Director of Development Position Available In Essex, Massachusetts

Director of Development
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston
Bellesini Academy – Lawrence, Massachusetts Job Details

Job ID:

5305132

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Jul 25, 2025

Starting Date:

Immediately
Job Description
Director of Development
Bellesini Academy
Founded in 2002 and inspired by the legacy of Blessed Stephen Bellesini, Bellesini Academy is an independent, Catholic, tuition-free middle school serving students from families with limited financial means in Lawrence, Massachusetts. With a co-institutional model and an emphasis on personalized learning, structure, and opportunity, Bellesini empowers students to excel academically, grow in faith, and gain acceptance into top college-preparatory high schools. Our students consistently achieve more than two years of academic growth per school year—and have earned more than $30 million in high school and college scholarships to date.
We serve 120 students in grades 5-8 and over 400 alumni throughout high school and college. Our dedicated team includes full-time faculty, administrators, alumni support, and part-time staff—all united in our belief that education is a vehicle for transformation and justice.
Position Overview
The Director of Development is responsible for designing, leading and executing all fundraising and advancement initiatives for Bellesini Academy. Our school relies entirely on foundation grants and individual donors to support our rigorous academic program. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a motivated, high energy individual who has self confidence, a passion to serve others and the business smarts to create a plan to fund our $2M+ annual budget.
One visit with a student at Bellesini will convince the right candidate that they have found their mission.
Fundraising and Advancement
Develop a fundraising strategy that includes pursuit of existing and new foundation grants, lead our annual individual giving initiative, and coordinate and plan the annual school Spring Gala.
Initiate a major gift campaign, targeting, engaging and stewarding large-scale donors.
Comfortable with grant writing, managing grant report process and tracking the use of supplied grants.
Build a relationship with every Trustee to gain their strongest possible engagement and enable and empower them to become fundraising ambassadors for the school.
Cultivate relationships with Foundation Boards and major donors. Create opportunities for prospective donors to visit the school and interact with students (i.e. Career Days, student tours, Science Fair judging, etc.).
Communications, Marketing & Promotion
Talent for crafting compelling narratives about the school’s impact. Confidence in representing the school at events and in the community.
Promote the school’s success in press and social media. Make Bellesini Academy a highly recognized, well regarded and admired educational institute in the Greater Lawrence community.
Strengthen Bellesini’s relationship with our partner church, St. Mary the Assumption.
Learn about and promote the successes of Bellesini alumni. Engage alumni in
the school community to inspire and motivate students and staff.
Data Analysis and Management
Manage donor database and evaluate donor giving trends to identify retention and growth opportunities.
Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations and financial controls.
Required Qualifications
Three or more years of experience in fundraising roles.
BA/BS required; Masters preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desired

Position Type:

Full-time

Salary:

$90,000 to $110,000 Per Year