Development Director

Development DirectorHeritage Christian SchoolReports To: Director of AdvancementDirect Reports: Indirectly, campaign-related staff, contractors, and volunteersPosition Objective: The Development Director serves as the lead strategist and driver of fundraising campaigns at Heritage Christian School, with primary responsibility for directing the annual Heritage Fund, the current two-year $6 million comprehensive campaign, and future capital campaigns supporting campus expansion and strategic priorities.This role provides frontline major gift leadership, campaign architecture, donor portfolio management, and executional oversight across all phases of fundraising: planning, quiet phase, public phase, and closeout.Working in close partnership with the Director of Advancement, Head of School, and key volunteer leaders, the Heritage Fund Manager builds strong donor relationships, advances solicitations, manages campaign pipelines, and ensures disciplined movement of prospects through the gift cycle.The Development Director plays a critical role in advancing a culture of generosity and positioning Heritage Christian School for long-term philanthropic sustainability.Qualifying Characteristics: The employee must be a Christian with an authentic and a mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who agrees to the HCS Statement of Faith, Charter of Core Values and Employee Covenant in both their professional conduct and personal lifestyle. The employee is committed to incorporating these qualities and standards in carrying out the calling to Christian education. In addition, the ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships, representing Christ and HCS professionally and positively with the HCS community-at-large, including faculty and staff, Board members, parents, volunteers and others is crucial to the success of this role.Educational and Experience Requirements: Bachelor's in business or related field of study. 5+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or campaign leadership. Demonstrated success securing major gifts.

Experience with annual funds and capital campaigns. Proficiency with donor CRM systemsEssential Skills and Abilities:Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsRelationship builderStrategic and analytical thinkerResults-oriented and disciplinedComfortable with asking for giftsOrganized project managerCollaborative team playerAbility to attend evening and weekend eventsAbility to use computer and standard office equipmentMajor Responsibilities:Campaign Strategy & ArchitectureDesign and manage overall strategy for the Heritage Fund, current $6M campaign, and future capital campaignsDevelop campaign frameworks including case for support, gift range charts, pyramids, naming opportunities, and phased timelinesEstablish solicitation strategies for lead, principal, major, and leadership annual giftsPartner with Director of Advancement to align campaign priorities with institutional strategic plansMajor Gift & Leadership Annual GivingManage a portfolio of major and leadership annual gift prospects and donorsConduct qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visitsPersonally solicit major gifts and campaign commitmentsPrepare tailored proposals and gift conversations in partnership with the Director of Advancement and Head of SchoolAdvance donors toward multi-year commitments and stretch givingVolunteer & Leadership EngagementRecruit, train, and support campaign cabinet members and key volunteersPrepare volunteers for peer-to-peer cultivation and solicitationCoordinate solicitation assignments and track outcomesProvide clear briefing materials, talking points, and follow-up supportCampaign Management & ExecutionManage day-to-day execution of campaign plansMaintain campaign prospect pipelines and stage movementMonitor progress toward goals and adjust strategies as neededEnsure timely production of proposals, pledge agreements, and acknowledgmentsOversee campaign calendar and milestone trackingCollaboration & IntegrationWork closely with Director of Advancement on strategy, forecasting, and reportingCollaborate with Advancement Manager on operational execution, reporting, and materialsPartner with Communications/Marketing to ensure strong campaign messaging and visibilityCoordinate with Finance on pledge recording, receipting, and reconciliationReporting & AnalyticsProduce regular campaign progress reports and dashboardsTrack solicitation activity, close rates, average gift size, and pipeline healthUse data to inform strategy and resource allocationStewardship & Donor ExperienceEnsure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of giftsParticipate in design of stewardship touches and recognition programsSupport donor events and engagement opportunitiesPromote strong retention and long-term relationshipsSupervisory & LeadershipProvides functional leadership for campaign-related staff, contractors, and volunteersMay supervise campaign support personnel as the department scalesThe above description covers the most significant duties performed but does not restrict the administration's right to assign or reassign other reasonable duties, responsibilities, or expectations to this job at any time, with or without advance notice. The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a standard office environment with frequent use of a computer, telephone, and other office equipment for extended periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through written and electronic communication. Ability to remain stationary for extended periods.Ability to move throughout the school campus and event venues. Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, and transport materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to travel locally and occasionally regionally. Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, multiple deadlines, and shifting priorities. Visual ability to read printed and digital materials, analyze reports and donor data, and prepare presentations and communications. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers, mobile devices, presentation equipment, and standard office technology.Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in a professional office and school environment, both indoors and outdoors. Position requires frequent participation in meetings, fundraising events, donor visits, school functions, and community engagement activities both on and off campus. The environment may include moderate noise levels associated with school operations, events, and large gatherings. Evening and weekend work is periodically required to support fundraising initiatives, donor cultivation activities, campaign events, and school programs. May involve local and occasional regional travel.Work Schedule: Position works the calendar year (does not follow the academic calendar). Schedule: Monday-Friday, typical hours 7:30am - 4:30pm, but may flex depending on meetings and events.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.