Elementary School Development Director

Diocese of Harrisburg; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Harrisburg seeks a Director of Development/Advancement for Holy Name of Jesus School in Harrisburg, PA. This exempt, full‑time role leads a comprehensive development program to engage parish and school communities in fundraising, communications, and major gift initiatives.

The position requires a bachelor’s in relevant fields, 5–8 years in development, and experience with campaigns, tax codes, and donor relations within a Catholic multi‑unit nonprofit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, finance, and/or marketing or equivalent with 5–8 years in a comparable role.
• Experience running direct mail and advertising campaigns for planned giving.
• Continuing education to maintain knowledge of tax codes affecting charitable giving.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Development Plan for the parish/school with annual and 3–5 year goals.
• Coordinate fundraising activities and major gifts programs, including alumni and endowment efforts.
• Develop communications plans with parish leadership and community partners.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and support for Development Committee members.
• Ensure EITC funding for scholarships and student recruitment efforts.

Skills

Fund development

Communication skills

Public relations

Strategic planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/finance/marketing

Tools

Crescendo

PG CALC

Job description

Director of Development/Advancement Elementary Schools

Position Type: Administration/ Development Director-Elementary School
Full-Time
City & State: Harrisburg, PA
School: Holy Name of Jesus School
Payroll Grade: 14
FLSA Status: Exempt

Nature of Position

The purpose of this position is to develop and implement a comprehensive development program for the school/parish. The Development Director engages a diverse parish community (including faculty, staff, students, families, and parishioners) and the general public in advancing the development program's mission.

Reporting Function

Reports to the pastor and/or principal.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Pastor and/or Principal in implementing the educational mission of the parish, participating in planning, implementation, and evaluation of the parish's/school's goals with a specific focus on the development plan, and collaborate in regional/deanery planning and development efforts as appropriate.
• Direct the parish's/school's Development Plan by establishing short (annual) and long (3‑5 year) range goals and objectives, assist in developing the long‑range plan, and facilitate the development and publication of an articulated case statement about the parish/school.
• Assure the development and implementation of a comprehensive public relations and communications plan, relating with parish leadership, parents, faculty, staff, students, parish members, and local civic and business leaders.
• Ensure the establishment of an Annual Appeal/Fund Program for the parish and school, planning, directing, and implementing this annual campaign.
• Coordinate the establishment of an Alumni Association, developing communication systems with alumni and attracting alumni support for fundraising activities.
• Ensure the establishment of an Endowment Fund, planning and directing implementation of this program with major gifts, bequests, and deferred giving opportunities.
• Ensure establishment of EITC funding for scholarships.
• Ensure the establishment of a Student Recruitment program by researching prospective students, hosting recruitment activities, and promoting recruitment through press releases, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, newsletters, etc.
• Serve as staff to the Parish/School Development Committee, participating in recruitment, selection, and training of members, and collaborating with the Committee Chair on agenda preparation and task monitoring.
• Ensure the establishment of a Major Gifts/Corporate Sponsorship Program, researching, cultivating, soliciting, and following up on major gifts from private or corporate donors, including grant writing or matching potential donors with “askers.”
• Coordinate all fundraising activities for the parish/school, collaborating with parish leadership, Parents’ Club, School Commission, and other fundraising groups to develop a planned, consistent, organized approach to fundraising with monthly event calendars.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Abilities, Skills, & Knowledge Required

• Thorough knowledge of fund development principles and practices, with the ability to organize, create, and implement development efforts through marketing techniques.
• Knowledge of church organizational and operational procedures.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal (including oral presentations) and written; creativity, decision-making, interpersonal skills, discretion, teamwork, negotiation, independent judgment, problem analysis, service orientation, and public relations to foster the Church’s mission.
• Competitive and resourceful in an environment with many needs and limited financial resources.
• Basic math proficiency and experience with gift planning software such as Crescendo or PG CALC.
• Basic computer software and office equipment proficiency.

Educational / Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, finance, and/or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with five to eight years in a comparable position.
• Experience in the development field preferred.
• Experience running direct mail and advertising campaigns for planned giving required.
• Continuing education required to maintain knowledge of tax codes affecting charitable giving and the skills needed for the role, including workshops, conventions, and professional organization participation.
• Specific knowledge of the Catholic Church organization and procedures or experience in a complex multi‑unit nonprofit organization with a service orientation.
• Practicing Catholic required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Bilingual Spanish desirable in some locations.

Postings current as of 7/12/2026 2:49:46 PM CST.