Board best practices for independent school fundraising
Whether in a campaign or not, the board of trustees...
Jim McKey
Senior Vice President
Through careful listening and in-depth analysis, I seek to understand the unique qualities and challenges of each client. Becoming a valued partner to staff, leaders and boards is the most satisfying outcome of my work.
Biography
Jim McKey, Senior Vice President, brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and administration for academic institutions. Jim has extensive experience in planning and managing campaigns; evaluating current programs; defining successful donor strategies; working with governing boards; and identifying opportunities and solutions for growth.
Before joining GG+A full-time, Jim served for 12 years as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Earlham College, where he managed a staff of 25 and oversaw development, alumni relations, foundation relations, and communications. Under his leadership, Earlham completed a comprehensive campaign that raised $68 million, surpassing its $60-million goal. Jim also served as Director of Advancement for George School, where he managed a staff of 13 and a campaign that exceeded its $28-million goal.
Jim joined GG+A in 2015 and began serving a diverse set of clients, mostly in independent schools and higher education. His work is especially focused on helping organizations at all stages of campaigns—from early planning through execution and on to celebration and stewardship. His clients benefit from his expertise and insights into strategies for top donors and key volunteers.
Under Jim's leadership, George School received the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Award for overall fundraising performance. His cultivation and stewardship of the school’s lead donor paved the way for a $128-million gift, the largest gift ever to an independent school, and a subsequent bequest of $30 million. Earlier, Jim was Director of Development at Friends’ Central School and served as President of the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools.
Jim began his career as an educator in independent schools, teaching history and providing counseling to college-bound students. A career transition led him to the banking industry, where he served the credit and public finance needs of schools, colleges, museums, and hospitals at First National Bank of Chicago. Jim’s previous consulting engagements included providing campaign counsel to numerous Friends schools and Quaker organizations.
He has served on the boards of the Friends Council on Education and the Richmond Art Museum. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Earlham College and a master’s degree in teaching from Brown University.