The Associated Alumni of Central High School of Philadelphia (AACHS) seeks an accomplished and dynamic Director of Development to lead its fundraising efforts, including annual giving and a transformational capital campaign. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives at the intersection of major gift fundraising, alumni engagement, and campaign execution.
WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART
A legacy institution: Lead a new, hybrid role shaped by 180 years of alumni leadership and commitment.
Deeply engaged alumni community: Work alongside a passionate alumni deeply invested in the school’s future.
A campaign already in motion: Drive the final phase of a $60M+ transformational, private - public campaign for one of the premier public schools in the US.
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL and AACHS OVERVIEW
Philadelphia Central High School (CHS) was opened in 1836. It is widely regarded as one of the premier college preparatory public schools in the nation. Its alumni include leaders across law, medicine, business, public service, the arts, and technology, reflecting a long-standing tradition of intellectual achievement and impact.
AACHS is one of the largest and most active high school alumni organizations in the United States, representing more than 30,000 living graduates. Since 1842, the AACHS has advanced CHS through philanthropic investment, professional networking and mentorship, and it sustains a strong annual giving program that engages alumni and friends.
The vision of the AACHS is to, “make Central High School THE BEST” and its mission is to, “help all Central talent excel, TOGETHER”. Fundraising is the board’s number one strategic and tactical imperative.
Thanks to the incredible support of CHS’ alumni, friends, and the School District of Philadelphia - the Leading the Way campaign is poised to elevate CHS’ position as a premier high school in the Philadelphia area and to maintain its award-winning recognition at a national level. The campaign is already well underway with more than 60% raised. It is a bold, multi-phase, private-public investment in CHS’ campus, programs, and student experience. Signature investments include a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, STEM Innovation Center, Digital Media and Technology Center, and creating hands-on learning environments across disciplines.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Director of Development is a newly created senior leadership role and the primary driver of AACHS’ fundraising strategy and revenue-generating activities. This role leads the major gifts program, donor pipeline, and capital campaign, working with and reporting to the Executive Director, with guidance from the AACHS Executive Committee, and support from the Board. To strengthen a culture of philanthropy and advance the AACHS vision and mission, the role will also partner closely across alumni engagement, marketing/communications, and information management initiatives to drive philanthropic revenue and campaign success.
KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Fundraising Leadership
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Campaign Strategy and Execution
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Donor Pipeline Management
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Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation
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Donor Stewardship
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Donor and Alumni Engagement Strategy
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Grant and Institutional Funding
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Volunteer Collaboration and Engagement
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Performance Monitoring
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE
The ideal candidate brings authenticity, humility, and a deep respect for CHS alumni and the broader school community. They are a relationship-driven fundraiser who builds trust across generations and navigates complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy, active listening, and confidence. A collaborative and disciplined leader, they manage multiple priorities while advancing transformational fundraising outcomes.
In addition they have:
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Proven track record of success in securing six and seven-figure gifts
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Demonstrated ability to build, grow, and manage a major gift pipeline of high-capacity donors
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Knowledge and successful experience with multichannel fundraising
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Demonstrated ability to utilize data to inform strategy and support decision-making
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Experience leading and executing grant strategy including proposal development and institutional funding
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Experience leading and/or contributing to a successful capital campaign is strongly preferred
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Demonstrated organizational, project management, and priority management skills
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Demonstrated written / verbal communications and influencing skills
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Bachelor’s degree in a related major is required; advanced degree or CFRE is preferred
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Experience in education, non-profit, and/or alumni-based fundraising environments is preferred
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Experience successfully partnering with an experienced volunteer board is preferred
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS FOR THE ROLE
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The salary for this position is $125,000
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Benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; paid time off; and professional development support.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ROLE
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis through May 14, 2026.
To apply, please submit the following materials at: tinyurl.com/AACHS-Director
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Resume
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Cover letter
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Optional work samples
Materials will be reviewed by Fairmount Ventures, a women-owned and led consulting firm committed to catalyzing social impact and equity in cities and communities by strengthening the capacity of nonprofit and public sector organizations.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATION
AACHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities and may be revised at any time.