Director of Development

Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management
Lacordaire Academy, Montclair, NJ
Start Date: July 1, 2026

About Lacordaire Academy

Lacordaire Academy is an independent Catholic school rooted in the Dominican tradition, serving 270 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 in Montclair, New Jersey.

As a small, mission-driven school community, Lacordaire offers a deeply personal educational experience grounded in faith, intellectual inquiry, and leadership development. Our size allows for meaningful relationships with students, families, alumnae, and donors, fostering a connected and engaged community.

As the Academy continues to strengthen its philanthropic culture and long-term sustainability, we seek a strategic and relationship-driven professional to lead and grow our development efforts.

Position Overview

The Director of Development serves as the senior leader of the Development Office and reports to the Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management.

This individual’s primary responsibility is to build and grow a major gifts program, while also overseeing annual giving, alumni engagement, and fundraising events in support of the Academy’s overall philanthropic goals.

The Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, supervise development staff, and ensure strong coordination, accountability, and forward momentum across all advancement initiatives.

This role is designed for a polished, highly organized advancement professional who is comfortable in donor-facing environments and confident in leading conversations around giving.

Primary Responsibilities

Major Gifts (Primary Focus)

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in partnership with senior leadership
• Develop and execute individualized strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation
• Identify and support major gift opportunities for senior leadership

Fundraising Strategy and Annual Giving

• Develop and implement an annual development plan aligned with institutional priorities
• Provide strategic direction for the annual fund, with execution supported by the Assistant Director of Development
• Oversee tracking and reporting of progress toward fundraising goals

Alumni Engagement

• Provide strategic direction for alumni engagement initiatives, in partnership with the Assistant Director of Development and the Development and Alumni Engagement Associate
• Support the development of alumni volunteer and ambassador programs
• Partner with Communications to elevate alumni visibility and storytelling

Events and Donor Experience

• Provide leadership and direction for all fundraising events, in partnership with the development team
• Ensure events are financially sound, mission-aligned, and relationship-driven
• Represent the Academy confidently and professionally in both formal and social settings
• Build strong relationships with parents, alumni, and community partners

Team Leadership

• Supervise the Assistant Director of Development and the Development and Alumni Engagement Associate
• Establish clear performance goals and accountability systems
• Ensure strong coordination and communication within the Development Office

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in development, fundraising, nonprofit advancement, or related field
• Experience participating in or leading major gift cultivation and solicitation
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Professional presence and confidence in donor-facing environments
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with effective execution
• Experience with Blackbaud and Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred, with the ability to effectively use and interpret data to support fundraising efforts
• Commitment to the mission of Catholic independent education

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $75,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Lacordaire Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package. In addition, the Academy values work-life balance and provides:

• Summer hours schedule
• Two-week summer campus closure (in addition to regular vacation time)
• School holidays, including Winter Break and Spring Break (in addition to regular vacation time)
• Flexibility for remote work when responsibilities allow
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment within a small, relationship-centered school community

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to:

scallahankeefe@lacordaire.net
Attn: Saydi Callahan Keefe
Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management