Benjamin School, The

Director of Advancement & Capital Campaign and Major Gifts


Opening for 2011-2012


 The Benjamin School is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented, experienced leader to serve as the Director of Advancement & Capital Campaign and Major Gifts for The Benjamin School.


General Information:  The Benjamin School is an independent, non-sectarian day school for pre-k 3 to 12th grade students in Palm Beach County.   The School resides on two campuses; the 11 ½ acre Lower and Middle School campus in North Palm Beach and the 50 acre Upper School campus in Palm Beach Gardens. The school consists of 189 faculty and staff who are responsible for 1110 students.  The school’s rigorous and varied program prepares its students for acceptance to prominent 4-year universities and colleges. 


Please visit our website at www.thebenjaminschool.org for more information about our school.


Position Summary:


The Director of Advancement & Capital Campaign and Major Gifts will be responsible for the strategic direction and successful implementation of The Benjamin School’s fundraising, marketing, alumni relations, and communications activities. The ideal candidate will bring at least 8 years of fundraising experience, including at least 5 years of staff management. Key characteristics include a commitment to embrace The Benjamin School’s mission, demonstrated expertise in the full life-cycle of major gift solicitation, a team-oriented and collaborative approach to work, and an ability to think strategically and creatively in a dynamic environment. The Director will report to the Head of School and will supervise 6 staff members. He/she must possess strong leadership and organizational skills.


The School is in the early stages of planning a significant capital campaign. The Director must have extensive experience in solicitation of major gifts, as well as exceptional communication and presentation skills.  He/she will work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to cultivate and close major gift prospects.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Attends Board of Trustee meetings and engages with the Advancement Committee, Capital Campaign Steering Committee,Head of School, Senior Leadership Team, Marketing committee, volunteers, parents, alumni, faculty and staff to cultivate major gifts;

  • Directs wealth research for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-level benefactors and corporations;

  • Establishes and maintains relationships with major donors and prospects utilizing electronic research tools and firms;

  • Responsible for major gifts to the School in excess of $50,000;

  • Assigns dollar amounts to name capital projects;

  • Works closely with Director of Annual Giving to carry out major annual fundraising eventsand is primarily responsible for capital campaign managerial oversight;

  • Responsible for the Planned Giving Program;

  • Other responsibilities as needed.

Experience/Credentials



  • Bachelor’s degree in related field; Master’s degree preferred.

  • At least 8 years of progressively strategic and comprehensive development experience, preferably in an independent school and/or college.

  • Experience with and demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive long-term relationships with major-gift donors, professional colleagues, and leadership volunteers.

  • Excellent record of high-level analytical skills, demonstrated ability to plan strategically, and capacity for developing research-driven strategies.

  • Successfully demonstrated capital campaign experience.

  • Appreciation for and capacity to embrace The Benjamin School’s mission and a capacity to communicate that mission in an inspiring way.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team of professionals and volunteers within a framework of respect, kindness, growth, and balance.

  • Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills, with a knack for tailoring the “voice” to a range of audiences.

  • Literate, professional demeanor coupled with a compassionate, down-to-earth personality. Sense of humor is necessary.  A mature professional who is poised, polished, and comfortable interacting with prospective donors of significant wealth and who is positive and approachable, fosters trust and collaboration, and is committed to help TBS flourish.

The Benjamin School offers an excellent compensation and benefits package.


See full search description at www.thebenjaminschool.org/careeropportunities, “Career Opportunities.”  Position will remain open until a qualified candidate is selected.


Please submit cover letter, resume and list of references along with three written letters of reference to Robert S. Goldberg, Head of School at Head [at] thebenjaminschool [dot] org.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace