Director of Development

Reports To: Head of School

Position Purpose: To support the mission of the school through effective fundraising. In collaboration with the head of school, trustees, senior staff, and key volunteer leadership, the Director of Development helps establish and execute strategies to sustain the school’s operations and long-term stability.

Position Description

Overview

The Director of Development will lead efforts to strengthen the bond between MSSA parents and the school through volunteerism, community events, and relationship building. This role will also oversee fundraising operations, the Parent Volunteer Organization, and alumni engagement, as well as assist MSSA faculty, staff, and administration as needed.

Parent Community

• Understand and carry out the mission and vision of The Montessori School of San Antonio
• Serve as staff liaison for parent volunteers
• Organize, expand, and refine opportunities for family involvement
• Lead planning of community events including back to school playdates, Hyatt overnight weekend, Montessori Mornings, Grandpersons Day, alumni event, fall family festival, fun run, and spring gala fundraiser
• Lead efforts welcoming new families to school
• Build positive relationships with the parent body
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for the school’s mission and programs in the community

Alumni

• Manage database of school alumni
• Engage alumni and parents of alumni to share updates, accomplishments, and testimonials
• With Communications, manage alumni section of MSSA website
• With Communications, develop and implement social media strategy for alumni
• Lead planning of annual alumni event

Fundraising

• Understand fundraising philosophy at MSSA and best practices
• Provide management and coordination of, and leadership for, all MSSA fundraising efforts
• Plan, administer, and implement annual and long-range fundraising endeavors
• Work with the Head of School and key volunteers to cultivate and directly solicit donors
• Prepare and/or oversee grant applications and reporting to corporations and foundations
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the philanthropic community, individual and corporate donors, sponsors, board members, and volunteers
• Serve on the Institutional Advancement Committee (IAC) of the Board of Trustees
• Provide detailed reports about fundraising progress to the head of school and the IAC on a regular basis
• Lead planning and execution of the annual fundraising gala (responsibilities include but are not limited to: logistical planning, vendor coordination, volunteer engagement, staff/faculty engagement, sponsorships and ticket sales, auction, marketing, sponsor deliverables, and post-event follow through)
• Work with IAC to develop strategy and content for the annual fall MSSA Fund campaign
• Coordinate MSSA Fund materials creation, promote the campaign, track donations, and coordinate thank you letters throughout fall semester
• Build positive philanthropically-driven relationships with current and prospective donors
• Manage the Development Office in a fiscally sound manner ensuring that necessary resources and appropriate procedures are in place to support fundraising goals
• Manage donor database
• Work closely with the Business Office to ensure accurate record-keeping of donations
• Expand the school’s relationships with the broader philanthropic community in San Antonio
• Ensure success in the overall philanthropic goals of the school

Other

• Reflect the school’s values by modeling grace and courtesy at all times
• Build positive relationships with staff, faculty, and students
• Partner with the Head of School to set goals and measure progress
• Partner with Communications and Admissions to align efforts for Institutional Advancement
• Assist Program Director and faculty as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications of Position:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, public relations, or a related field and a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a professional office setting

2. Ability to communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, alumni, donors, and representatives from the community

3. Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively

4. Aptitude for planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing, and follow-through

5. Computer literacy with solid knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and donor management software (desktop publishing and PowerPoint competency preferred)

6. Ability to gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board and staff members, donors, foundations, and community leaders

7. Ability to respond with sensitivity and awareness to those with diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values, attitudes, and languages

8. Effective oral and written communication skills

9. Self-directed and motivated with strong problem-solving skills

10. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

1. Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds

2. Generally works in standard office conditions and climate

3. May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during special functions and fundraising events

4. Work in a stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and varied and diverse array of contacts

5. May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time