Director of Institutional Advancement - Westminster Schools of Augusta Inc

Westminster Schools of Augusta is a Pre-K through12 regionally accredited, coeducational, college-preparatory, Christian dayschool enrolling over 500 students. The 34-acre campus is located in aresidential section of Augusta, which is Georgia’s second largest metropolitanarea. The school is affiliated with First Presbyterian Church of Augusta (PCA),but the student body and faculty include members from more than 90 differentlocal churches of various denominations.

We are interested in receiving applications from Christianschool educators who view their calling as teaching and discipling students forthe advancement of God’s kingdom as we equip students to live extraordinarylives for Jesus Christ. Such educators with sound academic credentials whodesire to serve in an academically challenging, Christian environment withhighly engaging and responsible students should apply.

Westminster Schools of Augusta seeks a dynamic and strategic DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT. 

PROFILE  & JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Institutional Development reports to the Head of School, serves as the chief

development officer, and provides leadership for philanthropic initiatives to advance the mission

of Westminster, serving as a full-time employee and member of the Senior Leadership Team.

MAJOR INITIATIVES - Foster and Cultivate a Stronger Culture of Philanthropy that Boosts Fundraising

• Foster an environment where philanthropy is seen as a shared value, and all

stakeholders understand why giving matters and how it directly impacts the school

community. Proactively develop and nurture relationships to ensure the entire

community feels invested in the school’s success and future while expanding The

Westminster Annual Fund by increasing participation and giving across all constituent

groups.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP - Five Year Strategic Plan, Feasibility Study, Future Capital Campaigns

• Assist in leading Westminster in our next 5 year strategic plan and possibly the

execution of a feasibility study and a capital campaign to address space limitations as

Westminster operates at/near student capacity.

ALUMNI RELATIONS - Continue Efforts to Involve Alumni in the Life of the School

• Ensure opportunities exist for alumni to share their positive experiences at the school,

volunteer their time and expertise, serve as ambassadors and role models to current

students, and support fundraising efforts. Organize alumni events that bolster school

spirit, strengthen lifelong bonds with former classmates and the school community, build

a bridge between the past and future, and increase the likelihood of future engagement

and support.

SCHOOL PROFILE

Westminster is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, founded in 1972 and

committed to glorifying God through education that equips students to lead extraordinary lives

for Jesus Christ. Our college preparatory program sets high academic standards that challenge

students to excel. With a focus on integrating Christian principles into every aspect of learning,

we nurture each student's unique gifts in academics, arts, and athletics. Through this holistic

approach, we empower students to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and strong moral

character, preparing them to succeed in college and make a positive impact in their

communities and beyond.

FAST FACTS

• 100 % College Acceptance
• 16 AP Courses & Dual Enrollment on-campus
• 52 years of providing excellent education 
• Niche Best Schools
• 34-Acre Campus in the heart of Augusta’s historic Hill district
• 13 Sports
• 42 Teams
• 26 Athletic State Championships
• 25+ Annual artistic performances
• 2000+ Individual artistic awards
• Spiritual Life, Leadership & Service Learning 
• FACULTY & STAFF
• 65% Advanced Degrees 
• 15 Years Average Teaching Experience
• 109 total
• 7:1 Student Teacher Ratio
• ACCREDITATIONS
• Cognia, Advanced, SAIS/SACS, NAIS, College Board, ERB, GISA, NACAC, ISM
• ENROLLMENT
• PK3-12th Grades
• 605 current total
• 100% College Acceptance
• BENEFITS
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision
• Retirement Matching Based on Years of Service

A WORD FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

“The next Director of Advancement will have the opportunity to share discipleship stories and to

support and enhance the impactful work of a biblical education that receives children from the

early age of 3 through age 18 so that they might engage and be equipped to live faithful and

extraordinary lives for Jesus Christ.  The discipleship of students and their hearts for Jesus is

the greatest advancement work, not of Westminster, but God’s kingdom!”

• Dr. Shawn Brower, Head of School

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate efforts with the Head of School to cultivate and further enhance key

relationships, communicating directly with major donors and prospects, and

corporate/foundation/community leaders and present proposals to private donors,

corporations, foundations, and other granting agencies.

• Partner with the Head of School to provide staff leadership for the Board of Trustees

Advancement Committee and for the engagement of Trustees in cultivation and

fundraising efforts. Attend board meetings as is needed.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual plan for the raising of funds through

individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations. Develop and maintain reports on

the progress toward goals and report regularly to the Head of School.

• Be the primary driver and catalyst for preparing and instituting a capital campaign,

alongside the Head of School for ministry expansion at Westminster.

• Work with the Development Coordinator to acknowledge and track gifts,

correspondence, and communication with donors.

• Collaborate with the senior administrative team to align fundraising and marketing

strategies with program initiatives. Specifically, work closely with the Directors of

Marketing & Communications and Admissions and their staff to achieve shared goals.

• Manage and expand all development activities, increasing major gifts, corporate and

foundation gifts, and revenue from the annual fund and other sources.

• Manage and enhance policies, procedures, and infrastructure to effectively operate the

development efforts.

• Be an engaged and visible member of the school community at functions and events.

• Supervise, evaluate, and encourage the professional growth of advancement staff.

• Plan and facilitate activities/occasions to initiate and maintain contact with present and prospective donors.

• Encourage and appropriately recognize donor philanthropy.

• Maintain and update a prospect database of current and potential donors.

• Solicit, recruit, and organize fundraising volunteers. Work collaboratively and creatively

to appropriately integrate development opportunities into publications and collateral

materials for cultivating and stewarding donors.

• Co-lead the accreditation process for the school to ensure the advancement and

strategic initiatives are prioritized in communication with donors. Manage on-going

school improvement activities related to the established accrediting agency goals.

Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure that the faculty policy manual, family

handbook and other education-related documentation are accurate and maintained.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS

• In‐depth understanding of the complexity of independent Christian schools and broad experience in school leadership.

• Strong and clear Christian testimony and supportive agreement with the purposes and doctrine of the school.

• Church membership and involvement required.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship skills (high EQ).

• Skills and experience in human resource recruitment, assessment, and development.

• A sense of humor and genuine enjoyment of the role, even with challenges that arise.

• A collaborative and collegial leadership style that encourages faculty to take risks and explore passions.

•  Excellent written and oral communication skills; technology skills appropriate for the role.

• Possess a working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud and Microsoft Excel

• Confidence balanced by humility; the ability to hold one’s own with a strong faculty and parent community.

• Keen interest in continuous improvement, intellectual curiosity, and an analytical approach to problem solving.

• Balance of creative openness to innovation with a dedication to the tradition and culture of the school.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Master level degree in Educational Leadership or related area preferred