DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, UPPER DARBY, PA, DELAWARE COUNTY

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Secondary Schools; Upper Darby (Delaware County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Secondary Schools is seeking a Development Director in Upper Darby, PA. This essential role involves managing fundraising initiatives, engaging donors, and enhancing communication materials to promote the school's mission.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree, at least 3 years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills. Submissions of cover letter, resume, and references to Sister Carolyn Braun at the provided email are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage school fundraisers and events.
• Develop strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive alumni database.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relations

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Donor database software

Office productivity tools

Job description

Contact: Sister Carolyn Braun, IHM, Principal

Job Title: Development Director

Job Status: Permanent/Full Time

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Job Description
The Development Director is a vital member of the Catholic Elementary School leadership team, responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing all fundraising, development, and donor relations activities. This individual fosters strong relationships with donors, alumni, and the broader school community to promote the school’s mission, secure necessary funding, and support long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Development

• Organize, manage, and execute all school fundraisers including annual campaigns, events, and targeted drives.
• Develop and implement strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Solicit donations and sponsorships for scholarships and operational support.
• Grow and maintain support through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and private scholarships.

Donor And Alumni Engagement

• Initiate and maintain regular contact with donors to strengthen relationships and encourage continued support.
• Acknowledge all gifts with prompt and personalized thank-you letters or notes.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive alumni database.
• Write grants that will help pay for goals and initiatives of the school’s administration.
• Keep alumni informed of school news, events, and opportunities for engagement through newsletters, email, and social media.

Communications And Public Relations

• Collaborate with school leadership to develop materials that effectively communicate the mission and achievements of the school.
• Promote development initiatives within the parish and broader community.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board of Limited Jurisdiction on development activities and school events.

Board And School Involvement

• Serve as a member of the Home and School Association Board.
• Maintain close communication with the Board of Limited Jurisdiction regarding school milestones, development goals, fundraising progress and new initiatives.
• Represent the development office at school events and public functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solicit donations and steward donors effectively.
• Familiarity with Catholic education and a commitment to its mission.
• Proficiency with donor database software and office productivity tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Grant Writing

Preferred Attributes

• Practicing Catholic with an understanding of Catholic school culture.
• Experience working in an educational or nonprofit setting.
• Creative, energetic, and self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

Qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the Principal at the e-mail address noted above.

Clearances will be required as well as other documentation if the position is offered.

If the position is offered, the candidate will be required to complete the “Protecting God’s Children” training through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Additional information regarding this training can be found here.