Director of Development

Village Christian School – Sun Valley, CA

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, 12-Month
Compensation: $70,000 – $80,000 annually (based on qualifications and experience; eligible for performance bonus)
Reports To: Vice President and Head of School

Position Summary

The Director of Development advances the mission and vision of Village Christian School by leading strategic fundraising initiatives, cultivating major donor relationships, and supporting capital campaigns and development events. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing significant philanthropic gifts while building long-term relationships with individuals, families, corporate partners, and donor groups.

The Director of Development works collaboratively with the Vice President and Head of School to strengthen financial sustainability and expand philanthropic support in alignment with the school’s Christ-centered mission.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising & Major Gifts

• Partner with the Vice President and Head of School to identify and develop a list of major donor prospects
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships resulting in approximately $250,000 in annual major gifts
• Develop and execute strategies to grow philanthropic support
• Coordinate and support capital campaigns and strategic fundraising initiatives
• Develop and implement a structured donor recognition program

Relationship Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, families, and community supporters
• Cultivate corporate sponsorship opportunities, particularly related to facilities and campus initiatives
• Serve as a visible and relational representative of Village Christian School within the community
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all stakeholders

Event & Campaign Support

• Support fundraising events and campaign-related initiatives
• Collaborate with the Development Team to execute donor engagement activities
• Assist with event planning, donor communications, and stewardship strategies

Administrative & Team Collaboration

• Maintain accurate donor records and documentation
• Work independently while exercising sound judgment and discretion
• Support other development-related projects as assigned
• Collaborate with school leadership to align fundraising priorities with institutional goals

Spiritual Commitment

• Demonstrates a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ
• Agrees with and supports the Village Christian School Statement of Faith and Mission
• Upholds the VCS Code of Conduct and standards for Christian leadership
• Models Christ-centered character in all professional interactions

Qualifications

Village Christian School seeks employees with a vibrant Christian faith. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum of five (5) years of fundraising experience preferred
• Proven success in relationship development and donor cultivation
• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, discretion, patience, and courtesy
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational strength and strategic thinking ability
• Commitment to advancing Christian education

Professional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all donor communications
• Exhibit strong leadership presence and relational intelligence
• Demonstrate initiative, integrity, and accountability
• Support and promote the mission and values of Village Christian School

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt, 12-month position and is eligible for performance-based bonus compensation.

Village Christian School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to any protected basis under applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws for Christian school employers. Applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Department.

To apply, please follow the link to our school website to access the official employment application. Applicants must submit the required documents listed in the posting as part of the application process.