Development Director jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

The Director of Development plays a crucial role in advancing the mission and goals of the school by leading and managing the fundraising and development efforts. This position requires a strategic and innovative thinker with strong communication and relationship-building skills. The Director of Development reports directly to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement (AHoS) and collaborates with various stakeholders to secure financial support for the institution. These stakeholders include (but not limited to) parents, parents of graduates, alumni, members of the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board.

Fundraising Strategy:

• Coordinating with the AHoS, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the school's mission and objectives. Objectives include:
  • Planned giving
  • Canterbury Fund
  • Endowment creation and growth
  • Major gift solicitation
  • Campaign management
• Identify potential funding sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Plan and execute targeted campaigns, events, and appeals to generate financial support.

Donor Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors.
• Cultivate and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Provide personalized stewardship communication and updates to donors, expressing gratitude and showcasing the impact of their contributions.

Grant Writing and Proposals:

• Research and identify grant opportunities, preparing and submitting grant proposals.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to gather relevant information for grant applications.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting.

Alumni Engagement:

• Develop and implement strategies to engage alumni in fundraising efforts.
• Organize alumni events, reunions, and other activities to foster a sense of community and encourage philanthropic support.

Communication and Marketing:

• Work closely with the marketing and communication team to create materials that effectively communicate the school's mission and fundraising needs.
• Utilize various communication channels to keep donors informed about the school's achievements, goals, and upcoming events.

Budget Management:

• With the AHoS, develop metrics to gauge success and failure of fundraising endeavors.
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress, adjusting strategies as needed.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with school leadership, faculty, and board members to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
• Serve as a liaison between the school and external partners, promoting the institution's goals and garnering support.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
  • Preferred graduate degree and/or CFRE
• Proven experience in fundraising, development, or related roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent writing and presentation abilities, especially in grant writing.
• Ability to think strategically and develop long-term fundraising plans.
• Familiarity with databases and fundraising software.
• Knowledge of education and private school environments is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for education and the school's mission.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Creative and resourceful problem solver.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.