Description The Development Director is a strategic leader responsible for Eastbrook Academy’s fundraising and donor relations efforts, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and advancing the mission of the K4-12 school. This role requires a strategic thinker, a passionate storyteller, and a dedicated relationship-builder who views philanthropy as ministry.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plans, ensuring strategic roadmaps integrate all giving channels (annual, major, capital, and planning giving) to meet institutional financial goals.
- Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of annual giving, including the high-level oversight of communication and appeals.
- Oversee the management of the annual fund campaign, ensuring the effective coordination of direct mail, digital appeals, and solicitation efforts across all Academy constituents.
- Guide the identification of, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship a portfolio of major donors. Manage a personal portfolio of top prospects and current donors ($1,000+), developing customized strategies to deepen engagement and secure significant gifts that advance core mission initiatives.
- Research, write, and secure foundation and corporate grants. Proactively identify and submit proposals to institutional funders whose priorities align with Eastbrook Academy’s needs, particularly for capital projects and program expansion.
- Direct the planning and execute donor gatherings and special fundraising events. Oversee the logistics, budget, and guest experience for cultivation events (e.g., Head of School receptions, principal annual fundraisers) designed to engage and thank key partners.
- Support the planning and execution of capital campaigns related to high school expansion and long-term growth. Work closely with the Head of School and Board to prepare for and implement future capital campaigns, focusing on gift documentation and donor cultivation for high-level asks.
- Build and maintain authentic, lasting relationships with donors, board members, alumni, and key community partners. Serve as a primary relationship manager, ensuring consistent and personalized engagement that reflects the Academy’s values.
- Oversee the design and management of effective stewardship systems, including gift acknowledgment, recognition programs, and regular impact reporting. Ensure prompt, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgement of all gifts, demonstrating the impact of donor generosity.
- Represent Eastbrook Academy with professionalism and excellence in the broader community. Act as a positive ambassador for the Academy’s mission, attending community events and networking with local leaders.
- Support alumni and volunteer engagement initiatives. Collaborate with relevant staff to involve alumni and volunteers in fundraising efforts and school activities.
- Direct the integrity and accuracy of the donor records and CRM systems. Manage the Development database (CRM), ensuring data cleanliness, proper coding, and security to facilitate accurate reporting and personalized communications.
- Supervise timely gift processing and issuance of tax receipts. Ensure all contributions are recorded, deposited, and acknowledged promptly and in compliance with IRS regulations.
- Monitor progress toward financial goals and prepare regular reports for the Head of School and School Board. Direct the generate comprehensive reports summarizing key performance indicators (KPIs), pipeline health, and progress against annual and campaign goals.
- Align all fundraising strategies directly with Eastbrook Academy’s mission and strategic vision. Ensure development efforts always reflect the core Christian mission and long-term institutional priorities.
- Partner actively with the Development Committee and Board leadership to maintain 100% board participation in giving and encourage increased levels of philanthropic support. Equip and support board members in their philanthropic and ambassadorship responsibilities.
- Champion and cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy among staff and the parent community. Educate staff and current families on the importance of giving and how philanthropy supports the school’s mission.
Requirements
- Employment at Eastbrook Academy requires agreement with our Statement of Faith and commitment to our Christian mission. All employees must be active members of a local church.
- Experience in educational fundraising strongly preferred; proven success in relationship-based development is required.
- Highly skilled in strategic writing, stewardship best practices, and major donor cultivation.
- A strong communicator and relational connector capable of engaging effectively across various cultures and demographics.
- Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable managing complex data and CRM systems.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree required; degrees in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or related fields preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in development, advancement, or non-profit leadership, including direct experience cultivating and soliciting major gifts ($10,000+).
- Demonstrated success in planning and executing comprehensive annual giving programs.
- Proven ability to manage a donor database (CRM) and use data for strategic decision-making.
- Experience working with and presenting to Board members or high-level volunteer committees.
Physical Requirements:
- The work is primarily performed in an office environment but involves frequent interactions with the public and travel.
- Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and move throughout the school campus and external event venues.
- Ability to travel to local donors and corporate meetings and occasionally to conferences.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry boxes of materials or event supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via digital platforms.