Monroe Christian School is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Development and Growth to spearhead the school’s fundraising, donor cultivation, and strategic relationship-building efforts. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this pivotal role is instrumental in advancing the school’s mission by securing resources that support the school’s long-term sustainability and growth. The Director will play a key role in strengthening connections within the school community, engaging external stakeholders, and collaborating with the admissions team to ensure a thriving and Christ-centered educational environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fund Development:
- Drive initiatives to secure funding for operating support, major projects, future capital campaigns, an endowment fund, and a new planned giving program.
- Lead the development and execution of strategic fundraising campaigns aligned with the school’s mission and goals.
2. Donor and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, alumni, families, churches, foundations, and other key constituents.
- Research and profile prospective and existing donors to inform personalized engagement strategies.
3. Fundraising Strategy and Coordination:
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop compelling printed and digital materials, including an updated case for support.
- Train and coordinate staff, board members, volunteers, and fundraising committees in development activities.
- Manage and expand the Raiser’s Edge donor database, leveraging it for data analysis, strategic planning, and reporting.
4. Campaign and Project Oversight:
- Administer all aspects of fundraising campaigns, from planning and strategy to execution and reporting.
- Keep leadership informed on progress, ensuring accountability for key development tasks.
5. Community Engagement and Admissions Support:
- Support the admissions process by partnering with the admissions team to attract like-minded families who align with the school’s mission.
- Represent and articulate the school’s vision and values during family inquiries, tours, and other admissions-related activities.
6. Strategic Support:
- Provide administrative and logistical support for board-led initiatives, including strategic planning efforts and capital campaigns.
Challenges and Opportunities:
As this is a new role, the Director of Development and Growth will have the unique opportunity to establish a strong foundation for fundraising and development at Monroe Christian School. The successful candidate will need to navigate the challenges of initiating new programs while building a culture of philanthropy, collaboration, and trust within the school community.
Job Requirements
Required:
- Proven success in fundraising, donor development, or nonprofit management.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and proposal writing.
- Expertise in CRM administration, particularly donor databases like Raiser's Edge, with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
- Passion for and understanding of Christ-centered K-12 education and its impact.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated skills in customer relationship management and project management.
- Experience creating and executing planned giving programs and capital campaigns.
- Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities unique to faith-based nonprofit organizations.
- Previous exposure to grant application process and/or grant writing.
Education Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, marketing, business, or a related field (will consider a combination of education and experience).
Related Benefits
Benefits and Compensation:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
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Benefits package, including health, vision and dental insurance, retirement savings, opportunity for tuition discounts
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and families while contributing to the growth of a Christ-centered institution.