Position Overview

Graland Country Day School seeks an experienced, relational, detail-oriented, and mission-driven development professional to join our dynamic community. As Graland approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the school is exploring a potential multi-year campaign that would take place in conjunction with this historic milestone.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development plays a critical role in promoting a proactive culture of philanthropy across all segments of the Graland community by planning, coordinating, and administering fundraising initiatives such as the Graland Annual Fund, supporting potential capital campaigns, assisting with alumni relations, and more. This position requires someone who has a deep understanding of strategies across both annual and campaign giving and is highly organized, collaborative, as well as self-motivated.

Reports to: Director of Development

Terms: Full-time, 12-month, Exempt

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

• Partner with the Director of Development and volunteers in making donor solicitations.

• Support the planning and execution of annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and other strategic fundraising initiatives that sustain and grow the school’s philanthropic goals.

• Build a strategic and data-informed parent fundraising plan that incorporates thoughtful messaging, dynamic direct mail and digital fundraising appeals, segmentation and timeline management in support of the Graland Annual Fund.

• Recruit, train, and manage 50-75 parent annual fund volunteers to support engagement and fundraising goals.

• When engaged in a multi-year campaign, assist the Director of Development with campaign-related events, recognition opportunities, and outreach efforts designed to engage and inspire donors.

• Partner with the development office staff, board members, school administrators and volunteers to develop and execute donor strategies at all stages of the gift cycle, in support of annual and capital  campaign priorities, with particular attention to identifying program prospects ready for major giving conversations.

• Develop tailored engagement and solicitation strategies to advance donor relationships and increase philanthropic support.

• Assist in preparing compelling grant proposals, stewardship reports and presentation materials to support donor engagement and institutional funding opportunities.

• Work with the Director of Development and other leaders to analyze and benchmark leadership giving goals and appropriate benchmarks for measuring progress.

• Contribute to additional initiatives or strategic projects as assigned by the Director of Development or the Head of School, in alignment with institutional priorities. 

Community Engagement

• Build and nurture strong relationships with educators, parents, grandparents, alumni, and donors to foster a culture of community and shared purpose.

• Collaborate with development office staff to support the Graland Alumni Board in terms of nominations, meeting preparation and execution, volunteer support, event planning, and more.

• Collaborate with development office staff to support Graland’s archives and planning and execution of events and activities held in advance of and in conjunction with the school’s centennial

• Act as an ambassador for Graland’s mission and values, representing the school with warmth, professionalism and integrity.

• Actively participate in the life of the school—attending events, supporting traditions, and engaging with students and colleagues—to develop a deep understanding of the Graland experience and strengthen community connections.

• Collaborate across departments to support initiatives that enhance engagement, visibility, and philanthropic support.

• Actively participates in the school community and assists with other duties. 

Professional and Personal Qualities

A collaborative and supportive member of the Graland Community who…

• Models caring, respect, patience, and appreciation of differences,
• Provides a safe environment for students,
• Recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) work and continues growth as a culturally responsive educator,
• Represents the school in position and in community,
• Participates in effective communication that is responsible, descriptive, and nonjudgmental,
• Demonstrates a growth mindset, open to feedback and new learning,
• Supports collective efforts of the school in addition to team responsibilities,
• Participates in school community and activities beyond the classroom (i.e.:  carline, field trips, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of frontline fundraising experience, preferably at an independent school, college, university, or nonprofit organization.

• Experience soliciting donors for gifts.

• Prior demonstrated experience and success in annual and multi-year capital campaigns, moves management, the donor gift cycle and industry-best practices for fundraising.

• Experience developing and sustaining meaningful relationships with Board members, donors, volunteers, and school leadership to advance fundraising goals.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and making compelling cases for support.

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, preserving quality across them.

• Ability to work well independently and as a member of multiple teams.

• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the utmost discretion in handling sensitive donor and institutional information. 

• Commitment to the highest standards of ethical fundraising, as well as a deep dedication to diversity,  equity, and inclusive donor engagement. 

• Experience with donor databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred).

• Proficiency with Google suite and other digital tools.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. The annual salary is between $85,000 - $100,000. Benefits include professional development, employer-paid health, vision, dental and life insurance, paid time off for school holidays and school vacations, as well as participation in a retirement plan. Daily free lunch, access to an on-campus workout facility and opportunities based on availability for subsidized on-site childcare. 

HOW TO APPLY: https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/7E45F119

About Graland

A great school never sits still. It keeps going, growing and evolving. Graland Country Day School is an independent school in Denver that serves students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Since the school’s founding in 1927, Graland has delivered an intellectually robust, character-based educational experience derived from current research about how children learn. 

While so much in the world is changing, the school’s focus remains the same: Graland is faithful to the enduring aspects of its mission while seeking new ways to promote character and intellectual excellence. We inspire students to pursue excellence with passion and intent - academically, creatively and in their personal growth as engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders so that they learn to value individual differences and divergent thinking. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our program and keep it relevant for the next generation of students. Guided by our mission, values, Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Philosophy Statement and strategic plan, we go to extraordinary lengths to give children the best education possible. 

Our current enrollment totals 700, and we have just over 100 faculty members, 70 percent of whom have advanced degrees. Graland’s faculty and staff enjoy a collaborative, supportive environment where each member is encouraged to be a lifelong learner. Professional development, onsite childcare, a desirable location in the heart of Denver and other benefits make Graland a dynamic, inclusive and innovative workplace.

Our Mission

Achieve intellectual excellence, 

build strong character, 

enrich learning through the arts and athletics, 

and prepare our students to be 

engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.

Our Motto: Ascende Omnem Montem - Climb Every Mountain

Graland Country Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

It is the policy of Graland Country Day School to comply fully with all laws barring discrimination

against employees, or applicants, for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age,

national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge status or physical or mental

handicap, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, discipline, demotion, rates of pay or other compensation, employee benefits, tuition assistance programs and termination of employment.

(revised 05/28/2025)