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Director of Advancement – Empowering Students, Building Futures
May Center for Learning | Santa Fe, NM
Are you a passionate and experienced fundraising leader ready to make a significant impact on the lives of students? May Center for learning, a dynamic and innovative educational organization, is seeking a director of Advancement to lead our fundraising efforts and build lasting relationships with our community of supporters. This is a pivotal role,offering the opportunity to shape the future of our organization and expand access to extraordinary learning opportunities.
About the Role
As the Director of Advancement, you will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that encompasses major gifts, grant acquisition, corporate partnerships, and engaging special events.You will be a key member of the leadership team,working closely with the board of Directors and staff to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record of success, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine commitment to our mission.
Key Responsibilities:
* Fundraising Leadership (60%): Develop and implement a robust fundraising plan, including annual giving and capital campaign initiatives. you will actively manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects (gifts of $25,000+) – identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to build long-term partnerships.This includes coordinating efforts with board members and the leadership team to maximize fundraising potential.
* Campaign & Stewardship (20%): Drive all aspects of capital campaign activities, from planning and execution to donor recognition and stewardship. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors,ensuring exceptional donor experiences. Represent May Center at community events and professional gatherings, building awareness and fostering connections. Oversee marketing and public relations efforts to enhance our visibility and impact.
* Team Management & Operations (10%): Provide leadership and mentorship to the Executive Assistant for Advancement and Marketing, and collaborate with external marketing and PR consultants as needed. Manage the advancement budget effectively, ensuring responsible resource allocation. maintain the integrity of our donor database and generate regular reports for leadership and the Board of Directors. Oversee all advancement-related communications.
What You Bring:
* Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
* Experience: 3-5+ years of progressive experience in advancement, with a demonstrated history of success in major gift fundraising and capital campaigns.
* Credentials: CFRE (Certified Fund raising Executive) or equivalent professional credential strongly preferred.
* Skills & Abilities:
* Proven ability to secure major gifts ($100,000+).
* Exceptional communication skills – both written and verbal – with the ability to articulate our mission compellingly.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
* Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management and development.
* Strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment while also working independently.
Bonus Points:
* Experience with Little Green Light CRM or similar donor management systems.
* A background in fundraising for education-focused nonprofits.
* Experience with capital and/or endowment campaigns.
* Demonstrated success in collaborative fundraising environments.
Compensation & Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary range of $80,000 – $90,000,commensurate with experience,along with a comprehensive benefits package including:
* Healthcare plan
* Matching IRA
* Tuition discount
* Company-provided laptop
* Professional development opportunities (conference attendance,AFP membership,continuing education)
* Generous PTO and holiday schedule
* Relocation stipend (for qualified out-of-state candidates)
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter,resume,and three professional references to advancement@maycenter.org. In your request materials, please address the following:
* Your fundraising philosophy and approach to building donor relationships.
* Specific examples of major gifts you have secured and fundraising initiatives you have successfully managed.
* your experience building and leading high-performing advancement teams.
* Your interest in May center’s mission and the role of philanthropy in supporting educational excellence.
Timeline:
* application Deadline: October 31, 2025
* First Round Interviews: November 17-21, 2025
* Final Interviews (Santa Fe, NM): December 15-19, 2025
* Hiring Decision: December 30, 2025
* Anticipated Start Date: February 1, 2026
May Center for Learning is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position is being advertised on behalf of May Center for Learning by Ethos Consulting Group.
