HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS & FUNDRAISING

About Bayhill School
Bayhill School is a small nonprofit private school dedicated to supporting neurodivergent students through individualized instruction, strong relationships, and a whole-child approach to learning. We believe every student deserves an education built around their strengths — and that the right school community can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
We are looking for a mission-aligned fundraising leader to grow our development program, deepen community engagement, and help sustain the work that makes Bayhill uniquely transformative for students and families.
Role Overview
The Head of Communications & Fundraising is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens Bayhill’s long-term sustainability and advances its mission. This leader will oversee annual giving, major gifts, alumni engagement, grant development, and campaign initiatives, ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic priorities. This position does not have any direct reports but will work closely with the Executive Director.
 This role is ideal for a development professional who has helped nurture a development program from its early stages and understands the power of storytelling, trust, and consistent stewardship in sustaining a school community. The ideal candidate brings a track record of building donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, writing successful grants, and executing campaigns — ideally in an independent school environment.
 
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution

Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising plan aligned with goals, timelines, and engagement strategies.
Identify, write, and submit competitive grants to foundations, corporations, and philanthropic organizations
Manage donor pipelines, cultivation strategies, and stewardship practices
Monitor progress and adjust strategies to increase participation and giving

 
Community & Donor Engagement

Cultivate and steward donors at all levels — parents, alumni families, grandparents, community supporters, foundations, and benefactors — translating the impact of specialized instruction and student growth into compelling communications
Serve as a visible ambassador of Bayhill’s mission across the school community, broader education and nonprofit networks, and local civic life
Engage board members and volunteers as active partners in donor outreach and relationship-building.
Use storytelling, newsletters, email campaigns, and events to increase donor engagement and philanthropic support
Support the Executive Director in donor meetings, solicitations, and stewardship activities
Ensure donors feel valued, informed, and connected to student success and school outcomes
Plan and execute donor events, receptions, and community-building initiatives that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.

 
Data, Reporting & Compliance

Maintain accurate donor records and reporting systems
Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress
Ensure compliance with NAIS norms and ethical fundraising standards

 
 
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required
3–6 years of experience in development, advancement, or fundraising (independent school experience strongly preferred)
Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets
Proven success in grassroots fundraising and building donor support from early-stage growth to significant revenue milestones
Proven experience in grant writing, including successful awards from foundations or corporate funders
Experience developing or expanding scholarship funds or tuition assistance initiatives
Strong communication, relationship-building, and donor cultivation skills, with the ability to convey the nuances of learning differences with clarity and empathy
Event planning experience
Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
Understanding of independent schools and commitment to Bayhill’s mission
Ability to work evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement

 
 
Compensation
Bayhill School offers a competitive compensation package consistent with norms across small independent schools in the Bay Area. 

Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000 commensurate with experience
Annual Performance Incentive: Based on achievement of fundraising targets
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and tuition remission opportunities

 
To recognize exceptional performance and encourage ambitious fundraising, the Head of Communications & Fundraising will be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on the percentage of the total development goal achieved.