Chief Development Officer, Walnut Hill School for the Arts

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER POSITION OVERVIEW

WALNUT HILL SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS NATICK, MA WALNUTHILLARTS.ORG

INTRODUCTION

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks a passionate and mission-driven Chief Development Officer to design and lead a transformational fundraising program for this world-class, 125-year-old boarding and day school the only independent arts high school on the East Coast www walnuthillarts org

Reporting to the Head of School and overseeing a six-person team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will bring strategic vision, leadership, and a best-practice orientation to bolster philanthropic support and engagement among the school’ s diverse constituencies, including local, national, and international alumni and families, as well as individual and corporate supporters of the arts This is an exciting time to join the organization as it renews its NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation a globally recognized standard of excellence that attests to the school’ s high quality and integrity and embarks on a new strategic plan

As a member of the executive team, the CDO will play an integral role in the innovative leadership of the school, working closely with the Head and Board of Trustees to advance a culture of philanthropy that will support strategic imperatives. Most importantly, the CDO will design and define a fundraising plan that broadens the donor base and strengthens the pipeline that will fuel sustainable annual giving and future capital and endowment campaigns Among the CDO’ s first orders of business is to assess and align the fundraising program ’ s ability to support both immediate and projected needs, and to build, lead, and empower a resultsoriented team

enthusiasts who frequently participated in community theater, hosted chamber concerts, and included dance, visual art, and music as part of their early curriculum, these two innovative leaders laid the groundwork for what Walnut Hill is today: a unique blend of comprehensive college-preparatory academics and intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theater, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts (WFMA).

form a dynamic community guided by master teachers and supported by peers from a variety of artistic backgrounds

Approximately 80 percent of students board at the school; they represent 24 U.S. states and 16 countries The school grants nearly $4 million annually in financial aid to defray the cost of tuition ($62,280 boarding; $47,030 day) About 40 percent of students receive some form of aid with an average individual award of $36,000.

Walnut Hill's Founders

Florence Bigelow (left)

Charlotte Conant (right)

Every aspect of the school’ s program promotes students' growth as bold artists, curious learners, and mindful citizens Students graduate prepared to succeed in college and beyond. They go on to study at top-ranked colleges, universities, and conservatories Alumni include world-renowned musicians and composers, symphony conductors, principal dancers, visual artists, Broadway performers, TV/film actors, producers, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Poet Laureate

Performances, concerts, and exhibits are a way of life at Walnut Hill Not only can every member of the school community partake in some 70+ events annually, most are attended by the public as well. Walnut Hill’ s performance spaces are rarely dark Each summer, the school welcomes hundreds of talented students ages 10-17 from across the country and around the world to its campus for immersive summer arts programs in dance and theater. During the academic year the school’ s Community Dance Academy provides classical ballet training to local students f d 4 t 18 f h j i

The Nutcracker.

In keeping with its mission, Non Nobis Solum (Not for Ourselves Alone), Walnut Hill has a history of partnering successfully with other arts and cultural organizations to expand its student offerings and to be part of something greater than itself Walnut Hill’ s Music Department is the only high school program in the country linked to a major conservatory, New England Conservatory Music majors perform regularly, both on campus and in Boston. Walnut Hill's Dance Department partners with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Ballet Austin to ff d th d d f ll hi

Walnut Hill’s core values

speak

to community, creativity, excellence, growth, and respect:

COMMUNITY

At Walnut Hill School for the Arts, you are welcome as you are Our strength as a community comes from the different people, places, and ideas that inform our work We strive to accept and celebrate each member’ s unique contributions, and we draw on our collective experiences in order to live as more compassionate global citizens.

CREATIVITY

We believe that art and creative thinking are essential to promoting a more tolerant, mindful, and beautiful world. We thrive on curiosity and discovering answers to questions that have not yet been asked Through imagination, fresh ideas, and innovation, we push ourselves to think differently, embrace challenges, and try again.

EXCELLENCE

We strive towards excellence in everything we do Excellence in any endeavor artistic, academic, and personal is not an end It requires sustained effort, recognizes the possibility of failure, and encourages engagement with the ongoing process of achieving success

GROWTH

Growth is an evolving process of awakening and renewal that happens when we are mindful of where we are and where we want to be. It requires selfawareness, resilience, and the courage to embrace the unfamiliar This journey begins with the idea that we grow with every experience we encounter and the understanding that curiosity engenders lifelong learning

RESPECT

Personal conduct and accountability are expressions of the esteem with which we hold ourselves and others. We act with integrity to cultivate an environment where we treat one another, our work, and our physical space with deep respect. At Walnut Hill, respect is maintained through trust, honesty, and mutual understanding

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THE LEADERSHIP

Mr. Viva earned a BA in English and an MAT in Education from Union College and went on to teach English and Theater in the Amherst Regional Public School System. Later, he joined the Education Development Center, Inc as Senior Research and Development Associate, focusing on a US Department of Educationfunded project to develop a school reform model for low-performing public schools. His research concentrated on teaching, learning, leadership, and technology integration.

VIVA, HEAD OF SCHOOL

The administrative leadership of Walnut Hill School is comprised of a dynamic group of professionals who are accomplished in their respective fields The team includes the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Creative Officer, Director of Academic Studies, Director of Artistic Studies, Director of Events and Production, and Dean of Students walnuthillarts.org/about/leadership

Antonio Viva joined Walnut Hill School as Head of School in June 2010 Prior to this role, he served as Associate Head of School at Worcester Academy for five years, following three years as Chief Information Officer During this time he was selected as a NAIS/E Ford Foundation Fellow for Aspiring Heads

A frequent speaker on technology, education, and 21st-century teaching and learning, Antonio has shared his innovative thinking with other independent schools through member organizations such as NAIS, CASE, AISNE, ISANNE, ADVIS, and TABS. He is described by his senior administrative team as an “idea generator who loves candid, honest feedback and identifying thoughtful solutions. He is energized by creativity, people, and fixing things ” In his nine-year tenure at Walnut Hill, he has led the roll-out of a five-year strategic plan (and is laying the groundwork for another one), launched and celebrated completion of a comprehensive capital campaign, and developed innovative partnerships that extend outside of the independent school model Additionally he has assembled a high-performing team of professionals who are mission-focused and committed to advancing a strategic agenda and supporting each other in the process.

ANTONIO

Walnut Hill is governed by a 28-member Board of Trustees made up of alumni, parents, and friends The Head of School is an ex-officio member of the Board. A faculty representative and a parent representative also attend meetings, which are quarterly. The Board Executive and Finance Committees meet monthly, and other committees meet quarterly or as needed. These include Governance, Development, Building and Grounds, Support and Evaluation, Investment, and Audit Some Board committees, such as Development and Investment, include non-board members Board members serve a three-year renewable term. At present there is no limit to the length of Board service as the respectful culture of the Board promotes open conversations about Board members’ commitment and expectations

Two additional highly-engaged volunteer entities actively support the school through contributions of time, treasure, and talent the Ambassador Circle and the Alumni Association. Members are appointed or elected and serve two- to three-year renewable terms. Both groups meet several times a year on campus and are vital links to communities and networks that go beyond the school. They are valued for their ability to promote the school to a variety of constituencies and provide ongoing input on key initiatives. The Ambassador Circle is cochaired by a Board member and a key volunteer who preside over meetings designed to deepen members’ knowledge of the school, elicit their feedback, and harness their enthusiasm for the school’ s mission. The Alumni Association is led by a 23-member Board and staffed by the Director of Alumni Giving and Engagement

View Walnut Hill's Bylaws Here

building serves as a hub for the community in multiplying the school’ s ability to present a variety of performances and events. https://youtu be/fCZa0lbOjxE

FUNDRAISING

Donors were encouraged to offer philanthropic “birthday gifts” in celebration of the past and in support of the future with a focus on “Arts, H S d S h l ”

Throughout the years, strategic planning and fundraising campaigns have identified areas for growth and raised monies for capital improvements, endowment, and financial aid Some of these strategic milestones include:

“The Centennial Plan” (1986-1994)

Growth phase that solidified the arts mission and the co-educational experience

“Our Place on the Hill” (1994–1998)

Focused on facilities, financial aid, and faculty compensation.

“Path to Preeminence” (1999–2005)

Fueled the school’ s upward trajectory and secured a more diverse and stronger community

“Rising to the Challenge of Success” (2005–2010)

Included “The Fund for the Future, ” a $20 million comprehensive campaign that benefitted arts programming, financial aid, faculty salaries, and student expansion (to 320) with the construction of Bishop Hall

“Securing Our Place in the World” (2012–2017)

Focused on six goals: ensure that programs evolve in order to be relevant, innovative, and challenging; attract and retain best, most diverse faculty, staff, and students; advance the school’ s brand and reputation locally, nationally, internationally; establish/implement purposeful and leading-edge practices that build community and nurture diversity; ensure that the campus boldly projects and enhances the school’ s unique identity; and grow the school’ s financial resources to ensure long-term sustainability This strategic plan included the recent “Invest in Excellence: Front & Center” campaign with a public launch in October 2016

The Walnut Hill School operating budget is approximately $20 million. It is supported by the school’ s Annual Fund which generates $1 15 million a year for current use This amount has remained constant over the years. The strategic imperative ahead is to raise the bar in growing annual support from alumni, parents, and friends The FY ’20 goal is $1 25 million with a stretch goal of $1 5M A leadership gift to the Annual Fund is $1K+; a major gift is $10K+ https://youtu be/GCMoNUYTqTM

Walnut Hill established the Ellison Society to recognize the thoughtfulness of donors who make legacy gifts The Society was named after Beatrice J Edgerly Ellison, class of 1911, whose charitable remainder trust bequeathed a gift of $1.18 million. Since that time, the program has grown modestly to more than 200 members with gifts ranging from $3,000 to $3 million There is an opportunity to build engagement in this program, particularly on the part of alumna from the “ pre-arts” era who remain passionate about their alma mater and have potential to make legacy gifts to the school’ s endowment, currently at $17 million.

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The Development team is led by the Chief Development Officer (capital, leadership, endowment giving) and includes a Director of Development (annual giving), Director of Alumni Giving and Engagement (reunion, alumni giving), Stewardship and Research Coordinator, Database Manager and Development Assistant During the campaign, the team also included a Director of Major and Planned Gifts and a Campaign Coordinator The incoming CDO is encouraged to review and assess the current program and staffing model with an eye toward building a best-practice program and a strong donor pipeline

THE CDO POSITION

Reporting to the Head of School the CDO is charged with developing, recommending, organizing, and directing strategies, plans, and actions to build and maintain a comprehensive fundraising program that maximizes philanthropic support for furthering Walnut Hill’ s mission and vision for the future. The program encompasses all development efforts, including annual giving, campaigns, major/planned giving, foundation relations, and donor stewardship

... a school that’ s like no other a school where you ’ re as likely to learn about Sondheim as you are Chaucer, where murals have turned our academic building into an art gallery, and where you can find yourself in a community of other students who are as committed to their future as artists as they are their high school experience. " – Susanne Carpenter, Assistant Head of School

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop a compelling, comprehensive fundraising strategy and results-oriented plan that supports the school’ s strategic direction and institutional priorities

Lead, mentor, and empower a high-performing staff, providing strategic vision, goals, and success metrics; removing obstacles to performance; and noting/celebrating progress Partner with the Head and Board of Trustees in fostering a culture of philanthropy; encourage each Board member’ s individual participation in fundraising and ensure that their personal investment is meaningful

Nurture efforts to grow the base of volunteer support and the pipeline for future volunteer leadership (e g Ambassadors Circle, Alumni Council), celebrating their work and ensuring a rewarding experience

Work closely with the Head, CFO, and Board leadership to set current and future growth goals for annual, capital, and endowment giving; monitor progress toward goals and report results. Guide, coach, and support the Head in his fundraising activities through strategic preparation and maximizing his time.

Develop and manage a prospect portfolio, striking an effective balance between managing/leading the team and serving as the principal gift officer who identifies, cultivates, solicits, and closes transformational gifts.

Serving as a member of the senior administrative team, actively contribute to strategic and operational planning.

Work closely with the Chief Creative Officer in advancing the school’ s brand and reputation regionally, nationally, and internationally with a focus on greater constituent engagement

Be an active and visible member of the school community, attending events, performances, and interfacing with administrative and academic heads, faculty, parents, and students

FIRST-YEAR EXPECTATIONS

Be an active contributor in the school’ s strategic planning process while building a culture of philanthropy.

Assess, develop and lead a best-practice fundraising program and team articulating a vision, and leading, mentoring, and guiding the staff.

Develop a fundraising plan with an immediate focus on growing the Annual Fund

Steward existing donors while building the pipeline of prospective donors for future capital and endowment needs.

LONG TERM EXPECTATIONS

Strengthen the foundation for future capital and endowment fundraising

Identify, cultivate, and steward donors capable of making transformational gifts

Strengthen relationships with current alumni, parents, and friends leading to consistent and ongoing philanthropic support

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a mission and values-driven, engaging, entrepreneurial, and highly motivated fundraising leader with superb communications, persuasiveness and organizational skills, high integrity, and work ethic The CDO must be a person of enthusiasm and initiative with proven experience motivating and working closely with senior administrators, volunteer leaders, a professional staff, and sophisticated, affluent donors This individual must have the confidence and expertise to guide and advise the Head of School and the Board through all phases of the development process, backed by a strong commitment to strengthening Walnut Hill’ s culture of philanthropy. A strong operational focus, bias for action, and results-orientation is paramount, as is a demonstrated record of success as a team leader, collaborator, and change agent. The person who will fit best in the Walnut Hill community is one with a deep, personal and/or professional passion for the arts/arts education

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a BA/BS degree and 10+ years ’ progressive development leadership experience with a track record of achievement developing and advancing strategy

Experience managing a comprehensive fundraising program with measurable and reportable success (major and planned giving, annual fund, alumni relations, foundation relations, donor relations and stewardship)

Proven manager with demonstrated success leading and empowering a staff.

Knowledge of fundraising “best practice” earned in mission-driven, innovative, and highly-collaborative organizations

Experience building donor pipeline, campaign readiness, campaign strategy and implementation

Experience developing and managing a prospect portfolio of donors capable of six- and seven-figure gifts

Knowledgeable in regard to deferred giving vehicles, including bequests, annuities, charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, life insurance, and gifts of real estate.

Knowledgeable in regard to the application of information technology for administrative, business, and financial management (Raiser’ s Edge preferred)

Familiarity with independent schools, particularly the boarding school environment, a plus

SKILLS, CHARACTERISTICS & ATTRIBUTES

Must have passion for and/or deep appreciation of the arts/arts education and its influence and impact on society

Donor-centric

Committed to productive collaboration and teamwork

Innovative/creative with a tactical orientation.

Engaged and motivated manager and mentor.

Exceptional communicator and relationship manager

Sophisticated oral and presentation skills, interpersonal communications

Political savvy

Open-minded and thoughtful listener.

Effective and respectful negotiator.

Tech savvy Able to fully leverage technological supports and tools in analyzing data, and tracking and reporting results

in the Metro West section of Greater Boston in Natick, MA, Walnut Hill School enjoys the best

a seven-minute walk to the commuter rail from