Development Director at Classical Charter School Network

Job Title: Development Director

Location: Ascent Classical Academy Charter Schools - Golden Office Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Work Hours/Days: Full Time, Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm, occasional evenings/weekends for Events, Gatherings, Meetings

Salary Range: $100K - $125k, negotiable based on experience, with a performance bonus structure aligned with the Association of Fundraising Professionals

Start Date: January 1, 2026, or as soon as possible

The Operating Philosophy adopted by the Governing Board of Ascent Classical Academy Charter Schools, Inc. (ACACS) emphasizes autonomy of each school's Headmaster coupled with support and guidance from shared resources provided by an education service provider in order to leverage the economies of scale of a charter school network so that financial impacts to each school may be minimized.

This position serves as a dynamic and experienced professional to implement and lead Ascent's Fundraising Strategic Plan. This entrepreneurial role combines strategic leadership, team building, and fundraising expertise. The successful candidate will implement the development plan created with our strategic planning partner, support campus-level fundraising, and lead a network-wide development strategy capable of sustaining Ascent Colorado's ambitious goals.

• Help lead the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the network's mission, vision, and strategic development plan
• Oversee grant writing and management processes on behalf of the network
• Oversee donor management systems and procedures
• Propose, monitor and report on fundraising metrics and outcomes
• Propose, monitor and report on fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices
• Collaborate with the Board, the CFO, and Headmasters of each campus to establish fundraising goals and priorities, and to support campus-level events
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners to support Ascent
• Manage the structure, budget, and resources for the network development team
• Raise significant funds for Ascent for the purpose of supporting and growing the campuses.

• Extensive experience managing Donor CRMs, particularly Bloomerang
• 7-10+ years of development leadership experience
• Deep understanding of the principles and practices of relationship fundraising
• Demonstrated success in major gifts solicitation
• Complete alignment with Ascent Classical Academy Charter Schools' mission and vision
• Strong understanding of classical education
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team‑building abilities
• Strategic planning and execution skills
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Excellence in organizational development and change management
• Complete all required training and provide documentation
• Demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance by adhering to assigned work hours, reporting on time, and following proper procedures for absences or tardiness to ensure minimal disruption to students, colleagues, and school operations
• Demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English to effectively perform their job responsibilities and communicate in the workplace
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Must be able to lift office equipment such as scanners, chairs, and file boxes up to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing to give presentations.

• Convictions for violent crimes, such as assault or domestic violence.
• Convictions for offenses against children, including abuse or endangerment.
• Drug‑related offenses, particularly those involving the distribution or trafficking of controlled substances.
• Certain felony convictions, depending on their nature and recency.
• History of certain misdemeanors that may raise concerns about a candidate's suitability for working in an educational environment. Submission of this application signifies your consent to this process and understanding of these criteria.

You will be asked to provide verifiable proof for roles that demand specific qualifications or certifications (such as teaching credentials). We also conduct reference checks to validate your professional history and qualifications.

Our recruitment process strictly follows the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. We expect all applicants to be familiar with and adhere to these standards.

Our company participates in E‑Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization.