Director of Development Job Jacksonville area,Florida USA,Non-Profit & Social Impact

Director of Development

Location: Morning Star School – Jacksonville, FL

Job : 3609

# of Openings: 1

FLSA: Exempt

Employment Type: Full Time

Reports to: Principal, Morning Star School

General Summary

The Development Director, reporting to the Principal, serves as a key leadership team member, charged with advancing the school’s mission by securing philanthropic support. This role requires a mission‑driven professional who cultivates a culture of philanthropy, champions inclusive Catholic education, and connects the unique needs of special education students with generous benefactors and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Development

Design and implement a comprehensive annual development plan focusing on annual funds, major gifts, and planned giving.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, including parents, alumni, foundations, and local organizations.
Partner with the Principal and Board of Directors to identify and solicit leadership gifts for capital improvements and endowment funds.
Prepare compelling, mission‑focused case statements that clearly articulate the importance of Catholic special education and inclusive learning environments.
Identify, write, and manage grant proposals targeted at philanthropic foundations, corporate sponsors, and government programs that support special needs education.

Events & Community Engagement

Plan and execute signature fundraising events, such as an annual gala, golf tournament, or giving drives.
Build strategic partnerships with local businesses, community leaders, and Catholic organizations to expand the school’s visibility and resource network.

Communications & Marketing

Lead marketing and social media campaigns to highlight student achievements, school programs, and community impact.
Oversee the creation of development collateral, including newsletters, annual reports, and donor appeals.

Database & Operations

Maintain accurate records of all donor interactions and funds using constituent management software.
Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgments, reporting, and tax compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration or Non‑Profit Administration or related field. Certified Fund‑Raising Executive (CRFE) credential or equivalent preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years of development experience with verifiable successful fundraising programs and personal track record of integrity in fundraising.
Demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, businesses, and organizations.
Familiarity and fluency with the use of technology and the ability to know how to team with others to creatively use technology in ease‑of‑donation/giving, development and stewardship, marketing, and media relations.
Candidate must be a practicing Roman Catholic possessing the ability to respect, promote, accommodate, and not conflict with the mission, moral and social teachings, doctrines, and laws of the Roman Catholic faith and must be a Catholic in good standing with the Church.
Must have a collaborative style; proven team builder with effective employee‑relations skills. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams through recognition, participation, and delegation. A leadership style that is approachable, engaging, as well as results and action‑oriented.
Pursues this ministry with energy, drive, and a need to produce results, especially in the face of resistance or setbacks. Must be flexible, self‑confident, assertive, and persuasive.
Required to have excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills, skilled at public speaking. Ability to produce concise reports and recommendations, make presentations to varied groups, and articulate and inspire commitment to a shared vision.
Must be a goal oriented and self‑motivated individual who can demonstrate accountability, initiative, creativity and focus in a rapidly changing and intellectually stimulating environment. Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, resolve complex problems, follow through, and simultaneously manage…