What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Development position at LifeWise Academy Support Center?
About Us
LifeWise Academy is a released time religious instruction program that exists to reach public school students with the gospel DURING SCHOOL HOURS. Under released time law, students may be released from public school during the day to receive religious instruction, provided the program is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted. We believe released time is the greatest missed opportunity of the American church to reach the next generation with the gospel.
About You
You love Jesus. You love kids. You have the ability to take advantage of each interaction and turn it into an opportunity for Kingdom advancement. You recognize that your sphere of influence is a mission field and are able to articulate how God is moving through and around you. You can connect people with ideas through conversation and influence them toward action. You can create excitement in people and then help them find ways to get involved in making a difference.
Most importantly, you know this isn't just a job. It's a chance to do something meaningful, a chance to serve others and a chance to make a life-changing impact on students with the gospel.
About the Job
The Vice President of Development is a strategic and dynamic leader on the Advancement team that is responsible for driving the organization's philanthropic efforts through effective major gift fundraising. This role oversees and empowers a team of 12 Major Gift Officers (MGOs), ensuring a high-impact approach to donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Vice President of Development will develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies that maximize philanthropic support, strengthen donor relationships, and significantly grow revenue to advance the organization's mission. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Advancement, this remote position plays a key role in aligning fundraising initiatives with the organization's broader strategic goals.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the major gifts program, ensuring a donor-centric and data-driven approach to fundraising
- Manage, mentor, and support a team of 12 Major Gift Officers, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture
- Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors to achieve annual and multi-year fundraising goals
- Partner with institutional leadership, board members, and key stakeholders to engage high-net-worth individuals and secure transformative gifts
- Oversee donor prospecting and pipeline development, ensuring a strong portfolio of potential supporters
- Represent the organization at donor events, networking functions, and community engagements to strengthen relationships and visibility
- Stay informed on philanthropic trends, best practices, and innovative fundraising techniques to enhance the major gifts strategy
Qualifications
- A mature personal Christian faith consistent with the LifeWise, Inc. Statement of Faith
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field preferred
- Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong track record in major gift solicitation and team leadership
- Demonstrated success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and other sources
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing team of fundraisers
- Excellent relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills
- Experience working with high-level volunteers, board members, and executive leadership
- Knowledge of donor management systems and CRM software, with proficiency in data analysis and reporting
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and
- commitment to the organization's mission
- Willingness to travel as needed and attend evening or weekend events as required
Salary and Benefits
- From $100,000 per year, with consideration for experience and expertise
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for qualified employees
- Retirement plan, including employer match
- Unlimited PTO for qualified employees
- Fully remote, with travel as needed
Salary : $100,000
