Employment

Position Summary

The Development Director is a full-time position and is responsible for supporting the school by providing development and related donor and alumni relations services at the direction of the President. The Development Director is responsible for implementing an annual development plan in coordination with the President and Business Manager. This person spends a majority of time soliciting major gift donors and prospects, managing the annual fund appeal, maintaining donor and prospect data bases, and coordinating the other fundraising and capital projects efforts for the school. Duties of the Development Director are organized into three areas: solicitation, program development and program management. 

Email peter.blume@aquinasacademy-pittsburgh.org with resume and cover letter.

Duties and Responsibilities:

(The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Solicitation

• Identify, cultivate and solicit current and potential donors, including alumni, for major gifts, capital projects, the annual fund and the other principal fundraising events. This includes initiating appointment requests through phone calls and contact letters, scheduling appointments and making solicitations.
• Identify, cultivate and secure legacy giving donors through wills, life insurance, trusts and retirement plan designations.
• Prepare individual communication, cultivation and solicitation plans for each major gift donor/prospect to include gratitude phone calls, personal notes, invitations to special events, timing and approach of next solicitation.
• Oversee the school’s development database maintenance and timely acknowledgement of gifts or donations.  Prepare contribution reports for the President and Board of Directors.
• Research and write grant proposals that support the provision of student services and the school’s strategic and capital improvement plans. Assist the President in cultivating relationships with relevant foundations.
• Build on existing relationships and improve donor retention through a meaningful stewardship strategy. Leverage President and board members in these efforts.

Program Development

• Direct the school’s Development Plan. Manages the school’s Development Plan by establishing short (annual) and long (3-5 year) range goals and objectives for the development office based on the school’s strategic plan. Manage the ongoing development and publication of a written case statement about the school which tells the story of the school’s history, philosophy, values, mission, and community contributions.
• Ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive public relations and communications plan for the school aimed at alumni, parents of current, former and future students, local civic and business leaders, and area residents.
• Establish development goals with collaboration of the President and Business Manager. Monitor progress meeting goals against periodic benchmarks.
• Develop budget, goals and benchmarks for Annual Fund and Capital Campaigns and Endowment.
• Plan fundraising events and work collaboratively with employees and volunteers to achieve benchmarks for annual fund, capital campaigns, walk-a-thons, and galas.
• Work with volunteers to organize committees to handle events as needed.
• Oversee the continuing development of board members and other volunteers to help solicit donations.
• Supervise the creation of marketing materials to keep donors informed of needs, development programs and activities, and opportunities to give. This will include the school’s annual report, email, website page, social media and family email inserts as well as all annual fund and capital project solicitations.
• Maintain a level of knowledge and skills required by professional development officers via reading, attendance at workshops or conventions, and participation in professional organizations.

Program Management

• Prepare the annual development income and expense budget in collaboration with the President and Business Manager.
• Manage the continuing updating of our Veracross Development Database.
• Prepare and present monthly reports for the President.
• Maintain a strict level of confidentiality on all matters relating to school business.
• Perform other work-related duties as reasonably requested by the President.

Qualifications

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of sound fund development (major/planned giving, etc.), with the ability to organize, create and implement development efforts through use of marketing techniques. Knowledge of school and church organizational operating procedures is required. Incumbent possesses ability to communicate effectively, both verbally (including oral presentations) and in writing.

Position requires creativity, decision-making, interpersonal skills, use of discretion, teamwork, negotiation, independent judgment/ action, problem analysis, service orientation, and public relations to foster the Church’s mission and Parish/ School relations. Must be able to handle multiple projects/priorities. Incumbent must also be competitive and resourceful in an organization that has an infinite amount of need and a finite amount of financial resources. Perform basic math and be proficient with gift planning software. Knowledge of calculator, basic computer software and all basic office equipment is required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

B.A. in communications, finance, public relations and/or marketing or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a comparable field with at least 3-5 years’ experience in a comparable position, preferably working with nonprofit or religious organizations. Experience in Development field preferred. Continuing education is required to maintain knowledge of tax codes affecting charitable giving. Experience running direct mail and advertising campaigns for planned giving preferred. Practicing Catholic with thorough knowledge and understanding of Catholic teachings, practices and organizational structure preferred.

Aquinas Academy is accepting applications for a full-time English Teacher. The ideal candidate will have a deep love of literature and a strong commitment to teaching students the writing process and providing meaningful, constructive feedback to help them grow as writers and thinkers.

The teaching assignment will likely include middle and high school English, Literature, and Writing courses with specific content area to be determined based on experience, interest, and school needs. We value flexibility and eagerness to contribute in multiple ways, such as teaching additional subject areas or supporting other aspects of school life. A teaching certificate and/or an advanced degree is preferred. A practicing Catholic is preferred. All required educational clearances must be obtained.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Tyler Deschamps, Head of School: deschamps@aquinasacademy-pittsburgh.org.

Aquinas Academy is accepting applications for full-time History Teachers. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about teaching history in a classical manner - engaging students with primary sources, historical analysis, and a thoughtful understanding of the past. A strong emphasis is placed on developing students’ writing skills, including historical argumentation and analytical essays.

The teaching assignment will be determined by the candidates’ expertise and the needs of the school but may include teaching at the middle and high school levels, including teaching A.P. courses, particularly AP US History and AP Government. We value flexibility and eagerness to contribute in multiple ways, such as teaching additional subject areas or supporting other aspects of school life. A teaching certificate and/or an advanced degree in history is preferred. A practicing Catholic is preferred. All required educational clearances must be obtained.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Tyler Deschamps, Head of School: deschamps@aquinasacademy-pittsburgh.org.

Aquinas Academy is accepting applications for a full-time 5th Grade Teacher. The candidate must be confident in managing the classroom, cultivating a love of learning, communicating effectively with parents, and collaborating with other team members to support school-wide initiatives and goals. The position would include homeroom responsibility in a self-contained classroom, where the teacher instructs English, reading, math, and history. The ideal candidate will have an elementary teaching certificate, 3+ years teaching experience, and be a practicing Catholic. All required educational clearances must be obtained.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Tyler Deschamps, Head of School: deschamps@aquinasacademy-pittsburgh.org.

Aquinas Academy is accepting applications for a full-time Kindergarten aide. This role assists a Kindergarten homeroom teacher with daily classroom needs, supports students individually or in small groups, fulfill duties such as rotational lunch and recess monitoring and bus duty, and on occasion will be asked to lead a lesson or even substitute for the teacher. All required educational clearances must be obtained.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Tyler Deschamps, Head of School: deschamps@aquinasacademy-pittsburgh.org.