Director of Development

Director of Development

Join Advancement at Mount de Sales Academy as the Director of Development, a vital member of the Development Team focused on engaging people, organizations, and businesses in advancing the mission of MDSA. The Director of Development is a relationship-driven and goal-oriented professional. This role is responsible for advancing MDSA's development efforts through thoughtful donor engagement, exceptional stewardship, and collaborative fundraising strategy.The Director of Development will join a committed team of Advancement professionals who believe in the mission of MDSA and take great pride in growing financial resources to support the students and school now and for future generations.   

The Director of Development’s primary responsibilities include managing an extensive portfolio of prospects and donors with weekly, monthly and annual engagement and fund-raising goals; cultivating meaningful relationships across all constituencies; and playing a key role in strengthening MDSA's culture of philanthropy. This position supports the planning and execution of the school’s fund-raising efforts and develops strategies to reach the goal. 

In addition to a mission-driven and collaborative work environment, Mount de Sales Academy offers a modified summer work schedule, generous paid time off during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter breaks, and all major school holidays throughout the year. 

 
The Director of Development at Mount de Sales Academy is expected to be a skilled person who collaborates with the Advancement Team so that he/she may effectively fulfill the various roles that must be assumed during the workday.  Mount de Sales Academy seeks to offer a high-quality program that is integrated with religious truths and values. The Director of Development supports the basic beliefs, values and traditions of the Catholic Church. The Director of Development is expected to model Gospel values in personal demeanor and lifestyle.  Respect for the dignity of each person under his/her care is of utmost importance.  Likewise, personnel and students are expected to model Christ-like behavior in their actions toward and with the Director of Development and with one another. 

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Serve as a major gift officer, managing a portfolio of donors and prospects through all stages of the fundraising cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

• Leverage the school CRM system to its full potential, track efforts, actions, calls and visits. 

• Demonstrate initiative in all aspects of position with emphasis on identification of new prospects. 

• Develop relationships with existing donors and identify and cultivate new relationships. 

• Conduct an agreed-upon number of meaningful contacts each week. 

• Target an agreed-upon number of meaningful face-to-face or virtual visits each week. 

• Develop collaborative strategies for donor giving with the Advancement Team. 

• Represent MDSA at institutional events and donor engagements; support all Advancement events, including evenings and weekends as needed. 

• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual fundraising goals established by the Executive Director of Advancement. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of three years of progressive fundraising or comparable experience preferred, ideally in an independent school or nonprofit setting. 

• Demonstrated success in reaching goals in major and leadership gift fundraising or comparable professional field. 

• High-level proficiency with Microsoft Office 365. 

• Experience with a CRM, including Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar. 

• Enthusiasm for MDSA's mission, values, and school community. 

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. 

• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to teamwork and shared success. 

• Willingness and flexibility to attend evening and weekend events. 

• Commitment to the mission and vision of Catholic education in general and Mount de Sales Academy in particular.