What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Columbia Academy?
Champion Fundraising. Inspire Giving. Advance a Mission.
Columbia Academy is a vibrant, faith-based, mission-driven school serving students from preschool through high school in Columbia, Mississippi. As we enter an exciting new chapter of growth, we are seeking a Director of Development to champion fundraising strategy, inspire donor engagement, and school advancement.
This is a newly created, full-time leadership position with the opportunity to build and shape Columbia Academy’s development program—including launching a multi-year capital campaign and expanding annual and planned giving.
The Director of Development leads and executes all fundraising and advancement initiatives. This role focuses on building strong donor relationships, identifying new revenue opportunities, overseeing campaigns and events, and promoting the school’s mission throughout the communities we serve.
- Lead comprehensive fundraising and advancement strategy
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift and planned giving donors
- Launch and manage capital campaigns and annual giving initiatives
- Research and pursue grants, sponsorships, and new funding sources
- Plan and execute fundraising events and donor engagement activities
- Collaborate with school leadership, board members, athletics, and marketing
- Oversee donor communications, impact reporting, and alumni engagement
- Supervise the Marketing & Branding Director to ensure consistent messaging
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Is energized by building authentic, long-term donor relationships
- Is confident asking for support and inspiring generosity
- Is excited to share the story of Columbia Academy
- Enjoys both strategic planning and hands-on execution
- Has experience with fundraising, major gifts, grants, or campaigns (preferred)
- Is organized, proactive, and comfortable leading multiple initiatives
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
- Performance-based commission tied to fundraising success
- Full-time, on-campus position