Director of Development Job Waunakee area,Wisconsin USA,Management

Director of Development

Explore The Official Director Of Development Job Description Booklet

ABOUT MADISON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL As Dane County’s only independent PreK-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, MCDS delivers a top, college-preparatory education in a welcoming environment where every student and educator is truly known.

Details

Posted: 12-Jun-26

Location: Waunakee, Wisconsin

Type: Full Time

Salary: Based on experience

Categories Communications/PR, Development/Fund Raising

Required Education 4 Year Degree

Internal Number: 432

2026 |
Director of Development

Explore The Official Director Of Development Job Description Booklet

We are looking for energetic, collaborative, and open-minded colleagues who are eager to embrace new challenges and inspire our students to become lifelong critical thinkers.

At MCDS, we are deeply committed to an inclusive culture that respects, affirms, and protects the dignity of every individual. If you are passionate about the IB mission and want to work in a supportive community where your voice is valued and your impact is real, we want you on our team!

MCDS MISSION

Madison Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory, Pre-K to Grade 12, International Baccalaureate World School whose mission is to:

Inspire each student to discover their extraordinary capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world by cultivating a challenging environment and a supportive community.

Position Overview For Director Of Development

Madison Country Day School (MCDS), serving approximately 515 students in Madison, WI, seeks an experienced, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Development.

As a vital member of both the Advancement and Leadership Teams, the Director of Development will design, execute, and oversee a comprehensive, multi-faceted fundraising program. This pivotal role is responsible for driving sustainable philanthropic growth, managing the development budget, and leading a dedicated team to cultivate a vibrant culture of generosity across local and global communities. To advance the institution’s strategic vision, the Director works in close collaboration with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and school families to maximize engagement and giving.

The ideal candidate is an inspiring communicator and proven relationship-builder with a successful track record in major gift cultivation, capital campaigns, and strategic annual giving. To excel in this role, the Director must possess exceptional organizational and financial acumen, a demonstrated ability to mentor and lead a collaborative development team, and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive culture of philanthropy across all school constituencies.

Key Responsibilities & Portfolio Focus

FUNDRAISING & CAMPAIGNS:
Annual Fund, Major Donor Development, Capital Campaigns, Endowment, Planned Giving, and Legacy Gifts.

SIGNATURE EVENTS & GIVING CIRCLES:
Yahara Society, "Sharing our Love" Silent Auction, Celebrate: MCDS Gala, and the annual Fund-A-Need "Mini-Capital Campaign."

COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:
Alumni Relations, Grandparents’ Council, Volunteers & Parent Guild, Community Speaker Series, and Booster Club Support.

LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS:
Budget management, leadership team collaboration, and direct supervision of the Development team.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY:
Establish, execute, and evaluate forward-thinking development strategies to optimally grow annual, major, and capital campaigns, as well as planned giving initiatives.

CAMPAIGN & EVENT OVERSIGHT:
Oversee all development operations, ensuring high-impact execution of fundraising programs, corporate/foundation sponsor ships, and flagship community events (e.g., Celebrate MCDS Gala, Grandparents Day, Community Speaker Series, and the annual Yahara Society reception).

CULTURE OF GIVING:
Identify, research, and implement diverse fundraising…