Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund – Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School
Job Summary: The Director of Development fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by planning, guiding, and evaluating all the development efforts of the school in fundraising, marketing, event planning and grant writing. The Development Director has decision making responsibilities within essential job functions and in keeping with school and diocesan policies. The position is hired and evaluated by the Canonical Pastor of Our Lady of the Lake School and in consultation with the Trustees of the Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund. This position is full-time.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three to five references to:
Fr. John D. Fleckenstein
Canonical Pastor
Our Lady of the Lake School
220 Church St.
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
frjohnstj@gmail.com
Job Functions
Supports and upholds the vision and mission of Catholic School education
Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct established by the school and the diocese
Respects confidential information as it pertains to donors
Plans the overall development program in keeping with school needs, the “strategic plan” (Seven Pillars) and budget objectives
Collaborates effectively with the Canonical Pastor, the President of the Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund, the principals, the Director of Enrollment Management and school committee chairs and volunteers
Ensures effective work practices in financial accounting and reconciliation (working collaboratively with the School Business Manager), database management, gift recording, donor acknowledgement and stewardship
Designs and implements comprehensive fundraising campaigns and planned giving programs
Develops programs to solicit major benefactors, foster increased support from existing donors and maintain key relationships in the community
Identify, cultivate and secure legacy giving donors through wills, life insurance, trusts and retirement plan designations
Prepare individual communication, cultivation and solicitation plans for each major gift donor/prospect to include gratitude phone calls, personal notes, invitations to special events, timing and approach of next ask
Research foundations and write grant proposals
Maintain records on current and prospective donors
Ensures that practices follow school, diocesan, city, county and state regulations
Communicates effectively
Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
Responds to messages in an efficient and timely manner
Serves as a member of the Finance Committee of the Local Consultative Advisory Board (the School Board)
Serves as a member of the Enrollment Management Committee.
Minimal Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Experience in development or related field
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
Knowledge of a broad range of development activities
Knowledge of software appropriate to the position and technology
Able to communicate effectively both in written and verbal form
Able to work well with others in the school community
Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
Skill in critical thinking and planning
Working Conditions
Required to work some evenings and weekends
Required to be able to manage moderate to high levels of stress
Required to work a full school day
Required to work in standard office conditions
Mental/Physical
Required to lift or carry moderately heavy items to a minimum of 35 pounds
Required to maintain composure and avoid inappropriate displays of emotion
Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull and speak on a daily basis
Required to perform repetitive physical tasks such as computer keyboarding, writing and reading
Required to work in a variety of locations including those with noise, activity and inclement weather