Director of Development

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is a pluralistic Jewish independent school for children kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a fully integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum that stimulates young minds, inspiring students to become independent thinkers creative learners, as well as proud, knowledgeable, and compassionate Jewish leaders.

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is seeking a Director of Development who will lead their fundraising efforts during an exciting period of growth and change. Key focus areas include cultivating individual and institutional donors, major gift solicitations, developing fundraising communications and events, and integrating the Board of Trustees into the schools development efforts.

Reporting to the Head of the School, the Director of Development will work collaboratively to strengthen donor relationships through personalized engagement and stewardship that inspires philanthropic support. Successful candidates will demonstrate achievement in nonprofit development, and have demonstrated ability to maintain strong relationships in a warm, nurturing, and tight-knit community. Ideally, candidates will be familiar with the independent school environment and passionate about fundraising and Mirowitz’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Head of School to develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy
• Drive priority setting, time management, and orchestration of all development activities
• Serve as the main point of contact for existing foundation and corporate relationships; proactively research and pursue new grant opportunities
• Facilitate and oversee the Annual Giving Campaign and associated events
• Create and implement alumni engagement, donor recognition, and community cultivation events in collaboration with administrative team members
• Develop annual fundraising budget; monitor and track progress
• Oversee the Development Coordinators fundraising operations, including reconciliations, reporting, gift processing, and acknowledgment letters
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing to write compelling messages; execute direct mail and email solicitation
• Partner with Board and lay leaders on fundraising planning and solicitationActively participate in Board and Committee meetings and prepare materials as needed
• Build ongoing relationships with key stakeholders in the community, including the Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Qualifications Skills:

• 3 years’ experience in fundraising
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with Jewish day school and/or Jewish communal fundraising is highly preferred
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent donor relations and customer service skills
• Skilled in creating powerful compelling written and oral communications
• Committed to the mission of Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Bloomerang (or similar donor databases)
• Flexibility in working occasional nights and weekend hours