Development Director

Mount Juliet Christian Academy; Mount Juliet (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Juliet Christian Academy is seeking a Development Director to lead all fundraising and advancement efforts in alignment with the school’s mission. You will manage annual giving, donor cultivation, campaigns, grants, alumni relations, events, and stewardship.

You will work with the Superintendent, School Board, and church partners to grow resources, strengthen donor relationships, and support enrollment and facility initiatives in a Christ-centered environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in fundraising, development, advancement, nonprofit leadership, marketing, admissions, or related fields preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
• Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, Google Workspace, and preferred communication platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy aligned with MJCA’s mission.
• Lead annual fundraising efforts, donor cultivation, campaigns, sponsorships, grants, alumni relations, events, and stewardship.
• Assist in planning capital campaigns and major facility initiatives.
• Oversee events, donor receptions, community engagement, alumni involvement, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with admissions, communications, and leadership to promote advancement priorities; produce donor communications and reports.
• Research grant opportunities and maintain donor records, ensure proper receipting of gifts.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Relationship building

Discretion

Organizational skills

Project management

Evenings/weekends

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Donor databases

Fundraising software

Google Workspace

Communication platforms

Job description

Job Details

Location: Mt Juliet, TN 37122
Education Level: Graduate Degree
Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 Base + Commission/year

Position Overview

The Development Director serves as the chief advancement and fundraising leader for Mount Juliet Christian Academy, working to secure financial resources, strengthen donor relationships, and advance MJCA's mission and vision as a ministry of First Baptist Church Mount Juliet. This individual will lead all development initiatives, including annual giving, donor cultivation, capital campaigns, sponsorships, grants, alumni relations, fundraising events, and stewardship efforts.

Qualifications

Spiritual Qualifications

• Demonstrates a mature and growing Christian faith.
• Fully supports the mission, vision, and doctrinal beliefs of MJCA and First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet.
• Models Christ‑like leadership, integrity, professionalism, and servant‑heartedness.
• Actively involved in First Baptist Mount Juliet.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in fundraising, development, advancement, nonprofit leadership, marketing, admissions, or related fields preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
• Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, Google Workspace, and preferred communication platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy aligned with MJCA’s mission and strategic plan.
• Work closely with the Superintendent, School Board, church leadership, and administrative team to identify funding priorities and advancement goals.
• Help cultivate a school‑wide culture of stewardship, generosity, and mission ownership.
• Assist in long‑range planning for enrollment growth, facilities expansion, and strategic initiatives.

Fundraising & Donor Development

• Lead all annual fundraising efforts, including the annual fund, giving campaigns, donor appeals, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, alumni, grandparents, foundations, businesses, and church partners.
• Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and relationship‑building opportunities.
• Maintain a strategic donor pipeline and prospect management system.
• Prepare fundraising reports and updates for leadership and the School Board.
• Develop and oversee donor recognition and appreciation initiatives.

Capital Campaign Leadership

• Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns and major facility initiatives.
• Coordinate campaign communication strategies, donor follow‑up, and campaign events.
• Work collaboratively with campaign volunteers and leadership teams.
• Support vision‑casting efforts related to future school growth and expansion.

Events & Community Engagement

• Oversee fundraising events, donor receptions, community engagement activities, and special initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community organizations.
• Assist with alumni engagement and parent involvement initiatives.
• Represent MJCA professionally within the community and at school events.

Marketing & Communications Support

• Collaborate with admissions, communications, and leadership teams to promote MJCA’s mission and advancement priorities.
• Assist with development‑related publications, newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media messaging, and campaign materials.
• Ensure consistent branding and mission‑centered storytelling throughout advancement efforts.

Grant Writing & Stewardship

• Research grant opportunities and assist in grant proposal development.
• Maintain accurate donor records, track contributions, and produce stewardship reports.
• Ensure proper acknowledgment and receipting of gifts in coordination with the finance office.

Biblical Foundation

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

This position exists to help strengthen and sustain the ministry of Mount Juliet Christian Academy by building relationships, advancing vision, and creating opportunities for future generations of students to grow academically, spiritually, and relationally in a Christ‑centered environment.