Senior Director, Advancement

Goal of Position

To advance the mission and long-term sustainability of Tree of Life Christian Schools by leading the hands-on execution of fundraising, donor development, and advancement initiatives under the direction of the Superintendent. This role is responsible for actively cultivating donor relationships, expanding the school’s financial support network, and securing philanthropic revenue through strategic fundraising efforts—including Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) programs and emerging federal tax-credit scholarship opportunities. The Sr. Director also provides daily leadership and management of the Advancement team, ensuring effective execution of advancement activities that support enrollment, tuition assistance, and organizational growth.

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Reports To: SuperintendentPosition Type: Full-Time; Exempt | Salaried

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Personal and Spiritual Qualifications

• All employees at Tree of Life Christian Schools are ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As such, they are expected to demonstrate the following:

• A strong, evident personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Ongoing spiritual growth and maturity; a godly role model

• A prayerful heart and servant leadership mindset

• A spirit of dedication, service, commitment, flexibility, and enthusiasm

• A positive and joyful attitude

• Sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of others

• A desire to support and encourage coworkers

• Receptiveness to wise counsel and instruction

• Full acceptance of the Tree of Life Christian Schools’ Statement of Faith

• Active membership in a Bible-believing church aligned with the Tree of Life Statement of Faith

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Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit leadership, business, communications, or related field preferred

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor development, or advancement leadership

• Proven ability to personally cultivate donor relationships and successfully solicit financial gifts

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising and developing staff

• Excellent organizational and project management skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to translate strategic direction into clear operational plans and measurable outcomes

• Strong relational skills and ability to engage donors, families, churches, and community partners

• Experience managing donor databases and advancement systems preferred

• Commitment to the mission and value of Christian education

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Professionalism and Conduct

• Demonstrates a calling and commitment to advancing Christian education

• Maintains a high standard of personal conduct, integrity, and professionalism

• Works collaboratively with the Superintendent and school leadership

• Provides consistent leadership, support, and accountability to advancement staff

• Communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders

• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment

• Models servant leadership and fosters a Christ-centered team culture

• Represents Tree of Life Christian Schools in a professional and Christ-centered manner

• Complies with all school policies, procedures, and operational standards

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Core Responsibilities

Advancement Team Leadership and Daily Management

• Directly supervise Advancement Department staff, including Marketing, Communications, Alumni Relations and Advancement support roles, providing daily leadership, performance management, and operational direction

• Establish clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations aligned with advancement objectives

• Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one meetings to ensure alignment, accountability, and progress

• Provide coaching, support, and professional development to strengthen team effectiveness

• Oversee daily workflows, project execution, and operational responsibilities of the Advancement team

• Evaluate staff performance and support continuous improvement

• Ensure advancement initiatives are executed efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with organizational priorities

Financial Development and Donor Engagement

• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through direct relationship-building and engagement

• Actively identify, develop, and expand the school’s donor pipeline, including individuals, churches, alumni, and community partners

• Lead donor meetings, presentations, and direct fundraising conversations to secure philanthropic support

• Execute fundraising initiatives, including Annual Fund campaigns, donor engagement programs, and events

• Lead and expand fundraising through the Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) programs

• Educate donors on tax-credit giving opportunities that allow redirection of state tax liability

• Position the school to maximize participation in emerging federal scholarship tax-credit programs

• Support and execute capital campaigns and major gift initiatives under the direction of the Superintendent

• Maintain accurate donor pipeline tracking, revenue forecasting, and fundraising progress reporting

• Ensure timely donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and relationship management

Advancement Strategy Execution and Operational Leadership

• Implement advancement priorities and fundraising initiatives established by the Superintendent

• Translate strategic direction into actionable plans, timelines, and measurable outcomes

• Ensure strong coordination and alignment between Advancement, Admissions, and Marketing to support enrollment growth, donor engagement, and school visibility

• Provide leadership and accountability for Admissions and Marketing functions, ensuring alignment with advancement goals

• Strengthen relationships with churches, families, alumni, and community partners

• Serve as a visible representative of Tree of Life Christian Schools in donor, enrollment, and community engagement settings

• Oversee advancement systems, ensuring accurate donor tracking, reporting, and operational effectiveness

• Maintain accurate financial tracking, reporting, and revenue forecasting related to advancement activities

• Provide regular performance updates and fundraising reports to the Superintendent

• Ensure advancement activities operate within established budgets and organizational priorities

• Maintain organized advancement records and operational documentation

• Ensure compliance with school policies and advancement procedures

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Evaluation Criteria

The Sr. Director, Advancement will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent based on:

• Fundraising Performance: Demonstrated growth in philanthropic revenue, including Annual Fund, major gifts, and SGO and tax-credit giving programs

• Donor Development and Engagement: Active cultivation, expansion, and stewardship of the donor network, including effectiveness in building relationships and securing philanthropic support, and demonstrated growth in engagement with donors, churches, alumni, and community partners

• SGO and Tax-Credit Program Execution: Successful execution and measurable growth of Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) fundraising and effective preparation and execution for emerging federal tax-credit scholarship opportunities

• Team Leadership and Accountability: Effective supervision, development, and performance management of Advancement, Admissions, and Marketing staff, and successful alignment and coordination of advancement activities to support enrollment growth, student retention, and donor engagement outcomes.

• Execution and Operational Effectiveness: Successful implementation of advancement initiatives, including achievement of established goals, timelines, and priorities, and effective management of donor tracking, revenue forecasting, reporting, and advancement systems

• Mission Alignment and Leadership: Faithful advancement of Tree of Life Christian Schools’ mission through leadership, donor engagement, team management, and Christ-centered representation of the school