Director of Development

Full Time Reports to:
Principal, Morning Star School

• 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.

Position: Director of Development

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.

• 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.
• Special Education Advocacy & Grant Writing
• 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.

• 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…