Director of Development - Associated Alumni of Central High School

Job Description

ROLE PROFILE

The Associated Alumni of Central High School of Philadelphia (AACHS) seeks an accomplished and dynamic Director of Development to lead its fundraising efforts, including annual giving and a transformational capital campaign. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives at the intersection of major gift fundraising, alumni engagement, and campaign execution.

WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART

A legacy institution: Lead a new, hybrid role shaped by 180 years of alumni leadership and commitment.

Deeply engaged alumni community: Work alongside a passionate alumni deeply invested in the school’s future.

A campaign already in motion: Drive the final phase of a $60M+ transformational, private – public campaign for one of the premier public schools in the US.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Director of Development is a newly created senior leadership role and the primary driver of AACHS’ fundraising strategy and revenue-generating activities. This role leads the major gifts program, donor pipeline, and capital campaign, working with and reporting to the Executive Director, with guidance from the AACHS Executive Committee, and support from the Board. To strengthen a culture of philanthropy and advance the AACHS vision and mission, the role will also partner closely across alumni engagement, marketing/communications, and information management initiatives to drive philanthropic revenue and campaign success.

KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fundraising Leadership
• Campaign Strategy and Execution
• Donor Pipeline Management
• Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation
• Donor Stewardship
• Donor and Alumni Engagement Strategy
• Grant and Institutional Funding
• Volunteer Collaboration and Engagement
• Performance Monitoring

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

The ideal candidate brings authenticity, humility, and a deep respect for CHS alumni and the broader school community. They are a relationship-driven fundraiser who builds trust across generations and navigates complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy, active listening, and confidence. A collaborative and disciplined leader, they manage multiple priorities while advancing transformational fundraising outcomes.

In addition they have:

• Proven track record of success in securing six and seven-figure gifts
• Demonstrated ability to build, grow, and manage a major gift pipeline of high-capacity donors
• Knowledge and successful experience with multichannel fundraising
• Demonstrated ability to utilize data to inform strategy and support decision-making
• Experience leading and executing grant strategy including proposal development and institutional funding
• Experience leading and/or contributing to a successful capital campaign is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated organizational, project management, and priority management skills
• Demonstrated written / verbal communications and influencing skills
• Bachelor’s degree in a related major is required; advanced degree or CFRE is preferred
• Experience in education, non-profit, and/or alumni-based fundraising environments is preferred
• Experience successfully partnering with an experienced volunteer board is preferred

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS FOR THE ROLE

• The salary for this position is $125,000
• Benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; paid time off; and professional development support.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ROLE

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis through May 14, 2026.

To apply, please submit the following materials at: tinyurl.com/AACHS-Director

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Optional work samples

Materials will be reviewed by Fairmount Ventures, a women-owned and led consulting firm committed to catalyzing social impact and equity in cities and communities by strengthening the capacity of nonprofit and public sector organizations.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATION

AACHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities and may be revised at any time.