Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Reports to: President

About: Cristo Rey Miami launched in July 2022 in North Miami and is the 39th member of a nationwide network of schools that integrate rigorous academics with professional work experience. CRM is the only college-and-career preparatory high school in Miami that provides hard-working students from low-income families with a clear pathway to economic success.

Description: The Director of Development fosters a culture of philanthropy within the organization, ensuring that its systems, culture, and procedures support a robust fundraising strategy. This role is responsible for designing and implementing the school’s fundraising plan, including capital campaigns, annual giving, major gifts, grants, and special events. The Director is also responsible for community engagement efforts, including communications, event management, public relations, and volunteer engagement, all aimed at increasing awareness and strengthening the school’s brand.

The Director of Development reports to the President and works closely with campaign volunteers, the board of directors, consultants, and donors, providing regular reports to all stakeholders. Additionally, the Director will maintain a portfolio of major donors and oversee their cultivation and stewardship. A strong entrepreneurial spirit, excellent relationship-building skills, and the ability to work toward the big picture while managing multiple moving pieces are essential.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the school’s comprehensive development plan, including capital campaigns, major gifts, and annual giving initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors to support capital campaign and general fundraising efforts.
• Oversee the annual fund program, including mailings, fundraising drives, and board/employee giving.
• Implement stewardship and cultivation programs to build strong donor relationships.
• Engage board members and volunteers to actively participate in fundraising efforts.
• Oversee grant-seeking efforts, including research, proposal writing, and reporting.
• Expand in-kind revenue opportunities.
• Lead and coordinate special fundraising events.
• Represent Cristo Rey Miami at community fundraising events, speaking engagements, and other public opportunities.
• Integrate donors and prospects into school programs and activities to strengthen engagement.
• Oversee fundraising databases and tracking systems to ensure accurate records and reporting.
• Supervise and collaborate with other fundraising staff.
• Develop and oversee the creation of publications, including annual reports and newsletters.

Leadership & Management:

• Lead and supervise the Development Coordinator.
• Maintain and optimize donor, prospect, and gift management systems.
• Ensure accurate and timely tracking of charitable contributions, budgets, and financial reports.
• Participate in board and development committee meetings.
• Work closely with school leadership to align fundraising efforts with the school’s mission and goals.

Marketing & Communications:

• Strengthen Cristo Rey Miami’s brand awareness in South Florida.
• Identify and cultivate new mission-aligned audiences.
• Oversee website, social media, and marketing strategies.
• Develop and implement donor communication and recognition materials, including appeals, reports, and acknowledgments.

School Culture & Qualifications:

• Passion for the mission and values of Cristo Rey Miami.
• Sensitivity to students’ diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds.
• Commitment to Catholic, urban education.
• Strong ability to connect with low-income, urban students and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding donor and school information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Availability for occasional travel, evening, and weekend work as needed.

Experience & Compensation

• 5-7 years of successful fundraising experience, including major gifts, campaigns, donor stewardship, and prospect research.
• Salary range: $90,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include medical, dental, retirement, and supplementary insurance.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Cristo Rey Miami does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.