The Country Day School
Senior Development Officer - Alumni Giving
Permanent, Full-time, Year-round Position
Commencing February 2026
The Country Day School (CDS) is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Development Officer (SDO) - Alumni Giving. This pivotal role on the Community Relations and Advancement team is responsible for driving the strategy, development, and execution of the alumni engagement and annual giving program to significantly strengthen and expand the School’s donor base.
As a relational institution, CDS expects all employees to be in-office on our beautiful campus five days a week. The role will require the opportunity for some local travel to visit alumni, as well as attending evening and weekend events and meetings. This position will report to the Executive Director of Advancement.
Core Focus and Responsibilities:
● Alumni Relations & Philanthropy: The primary focus is on the growing cohort of approximately 2,400 alumni. The SDO will actively transition the alumni relations program from social engagement to active philanthropic participation, supporting the CDS's advancement goals of meaningful connection and giving.
● Project Management: The successful candidate must demonstrate strong project management skills, overseeing multiple fundraising initiatives from inception to completion. This includes creating clear timelines, setting measurable goals, tracking progress, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and desired outcomes are achieved.
● Relationship Building & Stewardship: A core component of this role is cultivating and strengthening long-term, non-transactional relationships with key alumni groups. This involves regular, personalized stewardship, tailored communications, recognition opportunities, and updates on the impact of their gifts to ensure alumni feel valued and motivated to continue their support.
● Collaboration & Strategy: Effective coordination with key internal teams (such as communications, events, and data) is crucial for creating cohesive and compelling donor appeals. The SDO will monitor trends, evaluate results, and adjust strategies as needed to continuously improve fundraising effectiveness.
● Additional Support: This position will also assist the Executive Director of Advancement with existing capital campaign efforts and broader community relations initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
● Bachelor’s Degree, CFRE designation or equivalent experience is an asset
● Three to five years of successful experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in an educational environment
● Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and the School
● Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the School’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with faculty, volunteers, and the Advancement team
● Successful experience in making calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies
● Demonstrated record of completing assignments on deadline
● Demonstrated knowledge of computer fundraising database management, direct experience with Raiser’s Edge preferable
● Strong organizational and administrative skills and meticulous attention to detail
● The ability to manage and maintain highly confidential information
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Employment Details:
● Salary Range: $75,000 to $100,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
● This job posting is not for an existing vacancy.
● All CDS employees must be able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report.
● CDS does not use AI screening.
The review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until this position is filled. The Head of School invites qualified individuals to apply by February 9, 2026, with a resume and cover letter to:
John Liggett, Head of School
The Country Day School
13415 Dufferin Street
King City, ON L7B 1K5
careers@cds.on.ca
Situated on a beautiful 100-acre campus in the heart of King Township, The Country Day School offers an exceptional post-secondary preparatory program for students in grades JK-12, focused on providing an Education with Balance.
The Country Day School offers a positive working environment with a competitive salary. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of this community. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please let us know.
Only those persons selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies, please.
For more information about this leading Canadian independent school, please visit www.cds.on.ca.
