Phil Higginson, IAP-L

Work with Phil to strengthen your school’s strategies in:

• Advancement Planning and Data
• Board Operations
• Fundraising
• Leadership
• Major Gifts Campaigns
• Strategic Planning and Strategic Financial Planning

In his role at ISM, Phil:

• facilitates consultations in the areas such as advancement, fundraising, and Board operations;
• leads ISM workshops and webinars in his areas of expertise; and
• leads sessions and is a mentor at the Advancement Academy, an annual premier professional development conference from ISM for School Heads, Board members, and development, enrollment management, and marketing communications professionals.

Learn more about Phil—

Phil joined ISM as a full-time Consultant in 2023. A nationally recognized leader in philanthropic efforts and a renowned speaker, his expertise is in fundraising and development.

Phil most recently served at Ravenscroft School in North Carolina. In over 20 years with this school, starting as the Director of Development and transitioning to the Associate Head of School for Philanthropy, he helped establish 75 new endowments equating to nearly $14M raised in outright and deferred gifts.

Phil started his career in 1987 at Washington International School in Washington, D.C. Since that time, in his 36 years of independent school advancement work, he has served four additional schools.

At St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., he collaborated on a $15 million capital campaign. At Norwood School in Maryland, he headed development programs that included another $15 million capital campaign. He has also served at Sandy Springs Friends School and Landon School, both in Maryland.

Phil was a founding faculty member for ISM’s Advancement Academy and has served as a planning architect, instructor, and mentor for over 12 years.

Phil has presented at more than 30 local and national conferences, such as CASE, NAIS, NCAIS, AISGW, and NCPG. He served as Chair of the 38th annual CASE-NAIS national conference, served as a member of the CASE District III Board, and is a member of the CASE Laureates.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Richmond in Virginia. He holds Leader Certification through ISM’s International Advancement Program (IAP−L).