Choate Rosemary Hall is a highly selective, co-educational boarding school dedicated to transformative student experiences. Drawing on over 130 years as a demonstrated leader in education, Choate has moved with confidence into the 21st century, integrating innovation with traditional strengths. Choate invites applications, nominations, and inquiries as it embarks upon a search for its next Director of Major Gifts.
Comprising 850 students and over 300 faculty and staff, Choate attracts intellectually gifted and motivated students from diverse backgrounds whose commitment to serious study is enhanced in this personally supportive and academically challenging setting. Situated on 458 acres in Wallingford, Connecticut, about halfway between Hartford and New Haven, Choate is two hours from New York City and Boston. Wallingford’s downtown is within walking distance of campus and offers numerous shops and restaurants.
Reporting to recently appointed Chief Development Officer Anne Bergen, the Director of Major Gifts will join a talented team working to build Choate’s strong philanthropic culture and nurturing a climate of giving among Choate alumni, parents, and friends. Providing strategic oversight for the universe of rated donors, the Director of Major Gifts will supervise three gift officers and manage their own prospect pool.
With a comprehensive campaign currently at $285 million in gifts and pledges toward a $300 million goal, Choate anticipates surpassing the target and completing the campaign by June 2024. The Director of Major Gifts will help close this campaign and play a leadership role in building the donor pipeline that will grow gift income into the future.
Along with generous and engaged parents, Choate has a powerful and connected alumni community. There are more than 18,000 alumni of record who are an influential source of career networking and mentorship as well as generous support for the School. Choate works with more than 400 alumni volunteers and engaged 1,400 constituents through both virtual and in-person events throughout the last fiscal year.
Choate’s financial condition is strong with an endowment value of nearly $465 million and an annual operating budget of approximately $70 million.
Requirements: Five or more years of Major Gifts experience in an independent school, college, university, foundation, non-profit, or similar setting. Proven ability to affect and influence change through a collaborative and inclusive style. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Experience serving as a key strategic partner to a CDO.
Evaluation of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until a new Director is named.
Inquiries, nominations, and letters of interest with a résumé may be sent in confidence to: choatemajorgifts@storbecksearch.com
Ruth Shoemaker Wood, Ph.D., Managing Director
Erin Meissner, Senior Associate
Lisa Solinsky, Senior Associate
