan aligned with Prestons strategic and financial goals.
• Lead all aspects of annual giving major gifts planned giving and grant development.
• Identify write and submit competitive grants to foundations corporations and philanthropic organizations.
• Expand scholarship funding through targeted donor cultivation and grant acquisition.
• Manage donor pipelines cultivation strategies and stewardship practices.
• Oversee campaign planning and execution including the integration of campaign revenue into annual development goals.

Community & Donor Engagement

• Build strong relationships with alumnae parents parish communities foundations and benefactors.
• Serve as a visible ambassador of Prestons mission and values.
• Plan and execute donor events receptions and communitybuilding initiatives.

Data Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting systems.
• Provide regular updates to the Principal and Board on fundraising progress.
• Ensure compliance with Archdiocesan norms and ethical fundraising standards.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Communications to develop compelling fundraising materials and campaigns.
• Work closely with school leadership to align development priorities with institutional needs.
• Support the Principal in donor meetings solicitations and stewardship activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.
• 710 years of experience in development advancement or fundraising (Catholic or independent school experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets.
• Proven experience in grant writing including successful awards from foundations or corporate funders.
• Experience developing or expanding scholarship funds or tuitionassistance initiatives.
• Strong communication relationshipbuilding and donorcultivation skills.
• Understanding of Catholic education and commitment to Prestons mission.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.

Compensation

Preston High School offers a competitive compensation package consistent with norms across the Archdiocese of New York and regional Catholic/independent schools.

• Salary Range: $80000-$90000 commensurate with experience

• Annual Performance Incentive: Based on achievement of fundraising targets

• Comprehensive benefits package including health retirement and tuition remission opportunities

Incentive Bonus Structure

To recognize exceptional performance and encourage ambitious fundraising the Head of Development will be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on the percentage of the total development goal achieved.

Please ensure you complete the application in its entirety submit a resume cover letter and three professional references

Required Experience:

Director