Chief Advancement Officer

East Haddam, Connecticut, Franklin Academy seeks an accomplished, entrepreneurial Chief Advancement Officer to lead a comprehensive advancement program at a pivotal moment in the school’s growth. Reporting directly to the Head of School and serving on the Cabinet, the Chief Advancement Officer will shape the school’s philanthropic strategy, strengthen relationships across the Franklin community, and secure support that expands opportunity for neurodivergent students. With record enrollment, a growing national profile, and a campus master plan underway, Franklin is preparing for its next chapter. The Chief Advancement Officer will build on this momentum by growing annual giving, securing major gifts, deepening alumni and family engagement, and preparing the school for a future capital campaign. Franklin’s approaching 25th academic year provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the school’s impact and inspire investment in its future. This position calls for a leader who combines strategic vision with direct fundraising experience and disciplined execution. The successful candidate will personally cultivate and solicit donors, develop effective systems, guide staff and volunteers, and work closely with the Head of School and trustees to build a sustained culture of philanthropy. About Franklin Academy Franklin Academy is a coeducational boarding and day school serving neurodivergent students in grades 8–12 and a postgraduate program on a 75-acre campus in East Haddam, Connecticut. The school integrates academic learning, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and independent living skills within a community where students are known, supported, and challenged. Franklin opened the 2026–2027 academic year with a record enrollment of 105 students. Its expanding programs and Center for Neurodiversity reflect a commitment to helping students pursue college goals, professional aspirations, and fulfilling lives. The school’s guiding promise, Belong • Grow • Succeed , anchors both the student experience and its aspirations for the future. Key Responsibilities Lead advancement strategy and philanthropic growth

Develop and implement a multiyear advancement plan aligned with Franklin’s mission, strategic priorities, financial aid needs, and campus vision.

Meet and exceed the annual fund goal of $500,000 while establishing a sustainable foundation for continued growth.

Maintain an active personal portfolio of leadership annual fund, major-gift, and campaign prospects, managing relationships from identification through solicitation, stewardship, and renewal.

Increase donor participation, retention, and giving among current families, alumni, alumni families, grandparents, trustees, foundations, and friends.

Establish clear goals, track progress, and provide timely, actionable reporting to the Head of School and Board of Trustees.

Build major giving and campaign readiness

Translate the campus master plan into a compelling case for support that connects facilities investment to student experience and educational outcomes.

Lead campaign preparation, including prospect development, readiness assessment, gift planning, volunteer recruitment, and coordination with external counsel as appropriate.

Partner with the Head of School and trustees to cultivate and solicit significant gifts.

Develop opportunities to support financial aid, program innovation, faculty excellence, and campus improvements through annual, major, planned, and long-term giving.

Strengthen alumni, family, and community engagement

Create a purposeful alumni engagement program that recognizes the distinctive experiences of Franklin graduates and builds lasting connections with the school.

Engage alumni and families through meaningful communications, events, mentoring, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropy.

Use Franklin’s 25th academic year to celebrate student and alumni outcomes, reconnect community members, and generate enthusiasm for the school’s future.

Collaborate with communications colleagues to develop persuasive stories and materials that demonstrate the impact of giving.

Ensure donors receive thoughtful acknowledgment, consistent stewardship, and a clear understanding of how their support advances Franklin’s mission.

Lead people, partnerships, and operations

Serve as a collaborative Cabinet member and strategic advisor to the Head of School.

Partner with the Board’s Development Committee to establish priorities, strengthen trustee engagement, and support effective fundraising.

Lead, mentor, and support advancement staff and volunteers through clear expectations, accountability, and professional growth.

Oversee advancement budgets, donor records, prospect management, gift processing, reporting, grants, and fundraising events.

Maintain high standards of accuracy, confidentiality, ethical practice, and responsible stewardship.

How to Apply Franklin Academy has partnered with Magister Placement for this search. Candidates should submit a thoughtful cover letter, résumé, and list of professional references, combined in that order into a single PDF, to Mike Kowalchick at mike@magisterplacement.com . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All inquiries will be held in confidence. Franklin Academy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants who share its commitment to neurodivergent learners and a community where differences make the difference. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. The successful candidate will bring:

A bachelor’s degree; an advanced degree or relevant professional credential is preferred.

Significant, progressively responsible advancement experience, ideally within an independent school, higher education institution, or mission-driven nonprofit.

Demonstrated success growing annual giving and personally securing major gifts.

Experience preparing for or leading a capital, comprehensive, or other significant fundraising campaign.

Knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, planned giving, prospect research, and advancement operations.

Experience working effectively with senior leadership, trustees, committees, and volunteers.

Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic investment.

The organizational and analytical skills to turn ambitious goals into practical plans and measurable results.

Sound judgment, discretion, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative approach to leadership.

A deep commitment to Franklin’s mission and to expanding opportunities for neurodivergent learners.

The ideal candidate is a confident relationship builder, persuasive storyteller, and effective leader who enjoys both developing strategy and carrying it forward. This person will be a visible presence in the Franklin community, approach families and alumni with curiosity and care, and help donors see the lasting impact of their investment.