Director of Development

NextEd; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Christian school in San Antonio is seeking a Director of Development to provide strategic leadership in fundraising and donor relations. The role involves managing a comprehensive fundraising plan, cultivating relationships, and overseeing community engagement efforts. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of relevant leadership experience in development. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential. This position may require participation in evening and weekend events.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of leadership experience in development or fundraising.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage fundraising plans.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with donors.
• Track fundraising progress and donor engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

San Antonio Christian School (SACS) is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and collaborative leader to serve as its Director of Development. Located on a beautiful 71-acre campus, SACS is a non‑denominational covenant Christian school with small class sizes, quality academics, and a wide range of arts and athletic opportunities that provide students with a Christ‑centered education while fostering a life of faith and service.

At SACS, we believe that every gift entrusted to our community is part of God’s provision for the mission of Christian education. The Director of Development provides strategic leadership and oversight for all fundraising, donor relations, and advancement initiatives of the school. This role is not only a fundraiser, but also a steward of God’s blessings—inviting others into the joy of giving and participation in the Kingdom work happening through our school.

About the Role

The Director will cultivate meaningful relationships with parents, alumni, community partners, and philanthropic organizations to strengthen the school’s mission and secure financial resources for current programs and long‑term sustainability. This individual will design and implement comprehensive development strategies, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, special events, and grant opportunities.

Working closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and school leadership, the Director ensures that fundraising goals align with the school’s vision, Christian values, and future growth. As a key ambassador of the school, this individual will share its story with passion and integrity while fostering a culture of generosity, gratitude, and faithful stewardship across the community.

Core Values

• Demonstrate spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, and outreach.
• Live out and promote the school’s values with humility and a teachable spirit.
• Support parents as the primary educators of their children.
• Model faith, character, and leadership in accordance with Proverbs 22:6.
• Support the school’s mission, statement of faith, and lifestyle expectations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual giving, capital campaigns, and planned giving.
• Plan and implement capital campaigns, including feasibility studies, prospect research, donor visits, campaign tracking, and volunteer management.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, with emphasis on major gifts.
• Oversee and grow the SACS Annual Fund.
• Research and pursue grant opportunities aligned with the school’s mission.

Donor & Community Relations

• Build and sustain relationships with parents, alumni, grandparents, foundations, and community partners.
• Establish donor recognition programs and stewardship opportunities.
• Partner with communications to ensure consistent messaging and storytelling.

Leadership & Engagement

• Collaborate with the Finance Office to ensure proper recording and acknowledgment of gifts.
• Supervise development staff and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and legal fundraising standards.

Events & Volunteers

• Oversee major events (e.g., Spring Fling, donor receptions, alumni gatherings).
• Engage parents and community members as volunteers to support development goals.

Reporting & Metrics

• Track fundraising progress, donor engagement, and campaign outcomes.
• Maintain and grow a portfolio of 125–150 top prospects/donors.
• Conduct 10–15 donor calls weekly and 10–15 meaningful one‑on‑one presentations monthly.
• Ensure timely completion of proposals, acknowledgments, and reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred).
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in development, fundraising, or advancement (school or non‑profit strongly preferred).
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with integrity and confidentiality.
• Active member of a local evangelical church aligned with the school’s statement of faith.
• Must pass a background check and substance screening.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary for long periods and use repetitive motions.
• Lift/carry up to 30 lbs.
• Work outdoors and travel locally/nationally as needed.
• Availability for evening and weekend work.