Associate Vice President of Development

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Associate Vice President of Development

Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home
Full-Time, Exempt |

Reports to:

Vice President for Development

The Associate Vice President of Development (AVP) is a key leadership role responsible for advancing the mission of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home by growing philanthropic support, cultivating strong donor relationships, and helping execute a comprehensive development strategy. The AVP of Development will oversee critical fundraising initiatives—including annual giving, major gifts, events, campaigns, and donor stewardship—and will serve as a visible ambassador for MDCA&CH across the community and region.

Working collaboratively with the President, Vice President for Development, and the Executive Leadership Team, the AVP will play a central role in expanding resources that support academic excellence, spiritual transformation, residential care programs, campus improvements, scholarships, and long-term sustainability.

• Support and help implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the institution’s strategic plan.
• Manage components of capital campaigns, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee annual giving initiatives, including direct mail, online giving, Giving Tuesday, and donor acquisition.
• Collaborate with the President and VP for Development on high-level donor strategies and key solicitations.
• Track and measure progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular reports.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects (typically $10,000+).
• Conduct regular donor visits, prepare proposals, and coordinate personalized stewardship experiences.
• Build meaningful relationships with individuals, churches, corporations, foundations, alumni, and community partners.
• Represent MDCA&CH at events, church presentations, community gatherings, and donor engagement opportunities.

• Provide leadership in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including the President’s Dinner, benefit dinners, golf tournaments, and other campus events.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging across development materials.
• Work with the development support team to maintain accurate donor records, gift acknowledgments, and reporting processes.
• Ensure strong coordination with the Children’s Home, Residential Program, and Academy operations regarding development priorities.

• Assist in the creation of case statements, proposals, grant applications, and campaign collateral.
• Help manage donor naming opportunities and capital project fundraising efforts.
• Support the development of scholarship funds, estate planning initiatives, planned giving, and endowment growth.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for MDCA&CH’s Christ-centered mission and values.
• Support the spiritual culture of the institution and uphold Christlike service, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Partner with faculty, staff, and resident care teams to understand the life-changing work happening on campus and translate those stories into donor impact opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
• Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
• Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Ability to travel regularly for donor meetings, church visits, and events.
• Commitment to Christian values and the mission of MDCA&CH
• Ability to exercise good judgement
• Exhibit a strong faith and exemplary lifestyle
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships
• Ability to accept direction and professional development
• Active member of the Church of Christ - All applicants must be members of a local congregation of the Churches of Christ and able to sign and abide by the MDCA Statement of Faith in order to be considered.

• Experience in…