Director of Development

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy (NFA) is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and ambitious Director of Development to serve as an integral member of its dedicated leadership team. NFA is a pre-k through grade 8, Catholic, independent, co-ed school sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and located in the beautiful garden district of Chestnut Hill, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive, high-touch development program for NFA, as well as managing our passionate and talented Mission Advancement team.

NFA is a vibrant community that strives to live out the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, which challenges us to help each other grow as “one who enjoys learning, treasures self, others, and the earth, lives Gospel values, and makes reflective choices as a self-directed person.” This position allows for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact directly with the students, families, staff, alumni, and Advisory Board that make NFA the welcoming community that it is.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to advance the mission of NFA from within all its constituencies, including the Advisory Board, Development Committee members, faculty and staff, alumni, current and past parents, grandparents, foundations, corporations, and other members of the community at large. The successful candidate’s focus is on building a culture of philanthropy and engagement among all constituencies.

The Director oversees the Office of Mission Advancement and related personnel. The Director serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and works closely with its members, as well as with all school constituencies.

Although in the beginning stages, the Director would support the strategy and execution of a capital campaign focused on improvements to our Fontbonne campus, alongside of our President, Advisory Board, a capital campaign committee, and a fundraising consulting firm.

This position is an on-site, full-time, 12-month position, but does allow for occasional remote work. The position also offers exceptional benefits, including paid time off over all school-related breaks and holidays.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads and manages all aspects of a comprehensive development program, including fundraising, donor data management, development communications, and alumni and constituent relations.

1. With the support of the President, maintain a portfolio of major and planned giving donors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward through the major gift process.
2. Effectively manage, mentor, and support the Mission Advancement team.
3. Interact with school leadership, administrators, faculty, and Advancement staff to consult on school needs; formulate proposal strategies and identify high-level donors.
4. Serve as a direct contact for the NFA Parents’ Association, and cultivate relationships across different parent committees to assure they feel connected to the MAO (Mission Advancement Office) and our mission.
5. Maintain a proactive, creative leadership role in cultivating and stewarding top donors.
6. With the support of the President, maintain a portfolio of businesses to discover, cultivate, solicit, and steward through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (OSTC).
7. Support and collaborate with Advisory Board members and the Development Committee of the Board; assist in development and implementation of strategic plans.
8. Implement a plan for communication with all constituencies. Work with the Director of Marketing and Communications to coordinate all constituent communications, including but not limited to the Annual Report, NFA’s “Good News” magazine, and all community-wide communications re: giving opportunities.
9. Oversee the process of sending out mailed appeals two times per year, generally in the fall and spring.
10. Develop, design, and execute a portfolio of annual events that effectively serve to steward and cultivate relationships and raise funds in support of NFA’s mission.
11. Manage the departmental budget, ensuring appropriate allocation and usage of resources.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

1. Demonstrates a commitment to embracing Catholic education, specifically the mission of NFA and the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
2. A minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership role in development/advancement with primary experience in major gifts, annual fund, and alumni relations in an educational setting or other relevant organization. Preference for independent school experience.
3. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
4. Proven experience with cultivating and closing major gifts and planned gifts.
5. Strong knowledge of development databases, systems, and reporting.
6. Exceptional personal integrity, accountability, and commitment to results.
7. A team player and team builder that has a passion for and commitment to achieving excellence in all aspects of the school’s mission.
8. Proven success in developing, managing, and building relationships with a focus on alumni, current parents, alumni parents, any major donors, faculty and staff, foundations, and corporations. Experience with boards and development committees is valued.
9. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and editing experience.
10. Strong ability to identify and resolve issues. Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in developing a long-term strategic vision and accomplishing organizational and financial goals.
11. Results-oriented, able to see concepts and ideas through to implementation with the assistance of key constituencies; demonstrates a strong ability to set and meet deadlines.
12. Preference given to candidates with grant writing and scholarship endowment experience.
13. Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, requiring minimal direction for completing assignments and projects.
14. Position requires evening and weekend hours on occasion.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a letter of introduction and resume to NFA’s President, Bridget Bonner, c/o bbonner@norfon.org. No phone inquiries, please.

ABOUT NORWOOD-FONTBONNE ACADEMY

Norwood‑Fontbonne Academy is an independent Catholic school in nearby Chestnut Hill, where 14 beautiful acres set the stage for joyful, hands‑on learning. Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, NFA offers families a truly unique choice, our renowned Montessori pathway or our dynamic Primary program for ages 3 through Grade 3, followed by innovative, engaging, and challenging learning experiences in Grades 4–8. At NFA, every child is known, inspired, and encouraged to grow with confidence and purpose.

The Norwood-Fontbonne Student is one who…

1. Enjoys Learning
2. Treasures Self, Others, and the Earth
3. Lives Gospel Values, and
4. Makes Reflective Choices as a Self-Directed Person