Join a Mission-Driven School Changing Lives Every Day

At Boston Higashi School we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive through meaningful education connection and community. Serving students with autism and related developmental differences our school is internationally recognized for its Daily Life Therapy approach which emphasizes whole-person growth through academics physical activity social development and community engagement.

We are seeking a passionate strategic and relationship-focused Director of Development to help lead the next chapter of our organizations growth and impact.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who is energized by fundraising community partnerships storytelling and program innovation. The Director of Development will play a key role in expanding opportunities for students strengthening community visibility and securing the resources needed to support the schools long-term mission.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing the schools fundraising grant development donor relations community engagement and strategic growth initiatives.

Working closely with executive leadership and program teams this individual will cultivate meaningful partnerships oversee fundraising initiatives support program expansion efforts and help increase awareness of the schools mission and impact throughout the community.

This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines strong communication and relationship-building skills with strategic thinking creativity and organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy
• Identify research write and manage grants from foundations corporations and government agencies
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors alumni families community leaders and philanthropic partners
• Collaborate on annual giving campaigns sponsorship opportunities fundraising events and capital initiatives
• Identify new funding opportunities aligned with organizational and programmatic growth
• Track fundraising progress donor engagement and grant outcomes

Community Partnerships & Outreach

• Represent the school within the community and build strategic partnerships
• Strengthen relationships with local businesses organizations advocacy groups and community leaders
• Develop outreach materials and presentations that highlight the schools mission and student success
• Coordinate school tours guest visits and community engagement opportunities
• Increase visibility and awareness of the school through strategic storytelling and relationship-building

Program Growth & Innovation

• Support the development of new educational therapeutic vocational and enrichment initiatives
• Assist leadership in identifying resources and opportunities that enhance student programming
• Help advance innovative programs that respond to the evolving needs of students and families
• Support data-informed decision making and program evaluation efforts

Events & Engagement

• Lead planning and coordination of the schools annual Gala and major fundraising events
• Develop meaningful events that foster family involvement and community connection
• Support school-wide events through active participation and collaboration

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively across departments to support school initiatives and strategic goals
• Partner with leadership and HR to support staff development related to grants outreach and program initiatives
• Help foster a collaborative mission-driven and student-centered culture

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Education Nonprofit Management Public Administration Communications or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising development grant writing or nonprofit leadership
• Strong communication presentation and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively across teams
• Passion for mission-driven work and supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities

Preferred

• Experience within education special education or nonprofit organizations
• Experience leading fundraising campaigns or managing donor portfolios
• Knowledge of program evaluation and data-informed decision making

What Were Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about making a meaningful impact
• Collaborative engaging and relationship-oriented
• Strategic and innovative in thinking
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Comfortable leading initiatives while working as part of a team
• Excited to help grow a mission-driven organization

Why Join Boston Higashi School

• Be part of a unique and internationally recognized educational model
• Help expand opportunities for students and families
• Work within a supportive mission-centered community
• Collaborate with passionate professionals dedicated to student success
• Make a lasting impact through meaningful community engagement and development work

Required Experience:

Director