At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build a network of supporters for St. Thomas More School.
- Company: St. Thomas More School, committed to educational excellence and community values.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with passionate volunteers and alumni in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Development Director will report to the Principal and is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and reconciling activities that attract the support needed to provide sufficient resources for the school to achieve its mission. The ideal candidate is an experienced person who has the skills to raise funds and build a network of supporters. This will be accomplished by reviewing, updating, and implementing the Development Plan and implementing fundraising campaigns that demonstrate vision and initiative by identifying, cultivating and soliciting various donors to support the operational needs of the school. To start, this is a part-time (28 hours/week) position.
Primary Responsibilities
- Work with the Principal and other committees to create, implement and monitor development goals and annual fund raising effectiveness.
- Responsible for all phases of giving including individual, family, alumni, foundation and corporate giving.
- Design, implement and manage all fundraising activities including annual giving, events/raffles, corporate giving, endowment, special projects and other solicitations.
- Maintain all strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation and relations.
- Ensure maintenance of donor records and good stewardship recognition of contributors including donor fundraising reports, donor recognition newsletters and events.
- Formulate and implement a marketing and community relations plan, designed to promote St. Thomas More School.
- Support and promote School activities to alumni, prospective donors, benefactors, corporate sponsors and foundation representatives via Facebook, website postings and other social media.
- Create office systems to support all development projects and operations including managing the database and all records, files and gift processing.
- Organize and support the Alumni Association, including organizing alumni events, collecting news and information about the members of the alumni for publication and keeping accurate records of the School’s alumni.
- Manage and maintain the alumni database.
- Work with committees to identify and train core groups of volunteers to assist in development and alumni programs as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Demonstrated Competencies Required
- Committed to the mission and values of St. Thomas More School and of the Catholic Church.
- Must be a self-starter with the ability to set priorities.
- Proven experience in designing and managing development and alumni relations programs.
- Success in all areas of institutional advancement including, but not limited to; annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, alumni relations, public relations and donor communications.
- Demonstrate leadership and effectiveness in developing and accomplishing organizational and financial goals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively speak to large and small groups as well as one-on-one communication.
- Able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
- Ability to work as a member in a team‑oriented environment and also able to lead when necessary.
- Will work with paid staff and volunteers.
- Must embrace technology.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in marketing, public relations, fundraising or comparable.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising or a related field.
- Experience in a Catholic church and/or school is preferred.
- Must be a Roman Catholic.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office.
- Experienced in maintaining a donor database management system.
Development Director employer: Diocese of Gary
St. Thomas More School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and mission-driven work environment, ideal for those passionate about education and community engagement. With a commitment to professional growth, the Development Director role offers opportunities to lead impactful fundraising initiatives while collaborating with dedicated staff and volunteers. Located in a vibrant community, employees benefit from a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and the shared goal of enhancing the educational experience for students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start connecting with people! Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or potential donors. Building relationships is key to landing that Development Director role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the school or related organisations, make sure to highlight your fundraising successes. Share specific examples of campaigns you've led or innovative strategies you've implemented. We want to see your passion in action!
✨Be Active on Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to showcase your expertise in development and fundraising. Share articles, engage with posts, and even create your own content about effective donor relations. This will help you stand out and show your commitment to the mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work at St. Thomas More School.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for St. Thomas More School shine through. We want to see how much you care about our mission and values, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal connection to education and community.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and development. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their success in similar roles, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Development Director.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right away.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Gary
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand the mission and values of St. Thomas More School. This will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also show your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes. Be ready to discuss how you designed and managed campaigns, cultivated donor relationships, and achieved financial goals. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can quantify your achievements, do!
✨Demonstrate Your Networking Skills
The Development Director role requires building a network of supporters. Think of ways you've successfully engaged with donors or community members in the past. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect and maintain relationships, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Technology
Since the role involves managing a donor database and using technology for outreach, be prepared to talk about your experience with relevant software. Highlight any tools you've used for fundraising or communication, and express your willingness to embrace new technologies.
