Development Director

Description

The Development Director is a strategic leader responsible for Eastbrook Academy’s fundraising and donor relations efforts, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and advancing the mission of the K4-12 school. This role requires a strategic thinker, a passionate storyteller, and a dedicated relationship-builder who views philanthropy as ministry.

• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plans, ensuring strategic roadmaps integrate all giving channels (annual, major, capital, and planning giving) to meet institutional financial goals.
• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of annual giving, including the high-level oversight of communication and appeals.
• Oversee the management of the annual fund campaign, ensuring the effective coordination of direct mail, digital appeals, and solicitation efforts across all Academy constituents.
• Guide the identification, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors. Manage a personal portfolio of top prospects and current donors ($1,000+), developing customized strategies to deepen engagement and secure significant gifts that advance core mission initiatives.
• Research, write, and secure foundation and corporate grants. Proactively identify and submit proposals to institutional funders whose priorities align with Eastbrook Academy’s needs, particularly for capital projects and program expansion.
• Direct the planning and execute donor gatherings and special fundraising events. Oversee the logistics, budget, and guest experience for cultivation events (e.g., Head of School receptions, principal annual fundraisers) designed to engage and thank key partners.
• Support the planning and execution of capital campaigns related to high school expansion and long-term growth. Work closely with the Head of School and Board to prepare for and implement future capital campaigns, focusing on gift documentation and donor cultivation for high-level asks.
• Build and maintain authentic, lasting relationships with donors, board members, alumni, and key community partners. Serve as a primary relationship manager, ensuring consistent and personalized engagement that reflects the Academy’s values.
• Oversee the design and management of effective stewardship systems, including gift acknowledgment, recognition programs, and regular impact reporting. Ensure prompt, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgement of all gifts, demonstrating the impact of donor generosity.
• Represent Eastbrook Academy with professionalism and excellence in the broader community. Act as a positive ambassador for the Academy’s mission, attending community events and networking with local leaders.
• Support alumni and volunteer engagement initiatives. Collaborate with relevant staff to involve alumni and volunteers in fundraising efforts and school activities.
• Direct the integrity and accuracy of the donor records and CRM systems. Manage the Development database (CRM), ensuring data cleanliness, proper coding, and security to facilitate accurate reporting and personalized communications.
• Supervise timely gift processing and issuance of tax receipts. Ensure all contributions are recorded, deposited, and acknowledged promptly and in compliance with IRS regulations.
• Monitor progress toward financial goals and prepare regular reports for the Head of School and School Board. Direct the generate comprehensive reports summarizing key performance indicators (KPIs), pipeline health, and progress against annual and campaign goals.
• Align all fundraising strategies directly with Eastbrook Academy’s mission and strategic vision. Ensure development efforts always reflect the core Christian mission and long‑term institutional priorities.
• Partner actively with the Development Committee, working toward 100% board giving. Equip and motivate board members in their philanthropic and ambassadorship responsibilities.
• Champion and cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy among staff and the parent community. Educate staff and current families on the importance of giving and how philanthropy supports the school’s mission.

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