Chief Advancement Officer

About Gulliver Preparatory School

Gulliver Preparatory School is Miami’s school of choice for challenging, innovative, and personalized learning designed to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic world. We are a school of innovation and transformation, and we provide each and every student with unparalleled opportunities to explore and experiment. 

Job Summary

Gulliver Preparatory School (Gulliver Prep), a co-educational independent school, is searching for a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead the design and execution of its aligned fundraising and communications strategies. Gulliver Prep is Miami’s choice for challenging, innovative, and personalized learning that prepares its vibrant students for a dynamic and complex world. The CAO will be part of an outstanding leadership team and school community that is committed to reaching the pinnacle of educational impact and institutional success.

Gulliver Prep seeks an entrepreneurial, dynamic leader to drive philanthropic initiatives, cultivate relationships with families, donors, and alumni, and implement strategic fundraising campaigns. Ideal candidates for the role are skilled, seasoned fundraising professionals, inspired by the opportunity to make a significant impact on future growth during a transformational time in the school’s history. The CAO must possess a passion for education, and be able to provide intellectual leadership and strategic direction to school leadership, the campus community, Board of Trustees, alumni, donors, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a vital role in advancing the way institutional values and aspirations are communicated publicly and in alignment with the Gulliver Prep mission and vision for the future.

The CAO will be a strategic thinker, responsible for envisioning, planning, executing, and achieving results in a fast-paced environment. S/he will report directly to the President, serve as a member of the school’s Administrative Leadership Team, and work closely with key Board leadership, while overseeing a talented team of fundraising and communications professionals. Fostering a spirit of collaboration, optimism, and excellence, the CAO will take ownership for ambitious goals of $3M in annual giving and completion of a $75M capital campaign.

Areas of Emphasis: 

• Develop and execute comprehensive advancement strategies to increase philanthropic support for Gulliver Prep's mission and programs.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, alumni, parents, and other key stakeholders to secure major gifts and pledges.
• Lead the planning and implementation of capital campaign strategies, annual giving programs, and special fundraising events.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and the school’s senior leaders to align fundraising goals with the school's strategic priorities.
• Manage the Advancement Team, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure the team's success.
• Oversee management of donor databases and gift processing systems to ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Work closely with communications and marketing team members to develop compelling messaging and materials that effectively communicate the school's impact and funding needs.
• Represent Gulliver Prep at community events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance the school's visibility and reputation.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising and communications efforts, tracking progress toward goals and making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in advancement and philanthropy, continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in related field preferred. 
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in advancement/fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful campaigns.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated success inspiring and motivating a team to realize ambitious goals.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases and CRM systems, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset, capable of developing and executing effective fundraising strategies.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Gulliver Preparatory School, with a passion for education and youth development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, with a high level of professionalism and integrity.
• A commitment to excellence and spirit of optimism and possibility about achieving great things during a time of profound disruption and opportunity in the education space.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Level II Fingerprint Screening(s), and Drug screen. 

Gulliver is deeply committed to the principles of equity and diversity and seeks to create an inclusive community for all faculty and staff. Gulliver is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and a Drug Free Workplace.