Development Director

Development Director Fortune Academy Indianapolis, IN Job Details Full-time $56,000 - $66,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health savings account Employee assistance program Employee discount Professional development assistance Qualifications Interpersonal skills Volunteer management Special education Attention to detail Data collection Full Job Description Director of Development Fortune Academy | Indianapolis, Indiana Full-Time/Exempt Primarily Monday-Friday with required evening and weekend availability for events and school functions. Join the Mission at Fortune Academy Fortune Academy seeks a passionate, organized, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, sponsorships, events, grants, and community engagement initiatives that directly support students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. The ideal candidate is a confident communicator and proactive fundraiser who can build authentic relationships, expand community partnerships, and successfully secure financial support for the school's mission. Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Donor Relations Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, families, alumni, and community partners Lead fundraising campaigns, donor communication, and stewardship efforts Confidently solicit donations, sponsorships, and partnerships Identify and cultivate new donor and sponsorship opportunities Maintain donor records and track gifts through Bloomerang Coordinate donor acknowledgments, tax letters, and recognition efforts Events & Community Engagement Lead planning and execution for major school events and initiatives, including: Iconic Gala Through Our Eyes Dyslexia Simulation Going Red for Dyslexia Bingo and Fall Festival Back-to-School, family, staff, and appreciation events Graduation support and community engagement events Responsibilities include: Vendor and speaker coordination Event logistics and promotion Volunteer management Sponsorship integration Registration, hospitality, setup, and hosting Grants & Strategic Development Identify grant opportunities with school leadership Manage grant applications, reporting, and compliance Support program outcome tracking and data collection Oversee grants such as Executive Functioning initiatives and SSSG Homeland Security Grant Sponsorships & Community Partnerships Secure and steward year-round sponsorships Develop relationships with businesses and community organizations Coordinate Dine/Shop to Donate partnerships Represent Fortune Academy at networking and community events School & Department Support Collaborate across departments on: Athletics and Performing Arts Parent education and alumni events Volunteer coordination Social media, newsletters, printing, and marketing support Guest speaker coordination and board updates Core Focus of the Role This is an active fundraising and relationship-building position. The Director of Development is expected to confidently pursue new funding opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, expand sponsorships, and serve as a visible ambassador for Fortune Academy.

Successful candidates will:

Be confident making direct fundraising asks Thrive in networking and community engagement Build long-term donor and sponsor relationships Connect people meaningfully to Fortune Academy's mission What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is: Organized and detail-oriented Relationship-focused and personable Confident in networking and fundraising Skilled at managing multiple projects and events A strong written and verbal communicator Professional, adaptable, and mission-driven Passionate about supporting students and families Preferred Qualifications Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, event planning, marketing, or community engagement Education or nonprofit experience preferred Familiarity with donor management systems such as Bloomerang Experience coordinating events, volunteers, and sponsorships Ability to work flexible evening and weekend hours Why Fortune Academy? Fortune Academy is a mission-driven community dedicated to empowering students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences through individualized instruction and meaningful support. This role offers the opportunity to: Make a lasting impact on students and families Lead high-impact fundraising and community initiatives Collaborate with passionate educators and supporters Help shape the future growth of

Fortune Academy Pay:

$56,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Employee discount Health savings account Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person