RCS Employment Opportunties
Director of Development
Description
Organization Overview
Richmond Christian School (RCS) is dedicated to "equipping all students to joyfully serve Christ in all aspects of life." RCS is the educational home for more than 1100 students from Early Learning through Grade 12. The success of RCS is dependent upon a humble reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ and the teamwork of a variety of people who work in harmony to provide the necessary structure and support for a thriving school.
Position Summary
The RCS Development Director serves as the strategic leader of all fundraising and donor development in support of the mission and vision of Richmond Christian School. This position is responsible for building a comprehensive development program that secures sustainable financial support through gifts, donor stewardship, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. The Development Director leads and coordinates a committed team while working in partnership with the Superintendent.
This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on Christian education while creating a culture of giving and building meaningful relationships with donors who share a passion for advancing God's kingdom through quality Christ-centered education.
Reports To: Superintendent
Direct Reports: Development Assistant, Communications Coordinator, Community and Alumni Coordinator
Collaborative Reporting: Admissions Coordinator
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Major Donor Development and Stewardship
- Identify, cultivate, and secure major gift prospects through intentional relationship building and strategic donor engagement
- Ensuremeaningful recognition of communication with and thanking of all donors
- Increase the number of donors through retention and recruitment strategies
- Create and implement individualized strategies for high-capacity donors, including personal visits, special events, and customized communication
- Oversee the creation of the development message and ensure that it remains current and aligned with the schools' strategic priorities
- Establish and manage planned giving programs to secure long-term financial sustainability
- Participate as a key leader in multi-year giving campaigns
Annual Fundraising Programs
- Design and execute comprehensive Annual Giving campaign
- Set giving goals and milestones in collaboration with the Superintendent that align with current giving strategies and the development message.
- Analyze fundraising performance metrics and adjust strategies to optimize results and donor engagement
Team Leadership and Management
Development Team Supervision
- Provide strategic direction and performance management for the Development Assistant
- Coordinate closely with the Communications Coordinator to ensure consistent messaging and effective donor communications across all channels
- Collaborate with the Community and Alumni Coordinator to build alumni (student and parent) relations and strengthen community
- Work strategically with the Admissions Coordinator on the consistent application of admission procedures and to develop strategies for enrollment growth and retention
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Lead weekly development team meetings to ensure coordinated execution of all activities
- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols among team members
- Ensure opportunities for training and growth to enhance team effectiveness in donor relations and fundraising best practices
External Relations and Community Engagement
Strategic Partnership Development
- Cultivate relationships with key community leaders, business owners, church leaders, and philanthropic organizations to expand the school's network of support
- Represent RCS at external events, conferences, and community gatherings to build awareness and support for Christian education
Event Strategy and Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight and coordination for major community events, ensuring they align with overall development goals and donor engagement strategies, open houses, gala events, vision meetings, etc.
- Work with the Development Assistant to execute signature events including Back to School BBQ, Grandparents Day, Pastor's Luncheon, Volunteer Appreciation and Alumni events
- Collaborate with Communications Coordinator for event promotion and marketing across all platforms
- Evaluate event effectiveness and return on investment (achievement of purpose) to optimize future planning and resource allocation
Organizational Development
Professional Development
- Maintain active participation in the Society of Christian Schools in BC (SCSBC) Navigate Conference and other professional development opportunities
- Actively participate in Development and Leadership Coaching
Strategic Planning and Board Relations
- Participate actively in organizational strategic planning processes ensuring development activities align with long-term institutional goals
- Collaborate with the Superintendent on fundraising policies, donor recognition programs, and development best practices
- Present regular reports to the Board on development progress, donor trends, and fundraising performance
Donor Database and Systems Management
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of Keela donor management system and database
- Ensure accurate tracking of all donor interactions, gifts, and engagement activities across the development team
- Analyze donor data to identify donors to retain, regain and recruit
- Maintain confidentiality and security of all donor information in accordance with privacy regulations and ethical standards
Qualifications, Requirements, Skills, and Abilities
Essential Qualifications
Faith and Alignment
- Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ
- Alignment with RCS Statement of Faith and commitment to Christian education philosophy
- Demonstrated ability to articulate the mission and vision of Christian education compellingly to diverse audiences
Professional Experience
- Post-secondary education in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or related field
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship principles, and ethical fundraising standards
Core Competencies
Leadership and Management
- Strong leadership abilities with experience supervising and developing professional staff
- Excellent project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously
- Strategic thinking capabilities with skill in developing long-term plans and measurable outcomes
- Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups
Communication and Relationship Building
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities
- Proven ability to build authentic, long-term relationships with donors, community leaders, and volunteers
- Experience with donor cultivation techniques and stewardship best practices
- Cultural competency and sensitivity in working with diverse community members and stakeholders
Technical Proficiency
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience with donor management software, Keela
- Familiarity with digital fundraising platforms and social media marketing strategies
- Understanding of financial reporting and budget management principles
Additional Requirements
Practical Considerations
- Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for community meetings and donor visits
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor meetings
- Professional demeanor and appearance appropriate for representing RCS in community and donor settings
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of sensitive donor and organizational information
- This role involves light physical activity, including lifting and moving materials.
- Ability to speak and write in Mandorin and/or Cantonese
Compensation
$87,500.00 - $107,000.00 per year