Development Director
Opening Statement
Mālamalama Waldorf School is seeking a passionate and strategic Development Director to lead fundraising and development initiatives that support the school’s mission of providing quality Waldorf Education in East Hawai‘i. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, and a dedication to relationship building to increase revenue through individual and corporate donations, grants, and sponsorships. This role is vital to advancing the school’s mission, enhancing the educational experience, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
About
Malamalama Waldorf School was founded in 1978 by a group of devoted parents and educators seeking a different educational experience for children in the Puna district of the Big Island. MWS offers education preschool through Grade 8. MWS is located in the residential subdivision of Hawaiian Paradise Park, nestled on a 20-acre parcel in a beautiful rainforest setting. In 1979 MWS was incorporated as an independent, non-profit educational and cultural organization in the State of Hawaii. The school is a well-respected member of the Big Island community with over 40 years dedicated to Waldorf Education preschool through 8th Grade. Our graduates regularly go on to hold top academic honors in high school, including graduating valedictorians and salutatorians. They are also leaders in athletic, artistic, and performing arts endeavors.
The Big Island of Hawaii is rich in cultural diversity as well as boasting a most unusual volcanic landscape, ranch lands, and beaches. You can surf in the morning and don winter apparel for a jaunt to the summit of Mauna Kea in the afternoon.
On the Big Island, we are blessed with a beautiful natural environment, rich cultural opportunities, a temperate climate, a relatively low cost of living, and affordable housing options. The school’s salary together with its generous benefit package supports a moderate lifestyle.
Our inspiring faculty are enthusiastic with a commitment to Waldorf education delivered with warmth and through collaboration. Our dedicated Specialty Subject teachers provide Hawaiian Studies and Language, Japanese language, handwork, and music. Our parents are supportive and involved in many areas of the school, including active participation in festivals, and sharing their talents by volunteering to meet the needs of the school.
We value teachers who are open to learning about other cultures and enjoy nurturing healthy relationships with parents, students, and colleagues. We seek candidates with excellent teaching, classroom management, and communication skills and a deep understanding of students and their development.
Mālamalama Waldorf School is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that values diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic, and we actively seek to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to promote diversity and support the contributions of all employees. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for employment opportunities at Mālamalama Waldorf School.
Essential Job Duties
- Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year development plan in collaboration with leadership to increase philanthropic support, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and special events.
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and community organizations to secure gifts, sponsorships, and grants.
- Work closely with the School Director, Board of Directors, and Parent Association to align fundraising efforts with the school’s vision and strategic goals.
- Manage and oversee all fundraising events, ensuring effective planning, implementation and execution.
- Develop and maintain an alumni database and connect with a wider network of Waldorf alumni.
- Develop and maintain a donor database, ensuring accurate and timely recording of gifts and effective communication with donors.
- Work closely with Mālamalama grant writer and build relationships with local philanthropic institutions and foundations.
- Provide regular fundraising reports to leadership and board of directors, and make recommendations for adjustments to the fundraising plan as necessary.
- Stay up to date with best practices in non-profit fundraising, including emerging trends, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Qualifications
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, or marketing.
- At least 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing donations, sponsorships, and grants.
- Proficient in communicating and interacting with various stakeholders from different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to record and manage donor information effectively.
- Knowledge of fundraising software and tools, such as donor databases, online giving platforms, and email marketing systems.
- Passion for our organization’s mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
- Knowledge of local and national philanthropic trends and the ability to design programs for non-profit development that capitalize on those trends.
- Understanding of all fundraising compliance requirements and regulations, including gift acknowledgment and nonprofit financial reporting.
- Ability to adapt and cooperate with various stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, and board members, to meet fundraising objectives.
Personal Attributes:
- Passion for education and commitment to the mission and values of Mālamalama Waldorf School.
- A creative, self-motivated, and collaborative mindset.
- Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, community-centered environment.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to admin@hawaiiwaldorf.org. In your cover letter, please address your understanding of Waldorf education and how you envision contributing to the school’s financial sustainability and growth.
Mālamalama Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.