Director of Advancement

Job Description

Job Description

Please apply directly on the company website:

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

About Pasadena Christian School:

Pasadena Christian School is an independent Christian K-8 school that serves a diverse community ethnically, economically, and in the Christian faith. Together, we have served the Pasadena area since 1946. The primary mission of Pasadena Christian School is to provide its students with the spiritual development and academic training needed to become men and women who are worthy representatives of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Working with the family and the local church, we seek to provide our students with the foundation necessary to become people whose lives reflect an uncompromising commitment to follow Christ, people of unquestioned integrity, and pursue lifelong excellence.

Job Summary:

Pasadena Christian School is excited to welcome a talented Advancement professional to elevate our philanthropic efforts and community engagement! This enthusiastic individual will craft and implement a dynamic advancement strategy that inspires generosity and fosters strong connections within our PCS community. Working closely with the Head of School and the Board of Directors, the Advancement Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping our fundraising future. With strategic vision, creative ideas, and a spirited approach, this leader will drive the advancement program toward achieving outstanding goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Advancement Strategy and Leadership

• Drive advancement initiatives at Pasadena Christian School by developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that increases philanthropic engagement and aligns with the school's long-term goals.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of School and the Board of Directors to advance the fundraising priorities of PCS and ensure that advancement initiatives align with the school’s institutional vision and future goals.
• Assume a pivotal role in shaping the philanthropic story of the institution by effectively demonstrating PCS’s mission, values, and goals into compelling opportunities for donor engagement and investment.

Annual Giving

• Enhance the School's Annual Fund by identifying ways to increase participation and philanthropic contributions.

Alumni and Community Engagement

• Enhance and solidify Pasadena Christian School’s alumni engagement strategy to promote lifelong connections between alumni and the school.
• Create innovative strategies to engage parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of the school, encouraging their meaningful and ongoing support of the school’s mission.
• Develop programs and initiatives that increase alumni participation and foster a stronger culture of giving.

Major Gifts & Philanthropic Partnerships

• Engage actively with leadership and major donors to cultivate relationships and manage their contributions, while also expanding PCS’s network of potential philanthropic partners.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and the Board to connect with high-capacity donors and strengthen relationships with key supporters of the school.
• Develop strategies to increase major gifts and leadership giving, while broadening PCS’s overall base of philanthropic support.

Operations for Advancement Data and Systems

• Oversight of the advancement program to include systems, effective data management practices, and comprehensive reporting to improve fundraising initiatives.
• Track essential metrics related to donor engagement, pipeline growth, and fundraising performance to guide strategic decisions and enhance ongoing improvement efforts.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in developing and implementing comprehensive advancement strategies that combine major gifts, annual giving, alumni engagement, and community partnerships to support institutional priorities.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional relationship-building skills.
• Must be able to inspire confidence within the PCS community while enhancing the systems and culture necessary to support a top-tier advancement program.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, able to convert institutional priorities into engaging philanthropic opportunities.

Personal Characteristics:

• Dependable, reliable, trustworthy, and prompt.
• Professionally conducts business.
• Adapts positively to change.
• Accepts constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
• Demonstrates initiative and enthusiasm.
• Maintains a neat and appropriate appearance.
• Demonstrates a professional code of Christian ethics.

Spiritual Characteristics:

• Provides an example of spiritual leadership to all internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrates a Christ-centered love for children and the importance of Christian education in holistic development.
• Adheres to Biblical standards of conduct.
• Attests and reflects a Christian testimony.
• Proclaims they are a “Born Again” Christian who knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Physical, Mental, and Visual Requirements:

• Able to lift, bend, grasp, reach, and lift to 20 lbs.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Able to maintain confidentiality, work in a busy environment, learn, and retain information.
• Possesses a genuine commitment to Christian service. Has initiative and creativity, is highly productive, and is flexible.
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Agrees with the school’s statement of faith and the purpose and goals of PCS in providing an integrated Christian education.
• Use of a computer monitor and reading documents and correspondence.

Technologies:

• Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
• Familiarity with advancement CRM platforms and the ability to leverage data and analytics to guide fundraising strategy, donor pipeline development, and engagement efforts.

Compensation:

The compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to salary, PCS offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision benefit plans for eligible employees.

Pasadena Christian School will conduct a background check on all final candidates.