Associate Vice President of Development

School Name: Mouth Dora Christian Academy and Children's Home

School City and State: Mount Dora, Florida

School Website: www.mdcacademy.org

Open Position Title: Associate Vice President of Development

Date to Remove Job Post: January 31, 2026

Job Description: Full-Time, Exempt | Reports to: Vice President for Development

Position Summary
The Associate Vice President of Development (AVP) is a key leadership role responsible for advancing the mission of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home by growing philanthropic support, cultivating strong donor relationships, and helping execute a comprehensive development strategy. The AVP of Development will oversee critical fundraising initiatives—including annual giving, major gifts, events, campaigns, and donor stewardship—and will serve as a visible ambassador for MDCA&CH across the community and region.

Working collaboratively with the President, Vice President for Development, and the Executive Leadership Team, the AVP will play a central role in expanding resources that support academic excellence, spiritual transformation, residential care programs, campus improvements, scholarships, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Leadership & Strategy
Support and help implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the institution’s strategic plan.
Manage components of capital campaigns, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Oversee annual giving initiatives, including direct mail, online giving, Giving Tuesday, and donor acquisition.
Collaborate with the President and VP for Development on high-level donor strategies and key solicitations.
Track and measure progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular reports.

2. Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management
Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects (typically $10,000+).
Conduct regular donor visits, prepare proposals, and coordinate personalized stewardship experiences.
Build meaningful relationships with individuals, churches, corporations, foundations, alumni, and community partners.
Represent MDCA&CH at events, church presentations, community gatherings, and donor engagement opportunities.

3. Development Operations & Team Support
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including the President’s Dinner, benefit dinners, golf tournaments, and other campus events.
Collaborate with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging across development materials.
Work with the development support team to maintain accurate donor records, gift acknowledgments, and reporting processes.
Ensure strong coordination with the Children’s Home, Residential Program, and Academy operations regarding development priorities.

4. Campaigns, Grants & Special Initiatives
Assist in the creation of case statements, proposals, grant applications, and campaign collateral.
Help manage donor naming opportunities and capital project fundraising efforts.
Support the development of scholarship funds, estate planning initiatives, planned giving, and endowment growth.

5. Mission-Driven Leadership
Serve as a visible ambassador for MDCA&CH’s Christ-centered mission and values.
Support the spiritual culture of the institution and uphold Christlike service, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
Partner with faculty, staff, and resident care teams to understand the life-changing work happening on campus and translate those stories into donor impact opportunities.

Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal.
Ability to travel regularly for donor meetings, church visits, and events.
Commitment to Christian values and the mission of MDCA&CH
Ability to exercise good judgement
Exhibit a strong faith and exemplary lifestyle
Establish and maintain effective professional relationships
Ability to accept direction and professional development
Active member of the Church of Christ - All applicants must be members of a local congregation of the Churches of Christ and able to sign and abide by the MDCA Statement of Faith in order to be considered.

Preferred
Experience in faith-based or educational fundraising.
Familiarity with capital campaigns and major gift pipeline development.
Knowledge of donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud).
Experience presenting to groups (churches, civic organizations, donors, boards).

Core Competencies
Relationship Builder: Capable of fostering deep, meaningful connections.
Strategic Thinker: Understands long-term planning and goal alignment.
Mission Advocate: Passionate about Christian education and children’s care ministry.
Professional Presence: Confident, articulate, personable.
Organizational Excellence: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and reliable.
Team-Oriented: Works joyfully and collaboratively across departments.

Work Environment & Expectations
Regular local and regional travel.
Occasional evening/weekend responsibilities for donor visits or campus events.
Able to represent MDCA&CH with integrity, humility, and servant leadership.

About Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home
Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home is committed to educating, equipping, and empowering children and youth through Christ-centered academic, spiritual, and residential programs. Serving families for more than 80 years, MDCA&CH is a beacon of hope, excellence, and faith development in Central Florida and beyond.

Application Instructions: Please use this link to apply:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3789129/Christian-Home-and-Bible-School/Associate-Vice-President-of-Development?source=NCSA+Website