Development Director

Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterton Academy of St. George in Jackson, MI seeks a Development Director to lead donor engagement, annual campaigns, and communications that advance the school's mission.

You will report to the Executive Director and build relationships with parents, alumni, and community leaders to grow support and enrollment. The role starts at $55,000 per year with potential to reach $75,000 in the first year based on performance and achievement of development goals; the position offers a Catholic

Qualifications

• Three years of professional development experience, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Bachelor's degree
• Experience using Salesforce or comparable donor management software
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual fundraising plan, including established campaigns and events (Gala, Fall Campaign, End-of-Year Campaign, etc.), planned giving initiatives, and corporate and foundation proposals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and community leaders through direct outreach, including phone calls, in-person meetings, and formal group presentations.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that strengthens awareness and engagement among key stakeholder groups, including influencers, donors, friends, current parents, prospective students and their families.
• Design, implement, and manage the school's major gifts program, including identifying prospects, cultivating relationships, and soliciting gifts.
• Oversee the processing and acknowledgment of all donations, ensure timely and accurate gift acknowledgments, and maintain donor records to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the donor management software.
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of marketing and advertising efforts in support of fundraising and enrollment growth.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Organizational skills

Non-profit experience

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR | FULL-TIME

WHO YOU ARE: You are a devout Catholic on fire for love of Jesus Christ who wants to help young people know Our Lord and His Church. You enjoy meeting new people, making connections, and rallying them around building up the kingdom of God. You are self-motivated, hardworking, joyful and organized.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As Development Director for Chesterton Academy of St. George, you will have a chance to develop a long‑lasting career while also building up the mission of the school. The position begins at an annual salary of $55,000, with the opportunity to increase compensation up to $75,000 within the first year based on performance and achievement of clearly defined development goals. Further, as a member of the school staff, you will have the opportunity to attend daily Mass, go on the March for Life in Washington DC, and become part of a growing Catholic community in Jackson, MI where cost of living is 15% less than the national average.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A key member of Chesterton Academy of St. George's leadership team, the Development Director, serves as an important representative with current and prospective parents, alumni, donors, and the greater community. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director is personally in charge of building up donor support for the mission of the school.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual fundraising plan, including established campaigns and events (Gala, Fall Campaign, End-of-Year Campaign, etc.), planned giving initiatives, and corporate and foundation proposals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and community leaders through direct outreach, including phone calls, in-person meetings, and formal group presentations.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that strengthens awareness and engagement among key stakeholder groups, including influencers, donors, friends, current parents, prospective students and their families.
• Design, implement, and manage the school's major gifts program, including identifying prospects, cultivating relationships, and soliciting gifts.
• Oversee the processing and acknowledgment of all donations, ensure timely and accurate gift acknowledgments, and maintain donor records to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the donor management software.
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of marketing and advertising efforts in support of fundraising and enrollment growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will possess a combination of the following:

• Minimum of three years of professional development experience, preferably in a non‑profit environment
• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience using Salesforce or comparable donor management software
• Outstanding computer and technical skills; excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to work under pressure

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2022 as a result of a grass‑roots movement of parents, Chesterton Academy of St. George offers a rigorous, integrated high school curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classics, the school develops complete thinkers who learn to draw on faith and reason for the purpose of building a culture of life. Our Mission is to help parents raise up a generation of joyful leaders and saints, educated in the classical tradition of the truths of the Catholic Faith.