Director of Development

About the role

The Development Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Development department, responsible for annual fundraising needs of $3M+ to cover operating costs, capital campaigns, and programming as approved by the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute an annual fundraising plan that includes major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and grants to meet or exceed the school’s goals.
• Collaborate with the President, Director of CWSP Business Partnerships, and Development Manager to develop programs that leverage work and donor relationships.
• Serve as a key member of the school’s leadership team, creating and implementing school policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for “cross-selling” individuals and organizations.
• Manage the Development office team.
• Act as the President’s delegate for all Development Committee meetings of the Board of Trustees.
• Cultivate relationships and solicit funds from major gift prospects.
• Develop and implement specific campaigns and goals as needed.
• Manage events, including major fundraisers like Executive of the Year and smaller receptions, handling agendas, speaker selection, student preparation, and logistics.
• Coordinate annual appeals and calling efforts.
• Work with Student Ambassadors to ensure student representation at events and provide training as needed.
• Oversee all grant writing efforts and ensure timely filing of reports to foundations.
• Oversee the production of the school’s annual report.
• Assist with public relations, including press releases and media outreach.
• Manage donor thank-you notes, calls, and expressions of gratitude.
• Coordinate contact between scholarship donors and student recipients, including thank-you notes.
• Maintain the donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring up-to-date contact information.
• Work closely with the President, Director of CWSP Business Partnerships, and Development Manager to cultivate partners and relationships.
• Prepare reports on fundraising progress for the Board of Trustees and present at board meetings as requested.
• Prepare documents for and attend all Development Committee meetings.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the President.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (required); Master’s Degree (preferred).
• Experience with fundraising, managing professional staff, and soliciting major gifts.
• Strong personal alignment with the Cristo Rey St. Viator mission.