Chief Development Officer

Details

Posted: 21-Feb-25

Location: Weston, Massachusetts

Type: Full Time

Salary: $150,000-170,000

Categories: Development/Fund Raising

Required Education: 4 Year Degree

The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW) invites visionary, mission-driven leaders to apply for the position of Chief Development Officer (CDO). This is a rare opportunity to join a vibrant, progressive educational community at a pivotal moment in its history. CSW is in the midst of a transformative $15 million campaign, with more than half of the goal already secured. As CDO, you will play a critical role in leading the campaign to successful completion while shaping the future of philanthropy at CSW.

This position offers the opportunity to build a cohesive and high-performing development team that complements CSW’s collaborative campus culture. With two key vacancies to fill, including a major gifts/planned giving officer and a development operations manager, the CDO will have the chance to cultivate a strong team culture aligned with CSW’s mission and values.

The Head of School, an engaged and enthusiastic partner in advancement, brings energy, collaboration, and a commitment to supporting the development office’s goals. CSW’s progressive philosophy, rich history, and dynamic programming make it an exceptional community to join, inspire, and lead.

About The Cambridge School Of Weston:

Located on 65 wooded acres just 12 miles outside of Boston in Weston, Massachusetts, CSW is a gender-inclusive, day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Through our distinct model of progressive education, we empower curious, creative learners to become critical thinkers , problem solvers , and people of purpose . Every aspect of CSW reflects our core values:

• Student-Centered Teaching and Learning: We recognize the potential of every student and help them cultivate their unique passions.
• Progressive Education: Active engagement, multiple perspectives, and wrestling with complexity are at the heart of our learning process.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Our varied identities and experiences enrich the CSW community and fuel innovation.
• Empathy and Global Engagement: We prepare students to make a meaningful impact in the world through civic-mindedness and sustainability.

THE CAMPAIGN:

CSW’s $15 million campaign is built around four pillars that reflect the school’s mission and aspirations:

• Opportunity and Access: Expanding financial support to ensure all talented students have access to the CSW experience.
• Campus Renovations: Transforming the French Gym into a hub for math and robotics, and enhancing the art building to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Off-Campus Engagement: Creating opportunities beyond the classroom to develop globally aware, civic-minded students.
• Lifelong Learning: Strengthening alumni connections and fostering a lifelong commitment to progressive education.

Key Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Head of School, Lise Charlier, the Chief Development Officer will:

• Lead all aspects of CSW’s advancement strategy, including the annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, campaign initiatives, and alumni and family engagement.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees on development strategies.
• Build and mentor a cohesive development team, filling key vacancies and fostering a culture of collaboration and mission alignment.
• Personally cultivate and solicit major and principal gift donors, building strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the school.
• Partner with the Head of School to lead campaign strategies and donor meetings, ensuring CSW’s continued fundraising success.
• Serve as a member of the School’s Operations Executive Committee (OpEx), participating in cross-departmental planning and decision-making to collaborate with senior leaders to shape school-wide strategy, addressing operational matters, and ensuring that development priorities are integrated into all facets of CSW’s growth.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and volunteers to align fundraising priorities with the school’s mission and goals.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

CSW seeks an experienced fundraiser and inspiring leader who is:

• Mission-Driven: Passionate about progressive education and the culture of independent schools.
• Collaborative: A team player who thrives in a community-oriented environment and understands that success comes from partnership.
• Experienced in Fundraising: At least 10 years of professional experience, with a proven track record in major gift fundraising and campaign leadership; experience in an independent school or private secondary education setting is strongly preferred.
• A Skilled Leader: At least two years of experience managing and mentoring teams, with the ability to foster a positive, supportive culture.
• Community-oriented: Comfortable building relationships and fully engaging with the CSW community to inspire philanthropic support.

Compensation And Benefits:

CSW is committed to offering a compensation and benefits package that is competitive within both independent schools and the broader nonprofit sector. The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $170,000, commensurate with experience. Details about healthcare, retirement, and other benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

WHY CSW?:

Joining CSW as Chief Development Officer means becoming part of a community where ideas flow freely, creativity thrives, and collaboration defines success. The school’s progressive approach provides a unique environment for students and educators alike, fostering innovation and personal growth.

As CDO, you will help shape the future of a remarkable institution while advancing a mission that makes a tangible impact on students and the world beyond. If you are ready to embrace this opportunity and help lead CSW into its next chapter of excellence, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Benefits:

• Collegial faculty and working environment
• Competitive salary and robust human resource benefits
• Funding and institutional support for professional development
• Innovative daily and annual schedule that values reflection and relationship-building
• Provided hour-long hot lunch, as well as access to state-of-the-art fitness center
• Wooded, 65-acre campus located just 12 miles from Boston and Cambridge, in close proximity to scenic walking trails and excellent local restaurants and shops.
• Easy access to Kendal Green MBTA station, with on-campus parking and EV charging stations.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please email a cover letter and resume to Please send PDF files only. No phone calls, please. References will be requested later in the process.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
The Cambridge School of Weston welcomes the perspectives of different ethnicities, races, classes, religions, and sexual orientations that enhance our mutual understanding. Our respect for the unique gifts of each community member provides a safe environment where all can grow.
The Cambridge School of Weston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates who will increase our diversity to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr