The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, FL is seeking an experienced
Director of Development Strategy
to serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), translating philanthropic vision into operational excellence. This role will lead and supervise the development team while overseeing the strategic design and execution that support the School’s fundraising goals.
A demonstrated expert in gift processing, database management, and analytics with a track record of establishing data integrity standards and generating actionable insights.
A proven team leader who provides strategic direction to the development team while fostering professional growth and accountability.
A systems thinker with comprehensive understanding of moves management, prospect research, CRM platforms, compliance protocols, and financial reconciliation practices.
Responsibilities Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Development Strategy will be responsible for the following:
Translate the CAO’s philanthropic vision into aligned operational data and engagement strategies that support the School's development goals.
Lead operational design and implementation of the School's comprehensive campaign, translating the CAO's philanthropic vision into coordinated execution across prospect management, analytics, and donor engagement pathways.
Provide strategic direction and supervision to the development department (3 direct reports) while overseeing the division's budget and expenditures.
Serve as gift processor with direct responsibility for all gift entry, acknowledgments, database management, and reporting while ensuring data governance, compliance, and financial reconciliation in partnership with Finance.
Live the school’s mission and core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility.
Qualifications
Minimum 10 years of development experience, ideally at an educational institution; independent school experience is preferred
Minimum 5 years of management experience.
Strong project management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Excellent computer skills are required, proficiency in Raiser’s Edge & RE NXT preferred.
Compensation and Benefits This is a 12-month full-time exempt position available in March 2026. Compensation is highly competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
At Out-of-Door, we value a diverse workforce. Applicants of any race, creed, physical ability, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or national origin are encouraged to apply. Once an offer is accepted, the position will require the successful completion of a national background screening and drug testing.
Other Candidates are also asked to address what attracts them to this position, to Out-of-Door, and to the Sarasota community in their cover letter.
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Director of Development Strategy
to serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), translating philanthropic vision into operational excellence. This role will lead and supervise the development team while overseeing the strategic design and execution that support the School’s fundraising goals.
A demonstrated expert in gift processing, database management, and analytics with a track record of establishing data integrity standards and generating actionable insights.
A proven team leader who provides strategic direction to the development team while fostering professional growth and accountability.
A systems thinker with comprehensive understanding of moves management, prospect research, CRM platforms, compliance protocols, and financial reconciliation practices.
Responsibilities Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Development Strategy will be responsible for the following:
Translate the CAO’s philanthropic vision into aligned operational data and engagement strategies that support the School's development goals.
Lead operational design and implementation of the School's comprehensive campaign, translating the CAO's philanthropic vision into coordinated execution across prospect management, analytics, and donor engagement pathways.
Provide strategic direction and supervision to the development department (3 direct reports) while overseeing the division's budget and expenditures.
Serve as gift processor with direct responsibility for all gift entry, acknowledgments, database management, and reporting while ensuring data governance, compliance, and financial reconciliation in partnership with Finance.
Live the school’s mission and core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility.
Qualifications
Minimum 10 years of development experience, ideally at an educational institution; independent school experience is preferred
Minimum 5 years of management experience.
Strong project management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Excellent computer skills are required, proficiency in Raiser’s Edge & RE NXT preferred.
Compensation and Benefits This is a 12-month full-time exempt position available in March 2026. Compensation is highly competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
At Out-of-Door, we value a diverse workforce. Applicants of any race, creed, physical ability, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or national origin are encouraged to apply. Once an offer is accepted, the position will require the successful completion of a national background screening and drug testing.
Other Candidates are also asked to address what attracts them to this position, to Out-of-Door, and to the Sarasota community in their cover letter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr