About GSB 

Gill St. Bernard's School was founded in 1900. We are a diverse community rooted in the values of courage, integrity, respect, compassion, and excellence.  We believe that education takes place not only in our classrooms, but on the stage, in the studios, on the fields, and wherever faculty, staff, and students interact. We believe in lifelong learning, and we support the development of individual and collective talents.  Our PS-12 school is situated on a 208-acre campus, with collegiate-like facilities conveniently located just north of Interstate 287 and Route 206 in Gladstone, NJ. We are easily accessible from Morristown, Summit, and Bridgewater. 

 Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving will develop and implement the Major Gifts and Planned Giving programs. The Director will work closely with the Director of Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving, the Head of School, and with volunteers, including some trustees and members of the Advancement Committee. The Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving will collaborate with a 6-member Advancement team, consisting of the Director of Advancement, a Director of Annual Giving, Director of Parent Relations, a Director of Alumni Relations, and a Advancement Services Manager, as well as a three-person Communications team.

This dynamic leader will play a leadership role that will take GSB up to and through the next campaign while celebrating the institution’s 125th anniversary in 2025. The Director will manage relationships with major donors, cultivate new prospects, and solicit significant gifts to support the school’s initiatives. They will build a strong donor pipeline to secure vital resources for Gill’s programs, facilities and 208-acre campus, capital projects, and endowment. 
 
Position Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive major giving program. 
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects; develop personalized strategies and approaches to generate higher levels of giving; conduct monthly visits; maintain complete and timely records of contact with prospects and volunteers in the Raiser’s Edge database. Create and implement a comprehensive stewardship plan for any major donors or endowment donors.
• Work in conjunction with the Communications team on the production of planned giving collateral and messaging, which includes printed and digital appeals. 
• Strategically grow and implement the Planned Giving program, increasing the membership in the Founder’s Society. 
• Conduct research of all prospects including current families, alumni, past parents, foundations, and corporations. 
• Research alumni for potential engagement and stewardship and coordinate outreach with both the Director of Advancement and the Director of Alumni Relations to segment this population for outreach. 
• In conjunction with the Director of Advancement, develop a comprehensive moves management process for Advancement, including training and overseeing process. 
• Work closely with the Director of Advancement with written communications, proposals and assignments as needed. 
• Assist the Director of Advancement in strategizing and implementing donor cultivation and recognition events, including small cultivation breakfasts and dinners with the Head of School. 
• Assist the Director of Advancement in developing a visitation plan for prospects, donors and alumni based on regional analysis. 
• Assist with and coordinate leadership volunteer activity with the Board of Trustees Advancement Committee, and a volunteer structure to assist in increasing major gifts.  
• Research and development of “mini-campaigns” as needed for specific fundraising projects; research and segment prospects by campaign; coordinate with the Business Office to generate financial target(s) for campaign(s). 
• Support the growth of the Founders’ Day of giving program in partnership with the Director of Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving, and the Director of Alumni Relations. 
• Attend weekly/monthly meetings as necessary including advancement team meetings, Parents’ Association meetings, Booster club meetings, and Advancement Committee meetings.  
• Provide event support for Advancement Office as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• A minimum of five years of experience in major gifts, and/or campaigns, preferably in an independent school or university setting 
• An accomplished front-line major gift solicitor 
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge software and reporting 
• Proven ability to build, engage, mentor, and motivate a talented team of individuals 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills 
• A collaborative colleague dedicated to working as a member of a team 
• A warm, engaging, accessible style 
• High energy, “can do” spirit, and a sense of humor 
• Demonstrated deep understanding of cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work  
• Desire for ongoing professional growth and to join a community of learners of all ages 

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to careers@gsbschool.org with the subject line Director of Major and Planned Giving. 

GSB Diversity Statement 

Gill St. Bernard’s School affirms that a diverse community of students, faculty, administration, staff, trustees, and alumni is essential to who we are as a school.  We respect and value diversity, which includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, family structure, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background, as the basis for fostering a strong sense of self, community, and global understanding. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Gill St. Bernard’s School prohibits discrimination against and harassment of any employee or any applicant for employment because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.  All personnel who are responsible for hiring and promoting employees and for the development and implementation of the school’s programs or activities are charged to support this effort and to respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns that are brought to their attention. 

About Gill St. Bernard's School

Gill St. Bernard’s School (GSB) is one of only a handful of New Jersey independent schools to offer preschool through grade 12 on a single campus. Founded in 1900, and home to approximately 600 students, the school is situated on a 208-acre campus with collegiate-like facilities including more than 20 buildings, a performing arts center, a turf field, tennis courts, a working farm, and a two-acre garden and orchard. The campus is conveniently located just north of I-287 and Route 206 in Gladstone, NJ. It is easily accessible from Morristown, Summit, and Bridgewater. The school is a diverse community rooted in the values of courage, integrity, respect, compassion, and excellence, committed to the belief that education takes place not only in the classroom, but on the stage, in the studios, on the fields, and wherever faculty, staff, and students interact. The school firmly believes in lifelong learning and supports the development of individual and collective talents. GSB is committed to recruiting, retaining, and supporting an exceptional faculty and staff of dynamic educators seeking to foster a love of learning, bring out the best in all students, and be guided by the school’s mission with an understanding that a sense of balance permeates all that the school does.

Connections working at Gill St. Bernard's School