Director of Development

Job Description

Director of Development (Founding) for Rosary College

Rosary College, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is the state's first college in the Catholic tradition that provides students with a traditional Catholic liberal education rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness. We form students in the intellectual and moral virtues of the Catholic tradition through our affordable Associate of Catholic Studies in Integrated Humanities. Recently listed as a provisionally recognized institution in the Newman Guide for its authentically Catholic education in alignment with the Magisterium, our focus is to provide an authentic, rigorous, and affordable education.

Responsibilities of the Founding Director of Development

We seek a dedicated Founding Director of Development to build our advancement function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the President, you will cultivate donor relationships, secure gifts, and help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of this growing college in the Catholic tradition.

Classification: Full-Time, Flexible Schedule (Remote considered; periodic travel to Greenville required; relocation welcomed but not required)

Reports To: Dr. Michael Shick, President of Rosary College

Salary: $60,000-$75,000 annually plus a performance bonus tied to pre-defined annual goals and activity/outcome KPIs (not commission-based). High performers can earn total compensation above market.

Responsibilities:

Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive development program, with the goal of growing annual giving from current levels toward $500,000-$1.5M within the first 2-3 years as the college matures.

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners through personalized outreach and relationship-building.

Proactively research and engage potential donors, including existing and high-potential prospects.

Organize and execute donor engagement events (virtual and in-person) and support the college's mission-driven programs.

Maintain accurate donor records in the database, document all interactions, and ensure timely follow-up and acknowledgment.

Collaborate closely with the college's leadership, faculty, and staff to develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities.

Be available for domestic travel (0-30%) to visit donors, attend events, and represent the college in community and regional forums.

Requirements
Position Qualifications:

Practicing Catholic in good standing with a deep, personal commitment to the mission of Rosary College and full alignment with Ex corde Ecclesiae in Catholic higher education.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a closely related field (Master's degree strongly preferred).

5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, ideally in higher education, Catholic institutions, or nonprofits (candidates with 3-5 years of strong major-gift success in smaller settings will be considered).

Demonstrated ability to personally cultivate and close major gifts, with a track record of building sustainable annual giving (prior portfolios generating $250k-$750k+ annually are ideal for this stage).

Proven ability to build, lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing development team in a collaborative, mission-driven environment (or build the function as the college grows).

Self-starter with exceptional initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to work independently while partnering effectively with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteers.

Superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate Rosary College's Catholic liberal-arts mission compellingly to high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Proficiency with donor CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite is strongly preferred. Planned-giving experience and/or capital-campaign background a plus. Experience with online fundraising tools and virtual engagement strategies is highly desired.

Working Conditions:

Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers, copiers and associated programs.

Physical requirements include the ability to stand, walk, travel, and lift at least 25 lbs for event setup and breakdown.

Evening and weekend occasional obligations such as meetings, events, or Masses.

Rosary College is committed to forming students who serve the Church and society with wisdom, integrity, and grace. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing institution dedicated to truth, beauty, and goodness.

About the Employer

Rosary College, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is the state's first college in the Catholic tradition that provides students with a traditional Catholic liberal education rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness. We form students in the intellectual and moral virtues of the Catholic tradition through our affordable Associate of Catholic Studies in Integrated Humanities. Recently listed as a provisionally recognized institution in the Newman Guide for its authentically Catholic education in alignment with the Magisterium, our focus is to provide an authentic, rigorous, and affordable education.