Crucial Learning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS

OUR MISSION

Gilman is a diverse community dedicated to educating boys in mind, body, and spirit through particular emphasis upon academic excellence, athletic participation, and aesthetic appreciation. Gilman seeks to produce men of character and integrity who have the skills and ability to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work. 

OUR COMMITMENT

Educating the Whole Boy

For more than a century, Gilman’s mission has remained exceedingly focused: to unlock the greatness within each boy by educating the entire boy — mind, body, and spirit. To accomplish that goal, we provide space and opportunity for crucial learning and self-expression to take place. We believe that boys experience transformative learning when they connect disciplines, people, and ideas in ways that deepen their sense of self and serve the needs of others.

Our rich and comprehensive program, our immeasurably talented and interesting faculty and students, and our belief in the character traits embodied by the Gilman Five — Honor, Integrity, Respect, Humility, and Excellence — combine to form the foundation of an educational environment dedicated to helping boys grow into men of character.

Community, Inclusion, and Equity

Gilman’s commitment to community, inclusion, and equity is founded on the belief that our community is strengthened by the vibrant exchange that occurs when individuals with different backgrounds and heritages share their perspectives with one another. Through the recognition and acceptance of our many differences, we learn to appreciate and respect the complexity of the world in which we live and develop essential skills that help us forge productive relationships with those around us.

We are proud of our history as a school that has, for several generations, taken the lead on matters of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Gilman students and faculty come from many different backgrounds: 41% of students and 22% of faculty identify as people of color. We continue to build on that legacy through our steadfast commitment to inclusion and equity initiatives on local, state, and national levels.

OUR SCHOOL

Gilman School is a pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade private independent day school for boys. Set on a 57-acre campus in the northern part of Baltimore City, Gilman serves roughly 1,000 students in three divisions. The School has a full-time faculty of nearly 140, and the average class size is 16 students.  

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 

Gilman School seeks a strategic, creative, and relationship-focused Director of Donor Relations to lead a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program that inspires philanthropy and strengthens lifelong connections to the School.

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement, the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for designing and implementing a donor-centered strategy that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy, deepens engagement, and enhances donor retention among a broad audience spanning diverse ages and backgrounds. This position serves as the architect of the School’s donor experience, ensuring that every donor—from first-time supporters to leadership-level benefactors—feels informed, appreciated, and connected to Gilman’s mission.

The Director of Donor Relations partners closely with colleagues across Advancement, faculty, students, and volunteers to communicate the power of philanthropy and celebrate the collective impact of the Gilman community.  This is a 12-month, full-time, in-person position. Some travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend work, is required.

Donor Relations and Stewardship Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive donor relations strategy aligned with the School’s fundraising priorities and institutional goals.
• Create meaningful stewardship experiences that foster donor loyalty, increase retention, and encourage future giving.
• Develop donor engagement plans for annual, leadership, major, planned, and campaign donors.
• Establish measurable goals and benchmarks for donor stewardship and engagement.
   

Impact Reporting and Communications

• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues on the creation of compelling donor impact reports, stewardship publications, and personalized communications.
• Responsible for refining and executing a unique and meaningful reporting process for donors of more than 300 endowed funds.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to gather stories, outcomes, and data that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy.
   

Donor Recognition

• Manage donor recognition programs, societies, and naming opportunities.
• Ensure the accurate and timely acknowledgment of major, planned, and campaign gifts through personalized thank-you letters and communications.
• Maintain policies and procedures related to donor recognition.
   

Events and Experiences

• Design and execute stewardship and donor engagement events, including receptions, donor appreciation gatherings, leadership donor events, and special recognition opportunities.
• Partner with the Director of Alumni Relations and Director of Parent Engagement to ensure successful cultivation events, including but not limited to Alumni Weekend and the Bull & Oyster Roast.
• Create meaningful opportunities for donors to experience Gilman’s mission firsthand through student, faculty, and program interactions.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to integrate stewardship throughout the donor journey.
   

Advancement Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic partner to gift officers in developing stewardship plans for major and leadership donors.
• Collaborate with alumni relations, parent engagement, annual giving, and major gifts staff to ensure a coordinated donor experience.
• Engage faculty, coaches, students, and administrators in stewardship activities and impact storytelling.
   

Data Management and Assessment

• Maintain accurate stewardship and donor recognition records in the Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Track donor engagement activities and stewardship touchpoints.
• Monitor donor retention, participation, and engagement metrics.
• Analyze program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on outcomes and best practices.
   

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED: 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in advancement, donor relations, stewardship, fundraising, alumni relations, or related fields.
• Motivated and energetic; ability to show initiative and work independently.
•  Strong organizational and communication skills.
•  Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities and changing circumstances. Ability to work with minimal supervisor input while meeting deadlines.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, the ability to motivate prospective donors, and possess a highly self-motivated work ethic.
• Strong computer and technology skills with proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, and G Suite products, including Excel and Google Spreadsheets. Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a similar fundraising database is preferred. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

We are committed to transparency and supporting our employees' well-being. For this role, we offer a competitive salary range of $85,000-$95,000 based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to the annual salary, Gilman School offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, critical illness and accident coverage, and both short- and long-term disability. We offer a 403 (b) retirement plan with an employer match to help you plan for the future.

 We also believe in the importance of work-life balance. Our time-off package includes two weeks of paid vacation, seven sick days, a winter break, and a spring break annually. At Gilman School, you'll find a supportive environment where your health, wellness, and professional development are valued. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• POSITION TITLE:          Director of Donor Relations 
• STATUS/FLSA:                  Full Time
• HOURS OF WORK:          TBD 

EOE

Gilman School is an equal opportunity employer and educator who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.