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Director of Major and Planned Giving
Groton School

Groton School is a prestigious co-educational private boarding and day school serving grades 8–12 in Groton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1884 by Episcopal priest Endicott Peabody, the school was built on the principle of developing character, scholarship, leadership, and service—a mission still emblazoned on its crest: Cui servire est regnare (“For whom service is perfect freedom”).

Set on an idyllic 480‑acre campus approximately 35 miles northwest of Boston, Groton’s centerpiece is the iconic “Circle,” a landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and hailed as Massachusetts’s most beautiful independent school property. Its 380‑student community enjoys small 11‑student average class sizes, a 4:1 student‑faculty ratio, and a faculty where 76% hold advanced degrees.

Groton delivers a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum—encompassing classics, STEM, visual and performing arts, and religious studies—with opportunities for student‑designed tutorials. Daily chapel services support its Episcopal heritage, and a strong emphasis is placed on community life, with longstanding traditions like Roll Call, morning prayers, Service Motto, and leadership through the senior “prefect” system.

Inclusion at Groton

Groton School is committed to inclusion—to having a diverse student body and to providing the support needed so that all have equal access to success at Groton. The school believes it can best fight racism through education.

The school recognizes the need to examine engrained institutional biases and to educate everyone on the Circle about hidden prejudices and the ethical imperative to stand up for others. Headmaster Temba Maqubela has always chosen action over rhetoric, and he has helped the school make noteworthy strides toward true inclusion.

Groton School’s Strategic Framework 2030 outlines a bold vision to deepen its mission by prioritizing inclusion, affordability, and student well-being. Building on the Groton Affordability and Inclusion (GRAIN) initiative, the plan emphasizes that true excellence is inseparable from belonging. It focuses on sustaining affordability, supporting emotional and academic growth, and fostering a campus culture where every community member feels valued. Through this framework, Groton aims to ensure that all students not only have access to its education but also thrive within it.

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Groton School's Development and Alumni Affairs

Overview

Groton Development and Alumni Affairs has a deep history of philanthropy and engagement among its alumni and parent communities. The office generally raises $15M-$25M per year, with outlier years above that range. Annually, Development and Alumni Affairs celebrates some of the highest participation rates among its peers, typically 50% of alumni and over 90% of current parents make a gift to the Groton Fund.

Capital & Endowment:

Groton Fund:

Engagement:

Groton's Office of Development & Alumni Affairs – Leadership Spotlight

Susan Daniells – Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

The Opportunity: Director of Major and Planned Giving

With a commitment to affordability and inclusion, Groton School, one of the nation’s most prestigious boarding schools, seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Major and Planned Giving to grow a robust philanthropic program that supports the school’s mission and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, the Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and planned gift prospects, with a focus on gifts of $100,000 and above.

This position plays a vital role in shaping the future of the institution through meaningful engagement with alumni, parents, and friends of the school. It is a key member of the Development and Alumni Affairs leadership team and an important thought partner to the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs.

Essential Responsibilities and Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Applications & Nominations

Groton School has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Wendy Wilsker has dedicated her entire career to the non-profit sector, serving in leadership roles within charitable organizations and working alongside them as an executive recruiter and consultant. She excels at identifying the unique challenges and opportunities non-profits face, and partners with senior leadership to build successful organizational structures, teams, and advancement programs.

Beth Parsons specializes in the education and non-profit sectors, having held fundraising and leadership roles in prominent educational and social impact organizations for nearly 20 years. She partners with clients to develop search strategies based on organizational needs and core values. Her extensive advancement network serves as a source of high-impact talent.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.