DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, UPPER DARBY, PA, DELAWARE COUNTY

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising and Development:
• Organize, manage, and execute all school fundraisers including annual campaigns, events, and targeted drives.
• Develop and implement strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Solicit donations and sponsorships for scholarships and operational support.
• Grow and maintain support through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and private scholarships.
• Donor and Alumni Engagement:
• Initiate and maintain regular contact with donors to strengthen relationships and encourage continued support.
• Acknowledge all gifts with prompt and personalized thank-you letters or notes.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive alumni database.
• Write grants that will help pay for goals and initiatives of the school’s administration.
• Keep alumni informed of school news, events, and opportunities for engagement through newsletters, email, and social media.
• Communications and Public Relations:
• Collaborate with school leadership to develop materials that effectively communicate the mission and achievements of the school.
• Promote development initiatives within the parish and broader community.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board of Limited Jurisdiction on development activities and school events.
• Board and School Involvement:
• Serve as a member of the Home and School Association Board.
• Maintain close communication with the Board of Limited Jurisdiction regarding school milestones, development goals, fundraising progress and new initiatives.
• Represent the development office at school events and public functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solicit donations and steward donors effectively.
• Familiarity with Catholic education and a commitment to its mission.
• Proficiency with donor database software and office productivity tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Grant Writing

Preferred Attributes

• Practicing Catholic with an understanding of Catholic school culture.
• Experience working in an educational or nonprofit setting.
• Creative, energetic, and self-motivated with strong organizational skills.