The Development Director serves as the chief advancement and fundraising leader for Mount Juliet Christian Academy, working to secure financial resources, strengthen donor relationships, and advance MJCA's mission and vision as a ministry of First Baptist Church Mount Juliet. This individual will lead all development initiatives, including annual giving, donor cultivation, capital campaigns, sponsorships, grants, alumni relations, fundraising events, and stewardship efforts.
The Development Director must be a relational leader who is passionate about Christian education, highly organized, visionary, and able to build strong partnerships with families, churches, alumni, community leaders, and supporters. The ideal candidate will help create a culture of generosity that supports MJCA’s mission to develop students who Think, Lead, and Live from a biblical worldview.
Qualifications
Spiritual Qualifications
- Demonstrates a mature and growing Christian faith.
- Fully supports the mission, vision, and doctrinal beliefs of MJCA and First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet.
- Models Christ-like leadership, integrity, professionalism, and servant-heartedness.
- Actively involved in First Baptist Mount Juliet
Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in fundraising, development, advancement, nonprofit leadership, marketing, admissions, or related fields preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
- Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, Google Workspace, and preferred communication platforms.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy aligned with MJCA’s mission and strategic plan.
- Work closely with the Superintendent, School Board, church leadership, and administrative team to identify funding priorities and advancement goals.
- Help cultivate a school-wide culture of stewardship, generosity, and mission ownership.
- Assist in long-range planning for enrollment growth, facilities expansion, and strategic initiatives.
Fundraising & Donor Development
- Lead all annual fundraising efforts, including the annual fund, giving campaigns, donor appeals, and sponsorship opportunities.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, alumni, grandparents, foundations, businesses, and church partners.
- Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and relationship-building opportunities.
- Maintain a strategic donor pipeline and prospect management system.
- Prepare fundraising reports and updates for leadership and the School Board.
- Develop and oversee donor recognition and appreciation initiatives.
Capital Campaign Leadership
- Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns and major facility initiatives.
- Coordinate campaign communication strategies, donor follow-up, and campaign events.
- Work collaboratively with campaign volunteers and leadership teams.
- Support vision-casting efforts related to future school growth and expansion.
Events & Community Engagement
- Oversee fundraising events, donor receptions, community engagement activities, and special initiatives.
- Develop partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community organizations.
- Assist with alumni engagement and parent involvement initiatives.
- Represent MJCA professionally within the community and at school events.
Marketing & Communications Support
- Collaborate with admissions, communications, and leadership teams to promote MJCA’s mission and advancement priorities.
- Assist with development-related publications, newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media messaging, and campaign materials.
- Ensure consistent branding and mission-centered storytelling throughout advancement efforts.
Grant Writing & Stewardship
- Research grant opportunities and assist in grant proposal development.
- Maintain accurate donor records, track contributions, and produce stewardship reports.
- Ensure proper acknowledgment and receipting of gifts in coordination with the finance office.
Biblical Foundation
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
This position exists to help strengthen and sustain the ministry of Mount Juliet Christian Academy by building relationships, advancing vision, and creating opportunities for future generations of students to grow academically, spiritually, and relationally in a Christ-centered environment.