Our Work at Harbor Day School

Harbor Day School is a 60-year-old independent elementary school in Newport Beach serving 400 students in grades K- 8.

Harbor Day School provided me the opportunity to serve as a consultant while also maintaining my position in San Francisco. I was hired to support and collaborate with their Director of Development in her first experience in that role.

Amelia was a professional I hired first at Cheshire Academy and then again two years later at RSS. Our strong working relationship laid the groundwork for weekly conversations with Amelia and her development team, and regular work with the Head of School and Chair of their development committee.

Together, we elevated the school's giving program. We increased leadership giving, and achieved 100% parent giving for the first time. In addition, we provided the Head of School and Development Committee chair strategic advice and served as interim during the Director’s maternity leave.

Testimonial

“Barbara is a mentor to me on every level and has helped me advance my career over the past ten years. She was especially helpful to me as I managed my first Director of Development role, with a Head of School who had little comfort in fundraising. I then retained her consulting services and together we elevated the school’s advancement program and increased the school’s annual giving. She also provided keen insight and strategic direction while working with a challenging Board of Trustees. She is a true team player and would be a tremendous asset to any organization.”

Amelia Cortez
Director, President’s Society
Babson College
Former Director of Development, Harbor Day School

Does your school need an advancement consultant? Tell me your story here or reach out via e-mail.