A Director of Community Relations works for a business or organization to oversee the strategies and programs that represent the business. Ensures community relations programs are in alignment with business strategies. Acts as the business' community relations spokesperson, engaging with the community response to any specific issues.
Director of Programs, Director of Marketing (see details below) •
Note:
we can consider combining this position and Director of Marketing if a candidate is experienced in both•Director of Advancement Position Summary The Director of Advancement leads the school's fundraising, donor engagement, and community relations efforts in support of its Christ-centered mission and long-term sustainability. This role focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships, securing financial support, and advancing strategic priorities. The Director works in close partnership with the Director of Marketing, who oversees communications strategy and execution, to ensure advancement priorities are effectively communicated. The Director works in close partnership with the Director of Programs to ensure advancement initiatives at specific events are well-supported, aligned, and effective.
Primary Focus:
Who the school engages and funds the mission (Relationships, Fundraising, and Engagement)
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising & Development Develop and execute an annual advancement plan aligned with the school's strategic goals Lead Annual Fund, capital campaigns, and major donor cultivation efforts Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels Research, write, and manage grant applications in support of strategic initiatives Maintain accurate donor records, acknowledgments, and reporting in a donor management system Donor Relations & Stewardship Build and sustain strong relationships with current and prospective donors through ongoing communication, meetings, and engagement opportunities Implement consistent donor stewardship practices, including personal outreach, recognition, and impact reporting Partner with school leadership to identify funding priorities and align giving opportunities with institutional needs Advancement Communications (In Partnership with Marketing) Define messaging priorities, campaign goals, and content needs for donor engagement and fundraising initiatives Partner with the Director of Marketing, who leads execution, to ensure clear, consistent, and compelling communications Provide stories, data, and donor insights to support advancement-related content across newsletters, publications, social media, and the website Ensure all advancement messaging reflects the school's mission and classical Christian values Advancement Events (In Partnership with Programs) Collaborate with the Programs Department to provide input, ideas, and strategic direction for advancement-related events, including: Fundraising events and Giving Day campaigns Donor appreciation gatherings Grandparents' Day Fall Fest, Valentine's Sweet Shop Rise & Shine Strawberry Festival Ensure events support fundraising priorities and strengthen donor engagement Strategic Planning & Reporting Prepare regular reports for the Head of School and Board of Directors on fundraising progress and donor engagement Track and evaluate advancement performance to inform strategy and growth Contribute to long-term planning related to endowments, scholarships, campus expansion, and donor pipelines Collaboration Statement The Director of Advancement leads donor engagement and fundraising strategy, while partnering closely with the Director of Marketing, who oversees communications, branding, and content execution. Together, they ensure all advancement messaging is mission-aligned, strategic, and effective.
Shared / Collaborative
Responsibilities (input vs. execution)
Messaging:
Advancement defines what needs to be communicated to donors; Marketing defines how it is communicated
Content:
Advancement can and should supply stories, priorities, and donor insights; Marketing creates and distributes content
Campaigns:
Advancement owns goals and audience; Marketing executes promotion and communications strategy
Events:
Advancement leads strategy and relationships; Marketing supports promotion and materials; Programs leads planning and execution
Communications Alignment:
All Departments ensure messaging reflect the school's mission and classical Christian values
