New Roads School, Director of Advancement

New Roads School, an academically vigorous, progressive K-12 school in Santa Monica, California, is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly relational advancement professional to join them as the Director of Advancement. Founded in 1995 by educators Paul Cummins and David Bryan, New Roads was born from a bold belief that students learn best in an authentically inclusive environment where differences are celebrated and every voice matters. New Roads is more than just a school - it is a true educational village where intellectual curiosity meets social consciousness.

At this pivotal moment in the school's history, New Roads seeks a dynamic Director of Advancement with proven skill in the field who can build meaningful partnerships across the entire community. Under the leadership of Interim Head of School Dan Vorenberg, a seasoned and well-respected independent school Head, the school is ready to establish a comprehensive culture of philanthropy – one that honors the school’s mission and vision while securing the financial resources needed for lasting impact. New Roads is currently operating from a position of strength and stability – they have strong enrollment, annual giving that has surpassed target goals, and an operating budget surplus despite the recent Southern California wildfires. 

Reporting directly to the Head of School and joining an engaged and dedicated senior leadership team, the Director will have the opportunity to establish new traditions of giving, build bridges across the school's diverse community, and develop innovative approaches to fundraising that honor New Roads' unique character. This position is essential to advancing the school's noteworthy goals, including continuing to strengthen campus facilities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the school's commitment to accessibility and excellence. The Director role represents a rare opportunity for an exceptional leader who understands that great philanthropy follows great ideas and compelling vision.

The Director of Advancement will join a community known for its authenticity, creativity, and unwavering commitment to each student's individual journey. With families who chose New Roads for its values-driven approach and educators dedicated to innovative learning, the school is positioned to cultivate generous investment from those who believe deeply in its mission. This role offers the chance to work alongside passionate advocates who are ready to ensure New Roads can continue changing lives for generations to come.

The Director of Advancement will have the opportunity to build almost from the ground up an innovative and effective strategy for advancement at New Roads. Taking the lead on dedicated engagement, storytelling, and fundraising, the Director will envision a robust future for New Roads and then construct and execute a tactical plan to realize that future. Partnering closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Parent Village — and supervising the advancement team — the Director will leverage their deep experience in advancement to support and further all philanthropic initiatives.

Salary Range: $150,000-$180,000

Search Calendar 
Priority Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2025 (Applications will subsequently be considered on a rolling basis)
Semifinalist interviews: Early July 2025
Finalist interviews: Early to Mid-July 2025
Announcement: Late July 20205
Start date: Late Summer / Fall 2025

Additional information and full application instructions can be found here: https://www.strategenius.org/opportunity-new-roads-school-director-advancement 

Please address any questions by email to ara@strategenius.org 

https://www.strategenius.org/opportunity-new-roads-school-director-advancement 

https://www.newroads.org/