Reporting directly to the Head of School, Rebecca Hong, the new Director of Advancement will join Sequoyah at an exhilarating juncture. In close collaboration with the Head and a seasoned school leadership team, the Director will play a vital role in shaping the school’s future, where civic responsibility and community partnership will continue to be central to Sequoyah’s leadership in the independent school world.

The Director of Advancement is a 12-month role that presents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen and expand the school’s culture of joyful philanthropy, fully aligned with Sequoyah’s core values of progressive education and socioeconomic diversity, as evidenced by the Indexed Tuition program, which allows families to pay a tuition level based on financial means. Working closely with a passionate advancement team and engaged volunteer leaders, the Director will cultivate meaningful relationships and inspire generous investment in Sequoyah’s inspiring vision. This position is key to developing sustainable funding strategies that will advance the school’s ambitious plans, including the purchase of the K–8 campus, capital improvements, growing the faculty endowment, and sustaining the transformative Indexed Tuition program.

Strategic Priorities and Opportunities

The ideal Director of Advancement candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of advancement work, combined with a deep appreciation for Sequoyah’s unique community culture and values. This is an extraordinary opportunity to do profoundly meaningful work at a school that lives its values and where progressive education comes alive. With vision and dedication, the Director will take part in constructing a school to believe in — a community of generous supporters who will ensure a future bright with possibility for Sequoyah and the lives it touches.

• Serving as a Thought Partner and Strategic Counsel to the Head of School: The Director of Advancement will bring strategic insights and a compelling vision to the role while serving as an energetic thought partner to the Head of School. The Head is anticipating a close collaboration with someone who takes initiative in developing creative plans and shares candid, constructive feedback about outcomes. Together, they will form a dynamic team driven by astute thinking, transparent dialogue, and the ability to inspire others.
• Empowering the Sequoyah Community Through a Culture of Philanthropy: Sequoyah is eager to cultivate a culture of philanthropy, empowering families, alumni, the school board, and the wider community to see their connection to the school as an opportunity for meaningful contribution. Through a full-community storytelling project, educational initiatives, and inclusive engagement strategies, the school aims to inspire all stakeholders to actively support its mission and future, build their capacity as philanthropic partners, and secure the resources needed to advance progressive education, socio-economic diversity, and innovative learning.
• Developing an Inclusive Advancement Program: The Director will collaborate closely with school leadership to design and lead an inclusive advancement program that inspires broad community support and maximizes gift contributions. This includes developing creative and innovative strategies for the annual campaign, organizing engaging community-building and fundraising events building on the successes of past annual auctions and Jogathons, cultivating planned giving programs, securing foundation grants, and advancing major and capital campaign gifts. By carefully balancing tradition with creative new strategies, the school can inspire broader support without compromising its values.
• Developing Campus Facilities: Sequoyah is positioned to realize a long-term strategic initiative and purchase its K–8 campus from the California Department of Transportation. While the campaigns and funding for this historic endeavor are complete, this moment presents opportunities for an advancement professional ready to support Sequoyah’s future in alignment with its community values.
• Deepening External Relationships: The Director will energize Sequoyah’s philanthropic efforts by fostering strong external relationships to nurture dynamic community ties throughout Pasadena and beyond. By deepening these connections, Sequoyah can proudly advance its mission by creating community partnerships. Such partnerships help the school run smoothly as a connected and civic-minded non-profit business in our city.
• Expand Endowments for Long-term Sustainability: Continuing to build, steward, and expand Sequoyah’s endowment program, including the faculty endowment and the Fund for Access, will provide an opportunity to support the long-term financial sustainability of the school and maintain its lasting legacy of progressive, student-centered education.
• Enhancing Systems Development: The Advancement department’s close connection with Communications, Events, Alumni Affairs, and Admissions offers an opportunity to create clear, collaborative systems that enhance teamwork. Sequoyah is developing an integrated workflow to support this effort and streamline operations across these interconnected areas.