Director of Development chez Immanuel Christian School

Description

Immanuel Christian School (ICS) is seeking a relational and mission-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising initiatives. This role is ideal for a strategic leader who thrives on building authentic relationships, inspiring generosity, and connecting families, alumni, and community partners to the transformative impact of Christ-centered education.

As a vital member of the school’s executive team, the Director of Development will foster a culture of joyful giving, steward meaningful donor relationships, and advance the mission of ICS: to partner with families to inspire students for purposeful lives of learning, godliness, and service.

Located in the shadow of Washington, D.C., Immanuel Christian School prepares students to serve Christ in this competitive, global world of the 21st century. Our academic program is comprehensive, college preparatory, and taught within a Christian framework. Our academic program is designed to lay a solid academic, intellectual, and spiritual foundation and challenge students to excel as they explore and prepare for God's calling on their lives. We are committed to inspiring students to live purposeful lives of learning, godliness, and service. This mission guides our curriculum as we seek to help students develop a biblical worldview and integrate their faith into the various disciplines of study.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Engagement & Relational Fundraising 

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors, including parents, grandparents, alumni, and community partners 
• Develop personalized engagement strategies that reflect donor values and deepen their connection to ICS’s mission 
• Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador of ICS, sharing compelling stories of impact 

Strategic Development Leadership 

• Design and execute a comprehensive development plan encompassing annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, grants, and planned giving 
• Collaborate with the Head of School and School Board to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities 
• Lead donor events, community gatherings, and campaigns that foster connection and generosity 

Collaboration & Culture Building 

• Partner with admissions, communications, and academic teams to ensure consistent and mission-aligned messaging 
• Promote a culture of gratitude, transparency, and shared purpose across the ICS community 
• Support and mentor development staff and volunteers, encouraging innovation and spiritual alignment 
• Engage actively in school life, building relationships with parents, students, and staff 

Data & Systems Management 

• Oversee donor database and CRM systems to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and stewardship 
• Leverage data to inform strategy, measure impact, and celebrate milestones 
• Monitor year-over-year performance using established KPIs 

Preferred Qualifications

• A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and alignment with ICS’s Statement of Faith 
• Is currently, or will become, a member of Immanuel Bible Church
• Proven success in major gift solicitation, donor relations, or nonprofit development leadership 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a gift for storytelling and relationship-building 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively 
• Demonstrated business and financial acumen 
• Experience with donor management systems 
• Passion for Christian education and the mission of Immanuel Christian School