Director of Development

Job Details

Job Location
:
Ursuline Academy - New Orleans, LA 70115

Education Level
: 4 Year Degree

Ursuline Academy of New Orleans seeks a mission-driven Director of Development to oversee advancement efforts through fundraising leadership, donor relations, stewardship, and event execution. The Director of Development reports to the President and manages the 3 person Institutional Advancement Team to increase philanthropic support, strengthen donor relationships, oversee development initiatives, and advance the Academy’s mission.

This mid-level position manages and grows annual giving programs, supports major gifts strategy, coordinates events, and partners with alumnae relations and leadership to cultivate engagement and giving. The Director plays a key role in development operations and serves as a visible ambassador for Ursuline within the school community and the broader network of supporters.

• Implement and support strategies for annual giving, major gifts, foundation grants, corporate sponsor ships, and planned giving.
• Help identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects in collaboration with the President and Institutional Advancement leadership.
• Maintain a portfolio of donors and prospects with specific outreach, stewardship, and cultivation goals.
• Assist in planning and supporting capital campaign activities when applicable.

• Foster strong relationships with parents, alumnae, benefactors, and community partners.
• Support stewardship processes including acknowledgment letters, recognition programs, donor reporting, and giving impact communication.
• Ensure timely and accurate maintenance of donor records in the development database.

• Support creation of departmental goals and benchmarks to increase philanthropic revenue.
• Collaborate with the Finance Office on gift entry, reconciliation, and revenue reporting.
• Prepare donor lists, reports, mailing files, and data analysis for campaigns and fundraising initiatives.

• Lead or assist with planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual fundraiser, stewardship receptions, and donor cultivation activities.
• Partner with Alumnae Relations on events and outreach efforts that build engagement and giving.
• Represent Ursuline at school functions and external events as an Advancement representative when appropriate.

• Serve as a mission ambassador, sharing knowledge of Ursuline’s history, values, and impact with supporters.
• Assist with special projects and responsibilities as assigned by the President or Advancement leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofits
• Demonstrated success in donor relations or fundraising initiatives
• Comfort with donor cultivation and gift solicitation
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through

• Experience in Catholic or independent school advancement
• Demonstrated ability to develop data-driven enrollment and communication strategies