Director of Development

National Association of Independent Schools; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Association of Independent Schools seeks a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the school’s mission. You will manage fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and oversee all fundraising activities.

The role demands strong leadership, donor cultivation across major gifts and foundations, grant management, data analysis, and collaboration with school leadership and communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; advanced degree a plus.
• 5–7 years of donor relations and fundraising experience.
• Proven leadership and management of fundraising teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop donor communications and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan.
• Lead and mentor the fundraising team to meet annual goals.
• Cultivate and solicit major gifts from prospects and foundations.
• Oversee grants and maintain corporate and foundation relationships.
• Collaborate with leadership and communications on donor materials.
• Plan events and analyze fundraising data to improve performance.
• Ensure timely grant reporting and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communication

Team management

Relationship building

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Adobe Pro

Google Suite

Job description

Salary Range

$90,000-110,000

Job Summary

The Director of Development directly reports to the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and shares responsibility for leading and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the school's mission and goals. This role involves managing fundraising initiatives, cultivating donor relationships, and overseeing various aspects of all fundraising activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Leadership:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, including major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events.
  • Manage and support the fundraising team in their efforts to achieve annual fundraising goals and long-term financial sustainability by establishing clear priorities, fostering professional growth, and promoting accountability for fundraising performance.
• Donor Cultivation and Management:
  • Manage a portfolio of 100-120 prospects, focusing on relationship building and donor engagement.
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors.
• Grant and Foundation Management:
  • Oversee grants inclusive of those managed by other fundraisers and maintain corporate and foundation relationships.
  • Ensure timely and accurate grant reporting and compliance.
• Team and Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Board of Trustees, and other school leaders to align fundraising efforts with institutional goals.
  • Work closely with the Communications team to develop effective donor communications and marketing materials.
• Event Planning and Execution:
  • Work directly with the Donor Relations Specialist and other key members of the advancement team to support events and offer direction as needed.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
  • Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and other stakeholders on fundraising progress and outcomes.
• Attendance and On-Site Presence:
  • Regular and predictable attendance at work.
  • Provides in-person support and service.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing a team of fundraising professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write and edit compelling donor communications.
• A Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred; advanced degree could be advantage.
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in individual donor, relational and/or new business development.
• Proven experience in executing community outreach programs and volunteer management.
• Possesses a working knowledge of philanthropic vehicles in order to facilitate sophisticated philanthropic conversations.
• Must be results oriented with a passionate commitment to independent schools and an appreciation of the goals and mission of Mid-Pacific Institute and possess an understanding of complex institutions.
• Keen budgetary acumen and understanding of finance and investment concepts.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with donors with the highest degree of professionalism.
• Desire to mentor and promote a collaborative environment among front-line fundraisers.
• Relationship builder who is experienced in networking with individual donors and local and national foundations with the highest degree of professionalism.
• Comfortable integrating new technology into workstreams to enhance work quality, productivity and efficiency.
• Proficient in Raisers Edge, MS Excel; MS Word; MS PowerPoint; Adobe Pro; Google Suite; and other productivity software.
• Some mainland travel and weekend/evening work required.