Capital Campaign Director & Major Gifts Officer

Stamford, CT

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King School is an independent day school in Stamford, CT, educating students in PreK through Grade 12. Students at King engage in an immersive and innovative curriculum that is anchored in an inquiry-based pedagogy that nurtures curiosity, intellectual growth, and character development.

Diversity is foundational to academic and professional excellence and, therefore, is a core value at King. We think, learn, and work more deeply due to the many facets of diversity in our community, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, ability, and learning style. We leverage cultural differences and intellectual diversity to create an inclusive and vibrant learning community, endeavoring for each person to feel seen, heard, valued, and respected.

Job Title: Capital Campaign Director & Major Gifts Officer

Reports to: Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Summary:

King School seeks a dynamic Capital Campaign Director & Major Gifts Officer to drive the success of the All In Campaign and manage major donor relationships and solicitations. Working under the strategic direction of the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, this individual will oversee campaign strategy and execution, actively cultivate and solicit major gifts, and collaborate with trustees, the Head of School’s office, school leadership, and the development team to advance fundraising goals. This role also serves as a key thought partner to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, contributing to overall fundraising strategy and donor engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a skilled front line fundraiser with capital campaign experience, a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts, and strong proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. This role requires a team player who can manage multiple priorities, handle confidential information with discretion, and remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Capital Campaign Leadership:

● Oversee the execution of the All In Campaign, ensuring its success through strategic donor engagement, volunteer management, and campaign coordination.

● Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, actively soliciting and closing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts to support the campaign and other school priorities.

● Train and manage campaign volunteers, including trustees and key stakeholders, to enhance donor outreach and engagement efforts.

● Provide volunteers with the necessary tools and resources, including email templates, talking points, and donor briefings, to ensure effective outreach and solicitation.

● Develop, refine, and distribute training materials that provide clear guidance on donor engagement strategies, solicitation techniques, and campaign messaging. Ensure materials are accessible, user-friendly, and regularly updated to reflect campaign progress and donor feedback.

● Prepare high-quality meeting materials and PowerPoint presentations for board and campaign committee meetings.

● Draft donor correspondence, proposals, and reports, ensuring compelling and precise communication.

● Prepare and distribute high-quality agendas and materials for Campaign Committee meetings, ensuring discussions are strategic and action-oriented.

● Develop customized donor proposals, tailoring cases for support based on donor interests and giving history.

Major & Annual Fundraising:

● Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, securing transformational gifts to support both the campaign and the annual fund.

● Partner with the Annual Fund team to engage donors at every giving level, ensuring a strong pipeline for future major gifts.

● Liaise with trustees, donors, and volunteer leaders to cultivate a culture of philanthropy.

Collaboration & Teamwork:

● Work seamlessly with the Head of School, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, trustees, faculty, and administrative leaders.

● Prepare and distribute donor briefings, reports, and agendas ahead of key meetings to ensure strategic discussions and informed decision-making.

● Work closely and collaboratively with the Development team, contributing to a shared culture of philanthropy and donor-centered fundraising.

● Maintain strict confidentiality in handling donor records, financial information, and other sensitive data.

● Be a proactive problem solver who can adapt quickly and find solutions in a

high-stakes environment.

● Support advancement events, donor recognition efforts, and other initiatives that strengthen community engagement.

● Model calm, professionalism, and resilience under pressure, ensuring that the campaign and development efforts move forward smoothly.

Qualifications:

● 5+ years of fundraising experience, with direct experience managing capital

campaigns and soliciting five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.

● Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts, with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.

● Strong proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word—must be able to develop

reports, presentations, and documents with minimal oversight.

● Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging.

● Demonstrated experience in campaign strategy, donor engagement, and pipeline development.

● Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously.

● Demonstrated team player who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working across departments.

● Comfortable navigating high-pressure situations with grace, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

● Ability to handle confidential donor and institutional information with discretion and integrity.

Key Attributes:

● Enthusiastic and proactive, with a collaborative approach to teamwork.

● High level of professionalism and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive donor information.

● Passion for education and a genuine interest in building meaningful donor relationships.

Classifications:  Full Time, Exempt

King goes beyond just stating that we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to intentionally hire a diverse pool of world-class staff and faculty to enrich students' educational experiences. King seeks candidates committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment where varied identities are valued and respected.