Walden School Seeks Director of Advancement to Lead Fundraising and Community Engagement
Table of Contents
Walden School, a K-12 independant institution in louisville, Kentucky, is actively recruiting a director of Advancement to spearhead its admissions, development, and marketing efforts. The position, posted on October 20, 2025, offers a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package.
A Thriving Educational Community
Walden School distinguishes itself through a commitment to personalized learning, hands-on experiences, and a connection to the natural world, fostering an environment that celebrates individuality. The school,located in St. Matthews, KY, serves students from diverse backgrounds and prepares them for success in college and beyond.
The Advancement Team’s Core Values
The Advancement team at Walden values initiative,collaboration,flexibility,humor,and positive energy.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Walden seeks a candidate who embodies dynamism, open-mindedness, and a results-oriented approach. The ideal applicant will possess a welcoming presence, maintain high ethical standards, and demonstrate extraordinary organizational skills. Key attributes include:
- Excellent presentation and public speaking abilities.
- Proven success in cultivating and building relationships.
- A strong understanding of and recognition for independent school education.
- A firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Core Responsibilities: A Multifaceted leadership Role
The Director of Advancement will be responsible for a wide range of critical functions, including:
- Team Leadership: Managing, leading, and coaching a team of seven Advancement professionals.
- Fundraising: Identifying, cultivating, and executing major gift opportunities, encompassing planned giving, endowment, capital campaigns, and grant applications.
- Alumni Relations: Driving alumni development and retention initiatives.
- Budget Management: Overseeing the department’s overall budget goals.
- Event Planning: Supervising school event planning and execution.
- Strategic Collaboration: working closely with the Director of Admissions on enrollment strategies, the Head of School and Director of Finance and Operations on financial aid decisions, and the Marketing and Communications Director on integrated marketing campaigns.
- Reporting & Depiction: Producing regular progress reports for the head of School and Board of Trustees, and representing Walden School to prospective families and the wider community.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of development experience at the director level or above. The ability to work year-round, including evenings and weekends, is essential. While not required, familiarity with a school setting, particularly an independent school, is highly preferred. Experience with marketing, social media, and admissions/school software is also desirable.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Walden School offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Free single health insurance.
- Life insurance up to one year’s salary.
- short and long-term disability policies.
- Generous paid time off.
- Retirement match and 70% tuition remission for dependents.
- Free extended day care for dependents until 6 pm.
- Paid paternity, maternity, and medical emergency leave.
- free lunch and parking.
This robust benefits package underscores Walden’s commitment to supporting its employees and their families.
A Commitment to Community and Growth
The Director of Advancement will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Walden School,fostering a thriving community,and ensuring the school’s continued success. The position represents a unique prospect to lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and families in the Louisville area.
