Director of Development

United Christian Academy (UCA) seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as its Director of Donor Development. Founded in 1978, UCA is an accredited, college-preparatory school located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. As an independent, nondenominational school, UCA serves approximately 900 students in grades K–12 from Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and the surrounding Inland Empire communities. UCA’s mission is to educate students by integrating academic excellence with a Christian worldview, equipping them to impact their world for Christ. The school challenges students to grow academically, physically, socially, and spiritually through a wide range of opportunities, including AP and Honors courses, clubs, athletics, retreats, arts programs, Bible studies, and missions experiences. Through this holistic approach, UCA seeks to develop critical thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens, and maturing Christians.

The Director of Donor Development will report to the Superintendent and play a key leadership role in strengthening the school’s culture of generosity and advancing its long-term mission. This leader will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that builds meaningful relationships with donors, parents, alumni, and community partners. Working closely with school leadership and the Board of Trustees, the Director will cultivate and steward philanthropic support for annual giving, strategic initiatives, and future priorities. The ideal candidate will be a relational and mission-aligned leader who can clearly communicate UCA’s vision, inspire generosity, and help position the school for continued growth and impact.

Essential Job Functions

Mission & Community Presence

• Champion and communicate UCA’s Christ-centered mission

• Build meaningful relationships with parents, alumni, churches, and community partners

• Represent the school with professionalism, warmth, and spiritual integrity

Advancement Strategy & Donor Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy

• Build and manage a strong donor pipeline (annual, major, and planned gifts)

• Partner with leadership to set and achieve fundraising goals

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Cultivate and steward donor relationships through consistent engagement

• Oversee donor communications, reporting, and acknowledgment

• Maintain accurate donor records and tracking systems

Fundraising Campaigns & Events

• Lead annual giving, capital campaigns, and special initiatives

• Oversee the Eagle Vision Annual Fund and Gala

• Recruit and lead volunteer committees and event teams

Communications & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with marketing on messaging and campaigns

• Oversee external communications and fundraising appeals

• Build partnerships with local organizations and businesses

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with the Superintendent, Board, and leadership team

• Collaborate with admissions and marketing to strengthen engagement

• Oversee development budget and strategic priorities

Required Skills & Attributes

• Vibrant personal faith in Jesus Christ and alignment with UCA’s mission

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills

• Strategic thinker with strong execution and organizational ability

• Ability to inspire generosity and build long-term partnerships

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred

• 5–7 years of fundraising, development, or nonprofit leadership experience

• Proven success in donor cultivation and fundraising strategy

• Experience with major gifts, capital campaigns, and grant writing preferred

• Experience in Christian education or faith-based organizations preferred

• Active involvement in a Bible-believing church