Development Officer

Job Description

Company Description

The Chesterton Academy of St. Joseph (CASJ) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Dayton, Ohio. Founded in August 2022, CASJ is a Joyfully Catholic, Classical High School dedicated to leading students toward spiritual and intellectual growth. The academy offers faith-based instruction that emphasizes truth, goodness, and beauty in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. CASJ seeks to create an Incarnational environment that inspires students to excel both academically and spiritually while serving the local community.

Role Description

Approx. 20hrs per week, hourly. This is a part-time, on-site Development Officer role located in Fairborn, OH. The Development Officer will be responsible for planning and executing fundraising initiatives, managing annual giving campaigns, building relationships with donors, and promoting philanthropy within the community. Key responsibilities include conducting research to identify funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and communicating effectively with stakeholders, including donors, board members, and community partners. The role will involve collaboration with the Director of Development and school leadership to support the academy's mission and ensure financial sustainability.

Responsibilities include:

- Conduct and carry out annual fundraising campaigns and donor appeals in support of school operations and growth goals.
- Assist in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, alumni, parents, and community supporters.
- Maintain consistent donor outreach through regular phone calls, emails, meetings, and follow-up communication.
- Contact a minimum of 25 donors or prospective donors per month.
- Conduct at least 6 donor meetings per month.
- Help grow the school's recurring monthly giving program from approximately $90,000 annually to $150,000 annually.
- Prepare campaign-related communications and donor materials, including appeals, updates, acknowledgments, and stewardship pieces.
- Research prospective grant opportunities and assist with grant applications and reporting.
- Process donations and maintain accurate donor records using the school's donor management system.
- Help plan for and run donor appreciation events like our annual Wine & Cheese Night
- Attend select school events and donor functions throughout the year.

Qualifications

- Experience with Annual Giving and Fundraising initiatives
- Strong Communication and relationship-building skills
- Familiarity with Philanthropy and donor engagement strategies
- Ability to conduct targeted Research for funding opportunities
- Demonstrated organizational and project management skills
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Passion for supporting faith-based education and alignment with the mission and values of the Chesterton Academy of St. Joseph
- Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Fundraising, or a related field is preferred
- Previous experience in the education or non-profit sector is an advantage

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to careers@casjdayton.org.

About the Employer

Chesterton Academy of St. Joseph is a pro-family, classical high school rooted in the Catholic faith located in Dayton, Ohio offering an integrated, college preparatory curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classics, the school develops complete thinkers who learn to draw on faith and reason for the purpose of building a culture of life.