Career Center

School Description

For over fifty five years Richmond Montessori School (RMS) has remained dedicated to providing an authentic Montessori education in a student-centered environment and has remained true to the mission of its founders and the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. RMS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) independent school dual-accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. The school serves approximately 320 students ages 18 months to 14 years on two adjacent campuses, which incorporate eleven acres of beautiful green space, located in the west end of Richmond, Virginia. The RMS team includes a diverse group of passionate faculty and staff, fully committed to our core values of Character, Community, Authenticity, Respect and Excellence.

Performance Objectives

The Director of Advancement works to advance the mission of the school inspiring academic excellence and nurturing human potential. The Director of Advancement will lead the Advancement team and build relationships that translate directly and indirectly to the sustainability of the school, and to the success of its next major capital campaign. They will be responsible for creating and executing a development plan that includes the successful attainment of the school’s Capital Campaign and Annual Fund goals, the cultivation of alumni and friends, the solicitation of major donors, stewardship of current and past donors, and planning and management of special events. The Director of Advancement will partner closely with the Head of School and her senior leadership team, the Board of Trustees and volunteers as part of a collaborative effort advancing the school financially and otherwise.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s capital campaign giving efforts to secure financial support for its next phase of growth, cultivating and sustaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Enhance the school’s long-term and sustainable fundraising strategy and its translation to annual fundraising plans
• Lead the enhancement of the school's culture of philanthropy, resulting in increased charitable revenue
• Establish a strategy to expand and support the school’s Alumni Board
• Manage fundraising data and supervise the processing of gifts
• Oversee the development and planning of the school’s special events
• Manage the school’s Development staff

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in relevant field and minimum of 5 years of Advancement, Development or Admissions experience in an independent school setting
• Previous experience and excellence that has yielded proven, quantifiable success in development leadership
• Expertise in capital campaign management and execution
• Experience in a school setting is desirable
• Knowledge and confidence in data management, including knowledge of process and procedures for the management of all types and designations of giving
• Wildly creative and equally disciplined and action oriented
• Outstanding communication skills with an energetic, positive approach to work
• Embraces diversity of thought and a growth mindset
• Central belief in the importance of excellence in education

About Richmond Montessori School

Founded in 1965, Richmond Montessori School is the only Montessori school in the Richmond area and surrounding counties that is fully accredited by two external organizations – the American Montessori Society and Virginia Association of Independent Schools. RMS offers a private education that prepares children (ages 18 months to 14) for high levels of academic achievement, while also supporting their unique styles, interests and talents. The result is students who have the self-confidence, motivation and sense of purpose to successfully navigate life and contribute to their world in a meaningful way.

Connections working at Richmond Montessori School