Director of Development
Position Type: Part-time 4 days a week from 8:45 am -12:45 pm and occasional evenings (September through May with school holidays off)
Location: The West Hill School (Preschool) 1455 West Hill Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
The West Hill School offers preschool children (ages 2 years, 7 months through prekindergarten) a safe, nurturing environment that fosters a lifelong celebration of learning. Through our rich, varied curriculum, balanced with play and multisensory academic instruction, children explore and satisfy their curiosity while developing cognitive, social/emotional, and physical skills. Children develop and practice self-regulation skills, such as careful listening, focus, and attention, that promote school readiness. Through activities that reinforce empathy and emotion management, children learn to build friendships and successful interpersonal relationships. Children develop a sense of appreciation and respect for our natural world. Our goal is for each child to progress to kindergarten with the tools to achieve a balanced education that promotes self-confidence, joy of discovery, pride in accomplishment, and respect for differences in our school, our community, and our world.
Position Summary:
The Director of Development is responsible for planning, managing, and implementing fundraising and advancement initiatives that advance the preschool’s mission and long-term sustainability. This part-time role (8:45-12:45, 4 days, 16 hours per week) focuses on donor relations, annual giving, school events, and community engagement, and works closely with school leadership, the board, children, and staff. The Director of Development will assist with all office responsibilities as needed and interact regularly with children in various settings throughout the school.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Development
• Plan and execute the annual fund campaign and spring auction
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors
• Prepare and send donor acknowledgments, thank-you letters, development newsletters, marketing materials, and recognition materials
• Maintain accurate donor records and giving reports Events and Community Engagement
• Coordinate fundraising and community-building events, including Fall Festival, Handbag Bingo, and Trivia Night
• Collaborate with staff and parent volunteers
• Represent the school positively to families, alumni, all donors, and the community Communications and Advancement
• Prepare advancement-related communications (appeals, newsletters, website content, etc.)
• Share the school’s mission and impact through storytelling
• Support parent and alumni engagement initiatives Collaboration and Administration
• Work closely with the Head of School, accountant, the office personnel, and the Advancement Committee
• Track goals, data, timelines, and outcomes for fundraising initiatives
• Complete monthly board reports, dashboard information, and attend board meetings
• Ensure advancement efforts align with the school’s mission and values
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit advancement
• Strong verbal, written, and computer communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to build warm, professional relationships with staff, families, alumni, and donors
• Familiarity with donor databases
• Love for young children and appreciation for early childhood education
Personal Attributes:
• Warm, professional, highly organized, and mission-driven
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities independently
• Collaborative and comfortable working with preschool children, staff, parents, and volunteers
• Discreet and respectful in handling confidential information
• Flexible in assisting with other jobs, as needed
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to connie@thewesthillschool.org by March 2, 2026, with the subject line “Director of Development Application.”