ABOUT WINGROVE ACADEMY AND THE CAMPAIGN
Wingrove Academy is a new nonprofit, independent PreK through 12 school being built in the Village of Wellington, Florida, with doors opening in Fall 2029. Designed from the ground up by leaders with unrivaled expertise in launching schools of global stature, Wingrove will deliver a future focused education that blends academic excellence with vibrant arts and athletics programs, all within a whole child approach to learning and development. The campus, set on 43.8 acres and designed by internationally acclaimed architects, will open as a 1,000 seat, world class institution with the flexibility to expand as the region grows.
To bring this vision to life, Wingrove has launched a $155 million campaign to fund campus construction and the programs, people, and financial aid that will define the school from day one. This is a rare opportunity to join a founding development team and help build an enduring educational institution for Palm Beach County, gift by gift, from the ground up.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Major Gift Officer / Executive Director, Leadership Gifts is a key member of the Development team responsible for building the philanthropic foundation for Wingrove Academy, a nonprofit, independent PreK through 12 school being built in Wellington, Florida. The MGO/ED will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and partners whose generosity will help bring Wingrove's educational vision to life. The MGO/ED reports to the Vice President for Development and collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Principal Gifts, the CEO and Chairman of the Board of ElevateED, the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, campaign volunteers, and external partners.
PROFILE
This role is best suited for a highly entrepreneurial relationship builder and strategic development leader, with the presence and credibility to engage high net worth individuals as well as civic, philanthropic, corporate, and foundation partners across Palm Beach County and beyond. The MGO/ED must demonstrate impeccable ethics and judgment, an outstanding community reputation, and a proven ability to operate within complex institutional environments with discretion, confidentiality, and respect for process and governance. The successful candidate will be both externally focused and internally collaborative, able to translate Wingrove Academy's vision into compelling opportunities for investment and partnership.
MISSION ALIGNMENT
This role requires genuine commitment to Wingrove Academy's mission, values, and long term success as an enduring educational institution for the community. The MGO/ED should be motivated by building a culture of philanthropy that prioritizes long term relationships and institutional impact over short term transactional outcomes, and by advancing opportunities for students, families, and educators. As a key ambassador for the school, the MGO/ED is expected to model the highest standards of professionalism, inclusion, and integrity, representing Wingrove consistently and credibly with all constituents.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Planning
- Develop and execute an annual and multi year development plan aligned with Wingrove Academy's mission and strategic priorities.
- Build a systematic outreach program and manage a moves management system that advances prospects from identification through stewardship, with particular emphasis on major gifts of $100K and above.
- Provide regular progress reports, projections, and analysis to the Vice President for Development and school leadership.
Fundraising and Donor Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of 50 to 60 high capacity prospects and donors, with clear goals for face to face visits, proposals, and gift closures each year.
- Lead cultivation and solicitation of leadership annual gifts, major gifts, and campaign commitments to support campus development, financial aid, academic programs, arts, and athletics.
- Partner with the Vice President for Development, the Executive Director of Principal Gifts, the CEO of ElevateED, and the Head of School to plan and execute customized strategies for top prospects.
- Coordinate with colleagues on annual giving and communications to ensure an integrated, donor centered approach.
- Develop and steward relationships with family foundations, donor advised fund holders, and key nonprofits to position Wingrove as a valued community partner.
- Represent Wingrove at community events, equestrian season gatherings, and regional philanthropic forums to expand visibility and networks.
- Advise on community partnerships and support outreach to companies that may be interested in participating in Wingrove's Guaranteed Placement Rights program.
- Maintain detailed records of donor interactions, proposals, and moves management in the organization's CRM system.
Donor Relations, Volunteer Leadership, and Stewardship
- Design and implement a robust stewardship program that recognizes donors with timely, personalized communication and meaningful engagement opportunities.
- Draft and coordinate impact reports, acknowledgments, and cultivation materials in partnership with Development communications.
- Recruit, organize, and lead a network of campaign volunteers, providing clear roles, training, and ongoing support to maximize their effectiveness in prospect identification, cultivation, event hosting, and outreach.
Event Partnership
- Partner with the Events team to strategically leverage donor facing events as opportunities to cultivate relationships, strengthen stewardship, and advance fundraising priorities.
- Collaborate on invitation strategy, guest lists, seating plans, and prospect engagement to create meaningful connections and maximize relationship building opportunities.
- Participate in pre event planning as needed and post event debriefs to identify donor insights, assign follow up actions, and advance prospects through the giving pipeline.
- Execute personalized post event stewardship and cultivation strategies, including donor outreach, follow up meetings, and gift conversations.
Collaboration and Institutional Leadership
- Serve as an ambassador for Wingrove's mission and educational model, articulating how its STEAM, arts, athletics, and whole child approach will benefit students and the broader community.
- Collaborate with enrollment, communications, and community engagement staff to ensure consistent messaging and reinforce the case for support.
- Contribute to a positive, entrepreneurial, and mission driven culture within the Development team and across the school.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of eight or more years of progressively responsible development experience, preferably in independent schools, higher education, or mission driven nonprofits.
- Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio and securing leadership annual and major gifts from individuals, families, and foundations.
- Proven ability to build trust based relationships with high net worth donors in affluent communities and to work comfortably in settings such as community events and equestrian season gatherings in Wellington.
- Strong strategic thinking, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate a compelling vision and case for support.
- High degree of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment in handling confidential information.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed and to travel regularly within Wellington and northern Palm Beach County.
PREFERRED
- Strong familiarity with, and established relationships in, Wellington and northern Palm Beach County, including experience engaging local philanthropic, equestrian, business, and civic communities.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Mission driven and passionate about innovative, future focused education and whole child development.
- Relationship oriented, with a collaborative style and a genuine interest in people and their philanthropic goals.
- Entrepreneurial, resourceful, and comfortable building systems and programs in a growing school.
- Results oriented, motivated by clear goals and metrics, and resilient in the face of challenges.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $228,000 depending on experience. This position is a contract position with the intent to transition to full time employment.
Wingrove Academy | Wellington, Florida | wingroveacademy.org
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $170,000.00 - $228,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Fundraising: 7 years (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in West Palm Beach, FL 33401
