Skip Navigation
Open Menu
Employment

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Position Overview: The Director of Development will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School and Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies. Works closely with the MCS Foundation to coordinate fundraising events in support of both organizations.

Personal Qualifications:

  • A commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The expression of that commitment must be evident verbally and in terms of lifestyle.
  • A passion for initiating contact with individuals, churches, businesses, agencies, organizations, and foundations.
  • A strong identification with and commitment to Christian day school education.
  • An ability to meet people comfortably and engage in substantive conversation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet the organization’s annual revenue goals.
  • Identify and cultivate major gift prospects and corporate and foundation donors.
  • Plan and execute special events that engage donors and raise funds for the organization. There are three major events: Harvest Festival, Tulip Mania and the Annual Campaign Dinner.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing/Communications team to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials.
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors and Head of School to develop fundraising strategies and goals.
  • Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies.
  • Manage Bloomerang Donor Management system.
  • Serve as an ex-officio member of the MCS Foundation in an advisory role.
  • Serves as Board liaison to the following MCS committees: Friends, Stewardship, Finance
  • Chairs Campaign Fundraising Committee (Building on Our Blessing)

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of success in major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and special events.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing a team of fundraising professionals.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers.
  • Experience with fundraising software and donor databases.
  • A deep commitment to the mission and values of our organization.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: A working knowledge of development best practices in independent Christian school education to include fundraising tools and technology for donor databases, email and online campaigns, and donor research. Experience with the following programs preferred:

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Workspace: Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.
  • Communications programs: Constant Contact, FACTS, Formstack
  • Advancement tools i.e., Bloomerang, Boost My School
  • Design tools i.e., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud

Ability to research and write grants: Extreme tact and discretion, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Ability to work independently and efficiently and is a self-starter.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Administrative Management
  • Partner with administrative staff in formulating annual goals at MCS to fund  the development needs of the school.
  • Build relationships with parent volunteers to coordinate external and internal marketing efforts and initiatives that attract and retain students to support the programs of the school.
  • Plan, collect data, make projections, and report data to the HOS and the Board.
  • Create and manage the Advancement budget.

Development:

Design a comprehensive advancement program in unification with the Head of School and the Board encompassing major gifts, special events, annual fund, Gala, capital campaign support, and corporate/foundation support. This includes but is not limited to prospect identification and research, cultivation, solicitation, gift processing, acknowledgments, and stewardship.

Responsible for the planning, management, and implementation of all fundraising initiatives. Measure and communicate progress throughout the year.

Educate and engage key volunteers in implementing mission-based fundraising.

Works to create and support a culture of philanthropy within the school.

Develop an annual report of all resource development-related activities. This is led by the Marketing and Communications staff/team.

Research, write, and submit grant proposals from all appropriate grant-funding avenues. This will be done in conjunction with the Finance Committee of the Board and the Head of School.

Communications:

The Development Director is responsible for content that pertains to development, fundraising and stewardship only.

This includes working with the Marketing and Communications Director on the following:

  • Print publications including school newsletter, annual report, marketing materials, giving program brochures, and direct mail pieces
  • Electronic communications including website, email, text alerts, and app
  • Frequent Interactive Social Media posts: Facebook, Instagram
  • Media relations including advertising and press releases in local newspapers, and local media coverage of school events.

Constituent Relations:

  • Acknowledge and track gifts, correspondence, and communication with donors.
  • Plan and facilitate activities/occasions to initiate and maintain contact with present and prospective donors.

How to Apply:

  • Please send a resume, cover letter, and two (2) references to Joel Westa at jwesta@manhattanchristian.org
  • Job Type: Full -time (1.0 FTE). We are willing to discuss part time as well depending on Candidate.