Optimizing AI in the Development Office

Development professionals are confronted with many challenges: raising annual fund dollars to support tuition shortfalls, building a major gifts pipeline for the next capital campaign, researching prospects, and applying for grants for major initiatives. AI is growing in popularity with fundraisers, both because of the potential for increased efficiencies, as well as for idea generation. David Ibsen, director of development for Gaston Day School in Gastonia, NC, and Britton Ryan, director of development for George Walton Academy in Monroe, GA, offer their insight into venturing into AI usage and share their tips, tricks, and lessons learned.

The Portrait of an Educator

Ravenscroft in Raleigh, NC, has pushed the envelope beyond a Portrait of a Graduate to take it a step further. By crafting a unique Portrait of an Educator for their faculty— an aspirational outline of the traits and attributes Ravenscroft faculty should display— the school is intentional about how it thinks about faculty growth. The Portrait of an Educator serves as a tool in recruiting and evaluating possible new hires and provides concrete elements to evaluate potential job candidates to ensure mission alignment. Read on to discover what to consider before developing and implementing a Portrait of an Educator for your school.

Recruiting Top Talent

Shaped by shifting generational values, emerging technologies, and changing motivations, faculty and staff recruitment is evolving. School leaders building exceptional teams will need to consider how candidates bring distinct expectations to the workplace and understand what draws educators to independent schools, from mission-driven communities to pedagogical autonomy. AI and other tech tools are transforming traditional hiring processes and helping schools craft compelling job descriptions, track applicants, and identify promising candidates.

Risk Management for Independent Schools

Our schools face an evolving array of challenges that extend far beyond traditional academic concerns. From cybersecurity threats and campus safety to financial sustainability and reputational risks, school leaders must navigate a multifaceted risk environment while maintaining their commitment to educational excellence. Risk management is not just an administrative function, but a critical strategic imperative that helps ensure institutional longevity and student well-being. 

New & Aspiring Leaders Institute | April 6-8

Whether you’ve been newly appointed to a leadership role or you’re looking for a refresher on how to best lead others, develop your leadership style during the SAIS New & Aspiring Leaders Institute in Birmingham, AL.

You'll foster self-awareness of your strengths and potential leadership pitfalls, as well as discover how to build and lead effective teams, how to foster connection and collaboration, and how to develop a growth plan for the future.

Register today!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar now and register today for these upcoming learning opportunities.

Rethinking Middle Level Leadership Development, February 6, 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern, Webinar

Strategies for Recruiting & Retaining Teachers of Color, February 18, 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern, Webinar

Reception @ NAIS Nashville, February 26, Nashville, TN

Women's Leadership Institute, April 9-10, 2025, Birmingham, AL

Summer Conference, June 16-18, 2025, Sarasota, FL