Director of Development

Director of Development

Reports to: Head of School
Location: Mason Preparatory School, Charleston, SC
About Mason Prep Mason Preparatory School is known for its close-knit, family-like community where every student, teacher, and staff member is known and valued. Our educators foster a dynamic, creative, and fun work environment built on mutual respect, kindness, and collaboration. In partnership with families, we support students both academically and emotionally to provide the best possible learning experience.

Position Overview The primary responsibility of the Director of Development is to lead and grow Mason Prep’s short and long-term fundraising efforts in support of the school’s mission. This individual plays a key role in shaping a culture of philanthropy and engagement across all constituencies - including current families, alumni, faculty and staff, trustees, and the broader Charleston community.

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Develop and lead a comprehensive, goal-driven fundraising program that encompasses:
  • Annual Giving
  • Major Gifts
  • Fundraising Events
  • Donor Stewardship
  • Alumni and Parent Engagement
  • Planned Giving
• Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Establish and track annual fundraising goals and performance benchmarks; develop detailed forecasts, action plans, and annual fundraising calendars.
• Support project management of major gift initiatives by overseeing gift timelines, coordinating with key stakeholders, and ensuring successful completion of donor-funded projects.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and provide regular reports to the Head of School and Director of Finance.

Community Engagement and Communication

• Serve as a visible ambassador for Mason Prep in the greater Charleston community.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and the Director of Enrollment to elevate Mason Prep’s visibility, strengthen brand recognition, and support community outreach efforts.
• Strengthen engagement with alumni and alumni parents.

Event Management

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all development-related events, with particular emphasis on the school’s annual fundraising event.
• Oversee all aspects of event execution, including theme development, venue logistics, vendor management, budgeting, and post-event follow-up.
• Manage event software platforms (OneCause) to facilitate event registration, auction management, ticket sales, and donor engagement.
• Ensure the success of the annual fundraiser by soliciting auction items, securing sponsorships, driving ticket sales, and managing timelines from concept to completion.
• Recruit, organize, and lead volunteer committees to support event planning, outreach, and execution.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to design and create event marketing materials and dedicated event websites.

Database and Donor Management

• Maintain and regularly update the donor database to ensure accuracy and completeness of records.
• Oversee accurate recording of all gifts and revenue, working closely with the Finance Office to ensure proper financial tracking and reporting.
• Manage the gift acknowledgment process, including generating timely tax receipts and sending personalized thank-you notes to donors.
• Conduct thorough prospect research to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities and potential major donors.

Volunteer and Board Collaboration

• Prepare and present comprehensive development reports to the Board of Trustees, fostering transparency and informed decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with the Board’s Fundraising Committee to align fundraising strategies and successfully meet or exceed goals.
• Recruit and lead volunteers, empowering them to actively support and champion fundraising initiatives across the school community.

Qualifications

• 5 years of professional fundraising experience preferred.
• Leadership or team management experience is desirable.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic, independent thinking.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in setting and achieving fundraising goals.
• Independent school experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
• Proficiency with fundraising software; Raiser’s Edge and OneCause experience is preferred.
• Proven experience in recruiting, organizing, and leading teams of volunteers to support fundraising initiatives and events.
• High energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for Mason Prep’s mission and values.

Schedule & Hours

• Regular work hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
• Occasional evening/weekend hours required for events and meetings.
• Follows the school’s calendar for administrative staff, with adjusted hours during summer months for 12-month employees.