Director of Advancement
Washington, DC

Position Overview

NCRC Preschool, an historic early childhood program in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, DC, seeks a creative, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Advancement to lead the school’s development efforts during an exciting period of growth and celebration.

Reporting to the Head of School and working closely with senior leadership and the Board of Trustees, the Director of Advancement will oversee and strengthen NCRC’s development strategy. At its best, this leadership is characterized by creativity, energy, and the design and implementation of systems that advance institutional goals.

This role will be instrumental as the school prepares for several significant opportunities: its upcoming centennial (February 2028), a potential endowment campaign, and the development of a new strategic plan. The Director of Advancement will play a central role in shaping and executing advancement efforts that position the school for long-term sustainability and growth.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a development professional who thrives in a close-knit community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute NCRC’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, including the Annual Fund and Annual Benefit for Tuition Assistance
• Create and strengthen development systems and practices to support long-term institutional goals and growth
• Play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and leveraging the school’s centennial to deepen donor engagement, elevate institutional visibility, and drive philanthropic support
• Prepare for and help shape future advancement initiatives, including a potential endowment campaign and a new strategic plan
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with parents, alumni families, grandparents, trustees, and other key donors and prospects
• Design and manage fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities that reflect the school’s mission, values, and community culture
• Collaborate closely with the Head of School, leadership team, and Board of Trustees to establish and achieve annual fundraising goals
• Maintain accurate donor records, oversee gift tracking and reporting, and utilize donor database systems to inform strategy and outreach
• Partner with communications and leadership to ensure consistent, compelling messaging around philanthropy and institutional priorities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising or development, preferably within an independent school, nonprofit, or educational setting
• Demonstrated success in annual giving, donor cultivation, and relationship-based fundraising
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Warm, personable, and outgoing, with the ability to engage a sophisticated parent and donor community
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Proficiency with donor databases and fundraising systems; ability to leverage data to inform strategy and decision-making
• Creative, energetic, and systems-oriented approach to advancement work
• Collaborative, proactive, and mission-driven leadership style

Why Join NCRC Preschool

This is a unique opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of a highly regarded institution at a defining moment in its history. As NCRC approaches its centennial, the Director of Advancement will help build enduring relationships, strengthen advancement systems, and play a key role in guiding the school into its next century of excellence.

Salary and Benefits

This role is currently 30-hours a week with room for expansion. The Director of Advancement is entitled to all paid school holidays and breaks (a week in November, two weeks in December/January, and spring break week in March) as well as vacation and PTO.  Benefits include 403B and medical/dental/vision. Salary range is $90,000 - $98,000 commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@ncrcpreschool.org
Subject Line: Director of Advancement

About NCRC - National Child Research Center

National Child Research Center (NCRC), is a co-ed independent preschool located in the historic district of Cleveland Park in Washington, DC. Founded in 1928, NCRC is the oldest continuously operating preschool in the District of Columbia, serving children age 2 through Pre-Kindergarten. NCRC’s highly skilled faculty uses research-based best practices to lead children in a play-based, emergent curriculum, creating a uniquely enriching and nurturing environment for young children and their families. NCRC's Mission: National Child Research Center nurtures the whole child - socially, emotionally, and intellectually - toward a lifelong love of learning. Informed by current research and continuing education, NCRC’s exceptional faculty guide each student’s unique development through a play-based, child-centered curriculum in a diverse, family-focused community, with a commitment to the inclusion of children who benefit from additional supports and adaptations. NCRC is accredited by AIMS, and is a member of AISGW, AIMS, NAIS, NAEYC. For more information about our school, visit www.ncrcpreschool.org

Connections working at NCRC - National Child Research Center