Director of Development

The Agape School of the Virginia Peninsula; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The Agape School of the Virginia Peninsula is seeking a part-time Director of Development to build foundational fundraising systems, cultivate donors, and grow sustainable support for long-term growth. Working with the Executive Director, you will research funding needs, develop a three- to five-year plan, and implement initiatives to expand community partnerships and philanthropic impact.

The role emphasizes building donor databases, yearly giving programs, and transparent reporting while

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Commitment to the mission of The Agape School.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and set goals.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and donor database management preferred.
• Understanding of Christian principles and diverse backgrounds.
• Entrepreneurial spirit to build a sustainable development operation.
• Knowledge of EISTC and tax credit programs.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising strategy development and execution.
• Donor cultivation and stewardship with individuals, corporations, foundations, and partners.
• Develop and manage major gifts programs and solicit donor support.
• Collaborate with leadership, board, and staff to align development with goals.
• Oversee donor database management and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising laws and provide progress reports.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Grant writing

Major gifts

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Fundraising software

Donor databases

Ethical compliance

Tools

Donor databases

Job description

Position Overview

The Agape School seeks a relationship-oriented, organized, and experienced professional to serve as the school’s first Director of Development (part-time position). In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will play a pivotal role in advancing the school’s mission by building, organizing, and implementing the foundational fundraising systems needed for long‑term sustainability and growth. This individual will cultivate and steward donor relationships, research and establish a growing donor database, develop annual giving funds and fundraising initiatives, and increase awareness of the school throughout the community. Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Director will also help assess funding needs, identify and develop a sustainable three‑ to five‑year fundraising and development model, and implement strategic initiatives that expand philanthropic support, strengthen community partnerships, and position The Agape School for continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with the school's mission and vision.
• Donor Cultivation: Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Major Gifts Program: Develop and implement strategies to identify, solicit, and steward major donors capable of making significant contributions to the school.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate closely with school leadership, board members, faculty, and staff to align development and outreach efforts with organizational goals. Communicate effectively with stakeholders to convey the impact of philanthropic support and the mission of The Agape School.
• Database Management: Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date records of donor interactions, gifts, and pledges.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing charitable fundraising activities. Prepare regular reports on fundraising and outreach progress and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, or related field, with a track record of success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and major gifts solicitation.
• A commitment to the mission and values of The Agape School.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate the school's vision and impact to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, set goals, and execute plans to achieve desired outcomes.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and donor database management preferred.
• Understanding of and respect for Christian principles and the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of the school community.
• Entrepreneurial spirit; eager to build, from the ground up, a sustainable, emotionally intelligent, best‑practice development and outreach operation that reflects the ethos and mission of the school.
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to work with the Executive Director to manage the EISTC Program and other tax credit programs.

Pay

$30/ hour (average of 25 hours/week)