What are the responsibilities and job description for the Donor Advisor position at Trinity Christian Academy?
Overview
The Donor Advisor will collaborate with the Chief Development officer and other members of the Foundation staff on the cultivation and longevity of donor support. Help support the mission of Trinity Christian Academy through the endeavor of maintaining and increasing our generous donor base. This is a unique opportunity to serve the Lord in ministry by helping further the influence of biblically based Christian education.
General Responsibilities
- Partner with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to cultivate and steward a portfolio of major and principal donors, building meaningful relationships that inspire generous support.
- Collaborate with the Head of School, CDO, and Senior Director of Development to shape and implement strategies for engaging principal donors—this includes preparing proposals, coordinating presentations, ensuring thoughtful recognition and stewardship
- Assist CDO with prospect modeling and donor engagement strategies for capital campaigns, including prioritizing prospects and tracking progress
- Help the CDO led the endowment program by guiding donors and staff through the establishment process, ensuring ongoing stewardship, and promoting opportunities through various communication channels
- Facilitate designated giving for student tuition aid, ensuring donor intent is honored and impact is clearly communicated
- Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals to foundations and provide ongoing stewardship for awarded grants
- Partner with school leadership to identify and develop funding opportunities that align with institutional priorities
- Support donor communications by drafting and editing appeals, thank-you letters, stewardship reports, pledge reminders, articles, website content, and the annual report
- Mentor development staff in donor engagement best practices, helping to build a culture of generosity and gratitude.
- Contribute to Foundation-led initiatives, including special projects and donor-focused events
- Demonstrate the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) in daily work, and interactions with colleagues and others
Skills, Competencies and Qualities
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—able to engage donors with warmth, clarity, and professionalism
- Strong writing and editing abilities for proposals, donor communications, and stewardship materials
- Ability to strategize and prioritize donor engagement efforts in alignment with institutional goals
- Comfortable working with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and donor databases
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills
- A growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ—rooted in prayer, Scripture, and active participation in a local church community
- Committed to living out and promoting a biblical worldview, integrating faith into all aspects of work and relationships
- A gracious and welcoming demeanor that reflects Christ-like humility, kindness, and hospitality in service of others
- High level of emotional intelligence, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential donor information
- A collaborative spirit with a servant-hearted attitude, working well with school leadership, staff, and volunteers to advance the mission
- Passion for Christian education and alignment with the school’s mission and values
Required Education, Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) certification preferred
- 5–7 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or advancement, with a focus on major and principal gifts
- Proven success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts, ideally in an educational or faith-based nonprofit setting
- Experience working directly with high-capacity donors, foundations, and philanthropic partners
- Familiarity with capital campaigns, endowment development, and grant writing
- Agree with and support TCA’s Doctrinal, Biblical and Mission statements and Christian values
- Have a willing heart for service (Ephesians 6:7)
Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements
- Normal physical demands of working in a development environment (including, but not limited to standing, reaching, stooping, squatting down, kneeling, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds)
- Must be able to give, receive and analyze information, prepare written materials and input information into computer
- Must be able to effectively communicate with colleagues, parents, donors and vendors answering questions in a professional and friendly manner
- Occasional prolonged and irregular hours, some travel
Job Details
Position: Donor Advisor
Department: Foundation
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
Start Date: Immediate
Hours: Full Time - 12 months
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Health, life, dental and vision insurance - Employer-funded retirement plan - 403b retirement plan - Tuition remission - Paid time-off - Vacation