Job Description

The Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School is an independent, coeducational program for learners in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Located in Foster City, CA, Wornick seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Development to join the Senior Leadership Team. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Head of School and is responsible for leading all aspects of the school’s development and fundraising programs.

Wornick is in an exciting phase of growth, with enrollment, philanthropy, and endowment all significantly increasing in recent years. We are completing a $24.2 million comprehensive campaign and currently raise $2.5 million annually through a combination of gifts and grants. The next Director of Development will play a critical role in shaping the future of the school by expanding our culture of philanthropy and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the institution.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a motivated, mission-aligned fundraiser who thrives in a relational culture, has a talent for strategic execution, and is energized by the power of Jewish education.

● Lead, manage and oversee the execution of all aspects of the development program, including annual giving, major gifts, endowment and capital campaigns, alumni giving, and planned giving initiatives.

● Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to increase giving at all levels, with a particular emphasis on major gifts and endowment growth.

● Build and strengthen relationships with foundations and institutional funders.

● Partner closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and campaign leadership to drive strategic fundraising initiatives and build meaningful donor relationships.

● Manage and mentor a high-performing development team; implement systems and processes that support effectiveness and accountability.

● Work closely with the Development Committee and other board committees to plan and execute fundraising initiatives.

● Lead and support staff, lay leaders, and volunteers in planning and executing events that build community and cultivate donors.

● Expand alumni engagement and giving programs to deepen long-term relationships with former students and families.

● Build and sustain a robust culture of philanthropy across the school community—including parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends of the school.

● Collaborate with the Communications team to develop compelling messaging, donor communications, and promotional materials.

● Prepare reports and presentations for the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Development Committee to track progress and inform planning.

● Serve as a confident and inspiring ambassador for Wornick to external stakeholders including donors, foundations, and community partners.

● Proven track record in fundraising, with at least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in development, ideally in an educational or nonprofit setting.

● Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, building donor pipelines, and managing comprehensive or capital campaigns.

● Familiarity with Jewish Day Schools or Jewish education, and the ability to passionately articulate its importance.

● Management experience is required, including supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.

● Experience partnering with boards, committees, and senior leaders to advance institutional goals.

● Knowledge of Bay Area philanthropic landscape and relationships with major donors or foundations is a plus.

● Dynamic and inspiring leader who motivates others, builds trust, and cultivates a culture of collaboration and excellence.

● Highly organized, process-oriented, and comfortable setting up systems that create structure and accountability.

● Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with a wide range of stakeholders and inspire support.

● Outstanding writing, storytelling, and communication skills; able to craft persuasive messaging and articulate a compelling case for support.

● Confident, thoughtful, and mission-driven professional who brings initiative, integrity, and joy to their work.

● Understanding of and commitment to Wornick Jewish Day School’s mission and core values.

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School is an award winning, vibrant, and innovative community of 210 learners from Transitional Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Wornick students are supported, challenged, and inspired to become their very best selves. An integrated curriculum emphasizes the connections across academic subjects and among students, families, and our community. Informed by shared Jewish values and ethics, our students emerge as engaged, confident young adults with the desire and skills to change the world. We are open to all applicants as an inclusive, supportive, and diverse community.

Mission

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School develops students who are socially and academically prepared to meet their full potential as engaged leaders committed to a life steeped in Jewish ethics and values.

Accreditation

● California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

● Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Membership

● National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

● PRIZMAH Jewish Day Schools

This position offers an annual salary range of $120,000-$180,000 commensurate with relevant experience, plus a generous benefits package including tuition remission and a complimentary family membership at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center.

The priority deadline for this position is May 9th, 2025.

• Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wornickjds.org

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