Among this nation’s leading independent, co-educational college preparatory day schools, Harvard-Westlake (HW) consists of two campuses located in Los Angeles, California, with approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades seven through 12. Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence, living and learning with integrity, and purpose beyond itself.
HW’s culture is one of transformative ideas and it seeks candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; are able to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment; and have a capacity to serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance.
The Opportunity
Harvard-Westlake (HW) is looking for their next Director of Annual Giving (DAG) to lead a best-in-class program among independent school annual giving funds across the nation. This is an opportunity to direct a team raising over $9 million annually from loyal, engaged, and committed parents and alumni. The DAG has full responsibility for parent participation, analysis, and data to support the comprehensive and high-functioning program. With a strong partner in the Associate Director of Annual Giving, this duo will collaborate with the entire community to create experiences that lead to deeper affinity and support to the school. The Director of Annual Giving will serve as a connector, convener, and encourager to the HW community at large.
A qualified candidate should have substantial, successful annual giving leadership experience in an independent school and/or college setting. Primary responsibilities include confident and strategic programmatic leadership; exceptional volunteer recruitment, training, and stewardship; substantial event oversight with an eye toward detail, the creation and distribution of compelling tailored donor and volunteer communications, and the management of personnel.