Description

General Description of the Position:

The Director of Institutional Advancement is a full-time, year-round member of the LAS Leadership Team, reporting to the Head of School. The Director leads the school’s fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and communications, and is LAS’s primary fundraiser. Building on the school’s existing annual giving program, the Director will build out a comprehensive fundraising program, establishing the strategies, systems, relationships, and donor pipeline needed to grow major gifts and planned giving and lay the foundation for future capital campaigns and endowment growth. The successful candidate will be an experienced advancement professional who builds strong relationships and can translate the school’s priorities into compelling opportunities for engagement and giving.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-oriented advancement leader with a strong fundraising track record, ideally in an international boarding school or educational setting, who brings a North American perspective and international experience. They are a confident communicator, comfortable initiating and cultivating relationships with donors, alumni, families, and boards, and able to give a team clear direction.

Reports to: Head of School

Qualifications and Requirements:

Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
Significant experience and demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts, donor cultivation, and stewardship
Experience in international education, preferably in a boarding school environment
International professional experience and demonstrated ability to work effectively across cultures
Strong strategic, organizational, and relationship-building skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing compelling institutional messaging and fundraising narratives
Proven leadership and team management experience
Fluent English speaker; French and/or other language skills are an asset

Responsibilities of the Position:

Across every area below, the Director sets strategy and priorities, advises the Head of School and Leadership Team, works with the LAS Foundation Board, LAS S.A. Board, and International Council, and keeps advancement, marketing, communications, and enrollment aligned with the school’s long-term goals.

Fundraising & Philanthropy:

Lead the school’s fundraising strategy across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and donor stewardship
Build the foundation for future capital campaigns and endowment growth
Partner with the Head of School, boards, and councils on major-gift fundraising
Develop cases for support that connect philanthropic priorities to the school’s long-term vision and impact

Alumni & Constituent Engagement:

Build relationships with alumni, parents, and families that support long-term engagement and giving
Provide direction for the International Council, Global Family Council, and Parent Council
Oversee key alumni and donor publications, including Panorama magazine and the Impact Report
Oversee alumni events, communications, and engagement initiatives

Marketing & Communications:

Set institutional messaging, positioning, and communications strategy, with the Director of Communications leading day-to-day execution
Ensure consistent storytelling across advancement, marketing, communications, and enrollment
Lead institutional and crisis communications with the Head of School and Leadership Team

Governance & Institutional Planning:

Prepare agendas, talking points, and reports for board and council discussions
Contribute to institutional strategy, campus development, and master planning

Team Leadership:

Lead the Institutional Advancement team, including the Director of Communications and advancement, alumni, marketing, and creative staff
Set team goals, structures, and processes; recruit, develop, and evaluate staff
Manage departmental budgets, contracts, and external partners, and build strong partnerships across campus

Additional Expectations:

Extensive international travel for fundraising, alumni engagement, and events
Engagement in campus life, including residential responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School

To Apply:

To apply, email employment@las.ch with a cover letter, CV, and list of three reference contacts.

Contract: Full-year position (summer work is required), beginning summer 2027

About Leysin American School in Switzerland:

Leysin American School in Switzerland is a boarding school for students in grades 7–PG. At LAS, we develop innovative, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. Our campus is set in the mountain town of Leysin, an internationally recognized educational and ski destination in the Swiss Alps, and offers a safe, caring, family-like residential community. Students follow an academically challenging program balanced with sports, recreation, and cultural travel.