Job Description

Overview

This progressive school brings deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing children together in an inclusive, language-rich environment where everyone learns to listen, speak, and thrive. With small class sizes and a focus on individualized instruction, students build confidence, creativity, and strong communication skills—laying the foundation for lifelong success. The school’s model fosters empathy, understanding, and excellence, helping every child reach their full potential. If you're passionate about inclusive education and empowering children through language, this is a place where your work truly matters.

As the Director of Development & Communications, you will lead fundraising efforts, donor relations, and strategic communications to support the school's mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual development and communications strategies
• Plan and coordinate annual fundraising initiatives and events in partnership with the Executive Director
• Prioritize major donors as the primary focus for fundraising efforts
• Oversee the annual raffle (September/October) and year-end appeal campaign (December)
• Organize and execute a Gala event
• Research, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and strategic partners
• Build relationships with local media and the community to strengthen the school's reputation and brand
• Manage the school’s advertising strategy, ensuring deadlines are met and overseeing ad creation for print and digital platforms with support from the Development Assistant
• Supervise the content of the weekly school e-newsletter
• Maintain and oversee the donor and sponsor contact database for ongoing communication
• Lead the development of fundraising materials, including website content, social media, newsletters, and the annual report
• Engage with local service organizations to foster partnerships
• Prepare monthly development updates for the Executive Director’s board report
• Recruit, manage, and engage volunteers for development events, with a focus on building a strong parent volunteer base
• Support efforts to rebuild school community engagement post-pandemic
• Supervise 1-2 development staff, including the Development Assistant and Grant Writer
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the school's mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 4+ years of experience in fundraising or a related role
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, particularly with major donors ($1K+)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Docs
• Extensive experience in planning and managing fundraising events
• Familiarity with donor databases, preferably Donor Perfect
• Experience with desktop publishing tools such as Adobe Acrobat, Canva, or Publisher is a plus
• Proficiency in email marketing platforms like Constant Contact
• Knowledge of social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram
• Experience with auction/event software, preferably School Auctions
• Ability to develop and expand a planned giving program and OCF Endowment Partners Fund
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster professional, collaborative, and respectful relationships with staff, the Board, families, and the public
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality regarding donor, family, staff, and school information
• Willingness to travel for donor meetings, foundation visits, corporate engagements, and occasional after-hours events

Compensation

• Salary: $85,000
• 3.5 weeks paid vacation
• Health and Dental insurance
• Short- and long-term disability and Life insurance
• 4% employer contributions to a TIAA CREF retirement fund

Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval.

Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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