Director of Development
NextEd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, United States
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
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
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
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
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
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
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
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
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr