Director of Development

Private School in Sarasota, Florida; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, FL is seeking an experienced Director of Development to join a forward-thinking school that values creativity, real-world application, and student-centered learning.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director will lead the development team, manage donors, and develop fundraising plans, with a strong focus on the Annual Fund. A Bachelor's degree is required, with 6+ years in development and 5+ years in management; a Master’s is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of development experience, ideally at an educational institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills, proficiency in G-Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency in Raiser's Edge & RE NXT preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior fundraising partner to the Chief Advancement Officer, leading the development team and growing philanthropic support for the School, with a strong focus on the Annual Fund.
• Provide strategic direction and supervision to the development team (3 direct reports) while overseeing the division’s budget and expenditures.
• Partner with the Director of Annual Giving to set and achieve Annual Fund revenue goals, increasing participation and giving levels.
• Manage a personal portfolio of leadership and major gift donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Translate the CAO’s priorities into fundraising plans, goals and donor engagement strategies across the team.
• Use data and reporting to track fundraising progress and inform decisions, upholding data integrity.
• Live the school’s mission and core values.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Strategic planning

Team management

Budget management

Donor relations

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge & RE NXT

Job description

The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, FL is seeking an experienced Director of Development to join a forward-thinking school that values creativity, real-world application, and student-centered learning.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Development will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as a senior fundraising partner to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), leading the development team and growing philanthropic support for the School, with a strong focus on the Annual Fund.
• Provide strategic direction and supervision to the development team (3 direct reports) while overseeing the division’s budget and expenditures.
• Partner closely with the Director of Annual Giving to set, plan and achieve Annual Fund revenue goals, increasing participation, retention and giving levels.
• Manage a personal portfolio of leadership and major gift donors and prospects, leading their cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Translate the CAO’s philanthropic priorities into coordinated fundraising plans, goals and donor engagement strategies across the team.
• Use data and reporting to track fundraising progress and inform decisions, partnering with advancement operations staff and partners to uphold data integrity standards.
• Live the school’s mission and core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of development experience, ideally at an educational institution; independent school experience is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills are required, as well as proficiency in G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in Raiser's Edge & RE NXT preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a 12-month full-time exempt position available immediately. Compensation is highly competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

At Out-of-Door, we value a diverse workforce. Applicants of any race, creed, physical ability, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or national origin are encouraged to apply. Once an offer is accepted, the position will require the successful completion of a national background screening and drug testing.

Other

Candidates are asked to address what attracts them to this position, to Out-of-Door, and to the Sarasota community in their cover letter.