Adam J. Lewis Academy
Director of Development
Start Date: July 1, 2026 or earlier
Co-ed, PK3-8, Day School, 177 Students
500 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Director of Development Search for Adam J. Lewis Academy (AJLA)
Educators Collaborative is pleased to be supporting Adam J. Lewis Academy (AJLA) in its senior administrative search for a new Director of Development, reporting to the Chief Development and Marketing Officer, beginning July 1, 2026 or earlier
About the School
Adam J. Lewis Academy (AJLA) is a co-educational PreK3-Grade 8 independent school located in the heart of Bridgeport, CT. The Academy attracts families who believe in the power of education to inspire children from all backgrounds to achieve their promise and embody the school’s motto, Hope Rising.
Founded as an entrepreneurial initiative in 2013, the Adam J. Lewis Preschool, whose namesake died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, served 3- and 4-year old children from underserved families of Bridgeport. The founders believed (and still believe) that all children, regardless of circumstance, have the ability to excel in the classroom, and that to achieve this, it is important to provide pathways to lift the entire family toward a successful outcome. Support for parent/guardian education is offered through internal AJLA initiatives and/or partnership with Bridgeport resources.
With an initial opening enrollment of 13, AJLA now resides in two buildings and serves 177 children and their families, all of whom are required to volunteer time to the school. It is an all-in investment! Starting next fall AJLA will add its last grade (8) to complete the Middle School. There are no plans to add grades after FY27.
About the Position
With tuition revenue covering only 7% of costs, fundraising is a key focus of AJLA’s leadership and, at this point in the school’s history, a second member of the development office is needed. The Director of Development will report to the Chief Development and Marketing Officer and will support the growing geographic representation of donors, building support from new individuals or groups interested in supporting the valuable mission of AJLA.
Salary range: $140,000 – 160,000, commensurate with experience
To learn more about this position, please refer to our Information for Candidates.
Mission
AJLA helps students develop to their fullest potential and achieve long-lasting success after graduation.
How to Apply
Sally Mixsell of Educators Collaborative (EC) is assisting in this search. Please reach out to Sally (contact info below) to receive the EC Candidate Summary Sheet and the EC Disclosure Form, both required for a complete application. She will also be happy to speak at more length about the position and AJLA.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically, as separate documents (preferably PDFs), the following materials:
- EC Candidate Summary (see above)
- Formal cover letter to the AJLA Search Committee, stating reasons for interest
- Current résumé
- Three to five references, including phone and email contact info and a brief explanation of connection to the candidate
- EC Disclosure Form (see above)
Sally Mixsell, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Listing Date: January 6, 2026
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