Director of Advancement

The Director of Advancement will work as a leader within the Senior Leadership Team. The Director of Advancement (DOA) will be responsible for directing all financial development activities of Unity Christian School (Unity); including marketing and promotion, admissions and recruitment,  development and generation of additional revenue streams, donor relations/development, foundation development, fundraising, strategic partnerships, advertising, promotion, and internet and social media strategy for Unity. 

Specific Responsibilities

Optimizing and maximizing development funding and donations from efforts including but not limited to:

• Annual giving program/Annual plan
• Campaigns
• Fundraising events
• Foundations
• Planned giving program
• Corporate strategy
• External donor strategy
• Government grant programs (as applicable)

Optimizing and maximizing non-education revenue from sources including but not limited to:

• Rental of Unity’s facilities and equipment
• Sponsorship and advertising within and around the school’s facilities
• Logical business and service extensions

Leading and developing a dynamic team of marketing, enrollment, admissions, business development, database management, and fundraising personnel who will drive revenue to fund the efforts necessary to realize the mission and purpose of Unity.

Developing and implementing a plan that will create a linkage of influence between the school and the following:

• Parents and families
• Churches
• Friends of current students
• Media and entertainment used by students and parents

The DOA is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the revenue generation, fundraising, and development efforts of Unity:

• Further developing, managing, and directing the enrollment effort of the school
• Further developing, managing, and directing the business development efforts of the school
• Further developing, managing, and directing the fundraising and development efforts of the school
• Further developing, managing, and directing the strategic initiatives effort of the school

Engage the marketing, enrollment, revenue generation, and development staff in innovative approaches to foster excellence within their functional areas.

Development of plans, budgets, and reporting for all functional areas within the DOA’s span of control.

Facilitate high-quality professional development of personnel:

• Accurately identify and prioritize professional development needs
• Provide resources and time for personnel to advance professional development

With the Head of School:

• Develop strategies and long-range planning
• Develop mission-aligned Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure feedback and performance
• Preparation of strategic and operational plans

Serve as an active member of the school’s senior leadership team.

Convey energy, enthusiasm, and optimism in all interactions with the other departments, helping them to see that they are an important part of something greater than themselves. 

Position Profile

To successfully respond to the challenges of the role, the Director of Advancement will be a highly motivated individual with superior management and interpersonal skills and should represent as many as possible of the below-mentioned characteristics (both personal and professional experience):

• Be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, demonstrating Christ-like character and the Fruits of the Spirit
• Strong understanding of the organization of Unity and a belief and passion for its mission and vision
• An inspirational leader able to motivate others to achieve objectives, operate with integrity, and aspire to develop an authentic Christ-like environment
• Proven ability to develop and manage a senior development and marketing team
• Proven ability to plan, initiate and complete projects on a timely basis, multitasking and prioritizing work, goal-oriented
• A team player
• A strong understanding of business requirement gathering and delivery of solutions that meet the defined needs of internal and external customers
• Ability to prepare and manage departmental budgets
• Strong relationship-building skills and experience in development or high-level sales is considered an asset;
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Engaging, friendly personality with a confident, outgoing, and positive attitude 
• Innovative and creative thinker, able to inspire others and encourage them in new pursuits

Professional Qualifications

• University degree in Development, Marketing, Business, Funds Development, or similar field 
• Strong leadership ability
• Experience in fundraising, capital campaigns, and donor relations
• Experience in management, development, marketing, and/or sales management
• Proven track record of success in senior development or marketing roles
• Confident, driven, and dynamic leader
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and seize opportunities
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills
• Evidence of the practice of a high level of innovation and creativity

Unity Christian Schools