Director of Development

Job Summary:

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for the school’s fundraising, donor engagement, and community-building efforts. In partnership with the Head of Schools, Board of Regents, and development team, this position establishes and advances strategies for annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, sponsorships, special events, and other philanthropic initiatives. The Director cultivates meaningful relationships with families, alumni, foundations, businesses, and community supporters while fostering a culture of gratitude, generosity, recognition, and connection. This role also oversees development communications, donor stewardship, fundraising policies, data strategy, and cross-departmental coordination to strengthen engagement and support the school’s mission and long-term financial sustainability.

Job Responsibilities:

Development Leadership

• Collaborate with the Head of Schools and Board of Regents to determine the strategic direction for fundraising and capital campaigns. 
• Lead development team in all activities and create a culture of fun, gratitude, community, and recognition for staff and supporters alike.
• Lead event team in current (Impact & Auction) and possible future fundraising events assisting with theme, venue, speakers, etc. to maximize revenues, control costs, and increase community connection.

Donor Relations & Community Engagement

• Approaches NWCS families and supporters for sponsorships and donations to annual fundraising events, capital campaigns, and endowment donations.
• Cultivates new and develops current relationships with foundations (in conjunction with grant writer), companies, alumni, past parents, and other interested parties for funding of operations or other capital projects.
• Spearhead all personal phone calls for requests and to personally thank donors.
• Manages all correspondence regarding contributions with families, foundations, companies, and other interested individuals.

Data Management

• Collaborates with database manager to make sure data is accurate and to track giving trends and opportunities.
• Reviews, updates, or creates policies related to all development functions including giving, designated & undesignated funds, records management, etc.
• Maintains membership in development/fundraising organizations and stays current on trends and issues through professional development.

Planned Giving:

• Oversee and grow the organization’s planned giving program by cultivating relationships with donors, promoting legacy giving opportunities, and coordinating with donors and professional advisors to facilitate gifts that support the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.

Campaign Management

• Works with marketing to develop collaterals on giving opportunities at NWCS.
• Works with event team and Head of Schools on planning and coordinating major events throughout the year including Impact, the annual auction, Anniversary celebrations, and any future events or campaigns.
• Coordinates with the Crusader Club and Arts department on fundraising initiatives for sponsorships so that we coordinate financial asks without overburdening potential donors.
• Works with alumni relations staff to continue to grow alumni relationships, create connections between alumni, and foster a sense of community with alumni and the greater NWCS community.
• Works with marketing coordinator on all collaterals for event as well as annual business directory, and semi-annual magazine.
• Work with marketing coordinator on maintaining strong internet and social media presence to promote events and tell the NWCS story.

Compensation, Benefits & Schedule:

• Compensation: $70,000-$90,000/year
• Schedule: Full time, 40 hours/week. This 12-month position follows the school calendar during the academic year, including school closures.
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits, including medical, dental and vision. Also eligible for tuition discount.
• Time Off:  Paid time off including vacation, personal time off and 10 paid holidays. School closures (e.g., Christmas Break, Spring Break) are generally unpaid unless work is assigned or approved by the supervisor. 
• Timeline: Position is anticipated to begin on or around October 1, 2026. Initial review of applicants will begin on September 8, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. 

For questions regarding this opportunity, please email [email protected].

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Model a life of personal commitment to Jesus Christ by exemplifying a lifestyle that honors God and actively participating in a local, Bible-believing church. Must be willing to affirm and abide by the Schools’ Statement of Faith.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, sales and marketing, or relationship management. 
• Demonstrated success cultivating relationships and securing financial commitments from individuals, businesses, foundations, or other community partners.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising campaigns, donor initiatives, sponsorship programs, or special events.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to guide a team, coordinate cross-functional efforts.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with confidence making personal solicitations and engaging donors at varying levels of giving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate the school’s mission and funding priorities in a compelling and authentic manner.
• Ability to develop fundraising strategies, manage multiple initiatives, monitor results, and meet established goals and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of donor stewardship, gift acknowledgment, fundraising ethics, and confidential records management.
• Proficiency with donor-management databases, Microsoft Office applications, and digital communication tools, with the ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and arrange event materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. 

Northwest Christian Schools is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to prefer employees who share its Christian faith and values where it is appropriate and legally permitted. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.