Director of Development

Notre Dame is looking for a fundraiser who would rather sit across the table from a donor than plan a gala. You will lead a program that raises about $800,000 a year, with the backing of a Board that has committed to a new three-year development plan built around personal relationships and leadership gifts. This is a role for someone who has personally secured five- and six-figure gifts and wants to build something durable at a school with deep community roots and untapped potential. ABOUT NOTRE DAME Notre Dame Catholic Schools is a Catholic, coeducational, PreK through Grade 12 school system in Utica, New York, in the Diocese of Syracuse. About 600 students learn on two campuses, Notre Dame Elementary School and Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School, and the school's roots in the greater Utica community go back more than six decades. Generations of local families, and alumni now living across the country, count Notre Dame as part of who they are. WHY THIS ROLE, AND WHY NOW A program to build on. Notre Dame raises about $800,000 a year, much of it from a loyal group of leadership donors. The groundwork is done. A full analysis of the school's giving history, a wealth screening of its donors, and a three-year development plan were completed in fall 2026. You will start with a prioritized prospect list, not a blank page. You will not be asked to run events. There are no galas, auctions, or raffles in this job, and you will not be responsible for admissions. Your time goes to donors. You will not do it alone. The Board Chair, trustees, and both principals meet with donors and engage donors alongside you. A Development Associate handles gift processing, acknowledgments, and data, and experienced fundraising counsel will support your first months. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead major and leadership gifts (about half your time). Manage a portfolio of about 75 prospects in your first year, growing to 125, and complete 12 or more substantive donor visits a month once established. Plan and join asks for five- and six-figure gifts and multi-year pledges. Build annual giving. Shape the appeals calendar, launch a $1,000+ leadership giving society, and grow participation among alumni, current families, faculty, and staff. Partner with the Board. Staff the Board's development committee and prepare trustees to thank, introduce, and ask. Partner with these ambassadors and the two principals on building and sustaining donor relationships. Set the standard for stewardship. Make sure every donor is thanked, recognized well, and told what their gift made possible. Grow planned and institutional giving. Build a legacy giving program through sustained personal engagement and a calendar of foundation and grant opportunities. Run a disciplined office. Oversee data integrity in Raiser's Edge NXT, report results monthly to the Board Chair, supervise the Development Associate, and manage the development budget. WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR FIRST YEAR You have met personally with the school's leading donors, with a principal or trustee at your side, within your first 90 days. You are managing a portfolio of about 75 prospects and have completed at least 40 discovery visits by June 2027. The school reaches its annual fundraising goal, with strong renewal of its $5,000+ donors. Every trustee gives, and every gift is acknowledged within 48 hours. WHAT YOU BRING Five or more years of frontline fundraising experience A track record of personally securing gifts of $25,000 or more Experience working with boards and volunteers, and the confidence to coach them Strong writing and listening skills Understanding of and support for Notre Dame's Catholic mission You do not need a graduate degree, experience with a particular database, or a background in schools. If you have the fundraising experience above and are energized by this work, we encourage you to apply. HELPFUL, BUT NOT REQUIRED Experience in a Catholic, independent, or other school setting Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT Connections to Central New York WHAT WE OFFER Salary of $85,000 - $95,000 a year, depending on experience, plus: Health insurance Retirement plan Paid time off, paid holidays, and the rhythm of the school year HOW TO APPLY Email a cover letter and résumé, as a single PDF, to NDUticaBoard@gmail.com with "Director of Development" in the subject line. In your cover letter, tell us about one gift or donor relationship you are proud of and what you did to make it happen. Review of applications begins November 10 and continues until the position is filled. Finalists will be asked for references and, for this role, a short work sample. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Notre Dame Catholic Schools welcomes applicants of every background who support its Catholic mission. Employment is contingent on a background check and completion of the Diocese of Syracuse's safe environment requirements.