Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational (PreK3 – 6th Grade) elementary day school in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full time Director of Advancement beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, or earlier based on candidate availability.

In achieving the mission to educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child, Riverside Presbyterian Day School offers a balanced, challenging academic program which stimulates each child’s intellectual curiosity and desire for lifelong learning.

Recognizing the unique potential and worth of each child, the program is designed to encourage the development of self-esteem, initiative, and confidence. An inclusive community, RPDS offers a school climate which promotes respect for the values of our global society and fosters empathy, responsible citizenship, and service of others.

The Director of Advancement is responsible for Riverside’s fundraising, community engagement, and volunteer opportunities. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, parents, and other constituent groups, the Director of Advancement oversees fundraising activities to help meet the operating, capital, and endowment needs of the school. Priorities include identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts, The RPDS Fund (annual fund), as well as community building events such as Fall Festival, Run Riverside, Capers gala and auction, and Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day. RPDS enjoys a committed base of volunteers and staff members who are dedicated to promoting all aspects of the school’s success.

The Director of Advancement reports directly to the Head of School and is a key member of the Administrative Team. Along with the Head of School the Director of Advancement establishes close working relationships with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Assistant Head of School, the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Admissions, and the Chair of the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. The position also oversees an Advancement Team comprised of an associate, as well as volunteer event planning committees.

The Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Steering Committee will continue to seek additional gifts and pledges over the coming year. The Director of Advancement will provide support to the Campaign Steering Committee during this final phase of fundraising and ensuing campaign closure activities. Additionally, the Director of Advancement will be responsible for managing appropriate donor stewardship activities as a result of the Campaign.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, steward, and acknowledge all donors directly while also supporting the work of the Head of School and RPDS Board of Trustees.
• Oversee all fundraising activities for operating, capital, and endowment needs.
• Organize and successfully execute a major gifts effort, the RPDS Fund (annual fund), Capers (the signature annual event/auction) and planned giving.
• Create, implement, and report on annual goals, objectives, and a plan of action for all fundraising initiatives.
• Develop and execute strategies for maintaining and enhancing the sense of community and belonging, goodwill, and positive feelings among all RPDS constituencies through personal relationships, internal and external communications, publications, and events.
• Manage the daily operations of the Advancement Office, including budget, database, files, correspondence, and mailings.
• Communicate regularly with the Head of School, Administrative Team, Advancement Committee Chair, and the RPDS Board of Trustees regarding planned and ongoing advancement projects and events.
• Serve as the liaison for the RPDS Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, and the Committee on Trustees, while also participating in Board orientation and training, and meetings with the Finance Committee.
• Manage, guide, and evaluate Advancement Staff.
• Collaborate closely with the Parent Association leadership and special event chairs.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Communications and Alumni Relations to engage, connect, and cultivate RPDS Alumni and assist in providing concise record management.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications:

• A visionary charismatic individual with the knowledge, ingenuity, fortitude, passion, and decisiveness necessary to gain support and advance initiatives
• Experience in a leadership role in a school or other nonprofit setting, including significant fundraising responsibilities and involvement with capital campaigns
• A record of successfully cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts directly from individuals, foundations, and other giving sources
• A record of managing a successful donor stewardship program
• Extensive knowledge and experience with major gift solicitations, annual and capital campaigns, planned giving, and foundation grants
• Consistent professionalism with the capacity to partner with and to guide a wide variety of constituents
• A spirited professional who encourages teamwork and motivates others for the good of the school, including committed and involved volunteers
• A strong manager who leads by example and seeks to move projects and the school forward through creativity and cooperation
• The ability to develop strategies, implement operational plans, meet goals, and pivot based on shifting priorities and circumstances
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives
• Excellent writing and verbal skills, including the ability to present in front of large and small groups and communicate in a compelling manner on behalf of an organization
• Passionate about the work and mission, highly organized, and extremely detail oriented
• Strong appreciation and understanding of a faith-based independent school environment
• Comfortable with all types of people and the ability to develop strong and meaningful relationships with major donors, prospective benefactors, and volunteers
• A strong understanding of the nonprofit setting and the relationships among the advancement, marketing, communications, admissions, and finance functions in an independent school
• Comfort with a range of technologies necessary to support prospect research, stewardship, and daily operations as well as to stay connected with donors, including Blackbaud’s The Raiser’s Edge (NXT)

Qualities:

• A person of great integrity with ability to build and maintain strong relationships within the community
• Self-confident, poised and at the same time empathetic, humble, and respectful
• A creative out of the box thinker who is both innovative and entrepreneurial
• Accountable, honors commitments, and forthright in communication and engagements
• Kind, empathetic, open-minded individual who has a deep-seated respect for all people
• An extremely welcoming person with a strong moral compass and good sense of humor
• Creative self-starter with a positive outlook who is approachable and available
• An individual who is reliable, decisive, flexible, outcome-oriented, and performance-driven

CONTACT

Candidates should submit an application, including cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references, to Sarabeth Soule, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, ssoule@rpds.com.

About Riverside Presbyterian Day School

Jacksonville's first private elementary school, Riverside Presbyterian Day School is a co-educational independent day school serving 455 students from PreK 3 through Grade 6. Characterized by high academic standards and a commitment to an excellent educational experience.

Connections working at Riverside Presbyterian Day School