Director of Advancement Job Description and Responsibilities 

Job Title: Advancement Director
Reports To: Head of School
Location: Telluride, CO
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Overview:

Telluride Mountain School, a unique independent school nestled in the San Juan Mountains serving students Pre-K through 12th grade, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Advancement to join our team. This leadership position combines development, advancement, marketing, and communications into one comprehensive role focused on promoting the school, strengthening community engagement, and advancing institutional growth.

The ideal candidate will be a creative and collaborative team player with a passion for education and a deep appreciation for the school’s mission: fostering academic excellence, outdoor education, global awareness, and meaningful relationships.

At TMS, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our students challenge themselves academically while skiing and hiking local peaks, exploring cultures and environments through immersive experiential learning. We strive to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and strong interpersonal connections that lead to a lifelong love of learning and a deep sense of belonging.

Position Summary:

The Director of Advancement is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all aspects of the school’s fundraising as well as communications and community engagement pertaining to advancement initiatives. This includes annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, alumni relations, donor stewardship, events marketing, and volunteer coordination. The Director of Advancement works closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, faculty, and families to advance the school’s mission and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Development & Fundraising

• Plan and execute all fundraising initiatives, including annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, and planned giving.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, alumni, parents, grandparents, and community partners.

• Manage the donor database to ensure accurate gift processing, acknowledgments, and reporting.

• Prepare and present fundraising data, impact reports, and the Annual Report to school leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Marketing, Communications & Enrollment Support

• Oversee marketing and communications pertaining to advancement initiatives, excluding branding, newsletters, social media, and website content. This role will work closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Enrollment to advance the school’s mission and strategic goals. 

• Collaborate with the Head of School and Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and support brand awareness and community engagement . 

Community Engagement & Events

• Foster a strong sense of community through intentional programming and meaningful events.

• Plan and manage school-wide events such as fundraisers, open houses, donor appreciation events, and community gatherings.

• Serve as a liaison to the Parents Alliance and Advancement Committee.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Head of School, Board Advancement Committee, and the administrative team to align advancement strategies with institutional priorities.

• Serve as a member of the school’s leadership team, contributing to broader conversations about school culture, enrollment, and vision.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, or related field preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in advancement, development, or nonprofit leadership, preferably in an independent school or education-related organization.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, relationship building, and donor stewardship.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong leadership and project management abilities.

• Proficiency with donor databases and communication platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, Finalsite, etc.).

• Passion for independent education and alignment with the TMS mission and values.

Compensation & Benefits:

Telluride Mountain School offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid time off, retirement contributions, health insurance, tuition remission, and access to outdoor industry perks.

Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Join us in shaping the future of education in one of the most beautiful mountain communities in the country.