Director of Advancement

Advancement Director

Location: Madison, WI

Salary: $60,000\-\-$70,000, with performance\-based incentives

Lead a Transformative Campaign and Shape the Future of Montessori Education

Isthmus Montessori Academy is Madison’s first and only public Montessori school and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma high school, serving children 6 weeks through 12th grade. Our school provides families the opportunity for a Montessori and IB education tuition\-free from 4K through graduation, serving nearly 300 students and welcoming learners from all backgrounds and abilities.

Since our founding in 2012, we have grown steadily, building a strong reputation for authentic Montessori education, a dedicated and highly skilled teaching staff, and a vibrant community grounded in dignity, independence, and respect for every learner. We prepare students not only for academic success, but for life by emphasizing grace, courtesy, global awareness, and a commitment to community.

We are at an exciting moment of growth, including launching a major campaign to expand our facilities, strengthen programs, and support our staff and students. This is a rare opportunity for a proven advancement professional to make a transformational impact on a growing school.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, results\-driven Advancement Director to lead our fundraising efforts. This role is highly strategic and autonomous: you will design and execute advancement strategy, build and steward relationships, and work closely with the board and leadership team to achieve ambitious goals.

This is not an entry\-level fundraising role. We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of securing significant gifts, leading or contributing to capital campaigns, and leveraging strong professional networks.

Your work will directly impact:

• The success of our school’s growth initiatives
• Programs serving over 250 students
• Continued faculty development and retention
• Expansion of campus and school facilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to support capital and ongoing fundraising needs
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors
• Lead grant writing efforts, including research, proposal development, and reporting
• Partner with the Board of Directors and leadership team to engage stakeholders and advance fundraising priorities
• Track fundraising progress, analyze giving trends, and adapt strategies to meet goals
• Oversee donor data management using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar)
• Collaborate on strategic communications and campaigns (email, digital, and events) to support fundraising and community engagement

Ideal Candidate ProfileExperience \& Qualifications

• 5\+ years of fundraising experience, including:
• At least 3 years leading or co\-leading major gift programs or capital campaigns
• Demonstrated success securing significant gifts ($25K–$500K\+)
• Strong existing network of philanthropic connections (Wisconsin or national)
• Experience collaborating with boards, leadership teams, and community stakeholders
• Familiarity with CRM systems and donor database management
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Passion for education and alignment with Montessori values

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to design and execute multi\-year advancement plans
• Self\-starter comfortable working autonomously and with high\-level stakeholders
• Skilled relationship\-builder who can inspire donors, volunteers, and colleagues
• Experience navigating nonprofit and/or public charter school environments
• Ability to balance big\-picture strategy with execution and follow\-through

Compensation \& Benefits

• Base salary: $60,000\-$70,000
• Performance\-based incentives tied to fundraising success
• Flexible work schedule with remote work options
• Health, vision, and dental benefits after 90 days
• Child enrollment preference
• Opportunity to shape and lead a major campaign at a growing school

Why Join Us?

This is a high\-impact role for a seasoned advancement professional ready to:

• Lead a transformative campaign that will shape the school’s future
• Apply their expertise and network to build meaningful, lasting relationships
• Directly influence the growth and sustainability of a tuition\-free public Montessori and IB school

You will have the autonomy, independence, and support to design and execute advancement strategy while making a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of learners, families, and educators.

How to Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio or evidence of prior fundraising success to employment@imapublic.org.

Please include examples of:

• Major gifts secured
• Campaigns led or supported
• Networks or relationships cultivated

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Pay: $60,000\.00 \- $70,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53704