Principal & Planned Gifts Officer

About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may let their lives speak.

Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.

Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.

Position Overview

The Principal & Planned Gifts Officer works to build and enhance relationships with all constituents for the purpose of increasing philanthropic support to Sidwell Friends School. The Principal & Planned Gifts Officer will also serve as a senior advisor to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Advancement Leadership Team. They are responsible for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major, principal, and planned gifts ($100,000 - $1,000,000+), seeking commitments in support of a comprehensive capital campaign and for specific initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees.

The Principal & Planned Gifts Officer will work with prospective donors to determine their philanthropic interests related to the schools fundraising goals through the Annual Fund, Endowment, Capital, and Planned Giving Programs. This position serves as the liaison on planned giving for the Individual Giving Team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Advancement Leadership on engagement and solicitation strategies of key prospective donors that will accelerate sustainable philanthropic growth.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Individual Giving to determine strategies and action steps needed to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit principal and planned gift donors.
• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 150+ prospective donors (current parents, alumni, and parents of alumni) to ensure that timely steps are taken toward qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gift proposals.
• Plan and execute a target of 150+ prospective donor visits per year.
• Manage and engage the volunteer solicitor engagement for assigned affinity / constituent groups and campaign committees.
• Develop and implement individual strategies for cultivating and soliciting major gift and planned giving prospects; utilize specialized gift planning knowledge to evaluate donors financial situations and goals to recommend optimal gifting options.
• Manage the planned giving program, including the development of timely and accurate assets, cadence of communication, audience identification and segmentation, and follow-up strategies. Serve as the point of contact for the PG vendor.
• Create inspiring gift proposals through a working knowledge of Sidwell Friends Schools educational programs in order to effectively articulate the Schools priorities and fundraising objectives to donors.
• Document all activity in the database; prepare and submit moves management goals that contain specific timelines, projected results, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Engagement Team to oversee prospect stewardship through correspondence, donor engagement, professional proposals, mailings, and acknowledgements.
• Achieve personal fundraising and activity goals monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Attend all appropriate Advancement meetings as well as other school-related events as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the School Advancement staff to ensure appropriate coordination and communication.

Qualifications:

The position requires a bachelors degree or higher and a candidate with strong interpersonal, oral and written communication, and database skills. At least five years of experience in successfully cultivating and personally soliciting major gifts and experience with planned gifts is preferred. Proven record of accomplishment in face-to-face solicitations and experience managing volunteer partners is also preferred. Knowledge of educational fundraising culture is an asset and experience with higher education moves management systems is preferred. This staff person should have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment and be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently. Occasional travel is required.

Salary & Benefits

Sidwell Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees health, well-being, and long-term financial security. Benefits include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; school-paid life and long-term disability insurance; wellness programs; and flexible spending accounts.

Sidwell contributes 7% of gross salary to a 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employee contribution, along with generous paid time off including school breaks, federal holidays, personal days, and paid family leave. Additional benefits include free lunch and parking, public transportation support, access to campus facilities, childcare and summer program discounts, and other community-focused resources.

Salary: $130,000-$140,000 per year. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"