Director Of Commercial Development Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Position Summary
Reporting directly to the President, the Director of
Development leads the planning, structure, and
implementation of the school's expansive development
program. Well versed in D.A.'s mission and the lived
experience of the Four Pillars, the Director provides
strategic direction, carries a personal portfolio of major
donors, and serves as the school's spokesperson in its
philanthropic efforts.
The Team You Will Lead
Development Database & Annual Fund Manager
Owns gift processing, database integrity, and the annual
fund engine that keeps the program running.
Alumnae Relations & Special Events Manager
Leads alumnae engagement and the school's signature
events, including the Spring Auction & Benefit.
Grant Writing Consultant
Supports foundation research, proposal writing, and grant follow-up under the Director's
direction.
The Director works in close partnership with the President on major-donor strategy,
collaborates with the Communications team on the annual report, alumnae magazine, and
appeals, and builds the long-range advancement plan hand in hand with the Vice President for
Finance.
Primary Responsibilities
Where the Director makes the difference
Strategic Vision & Planning
• Partner with the President to set the vision, goals, and priorities of D.A.'s mission advancement
efforts.
• Build a long-range plan and annual goals for the Development Office, in close
coordination with the VP for Finance.
• Establish KPIs and metrics to track progress against school-wide fundraising goals.
• Prepare and manage the Development Office budget and report progress to the
President and Board.
• Serve as a trusted liaison to the Development Committee Chair and Board of Trustees.
Search managed by Catholic Recruiter Associates 6
Director of Development | DOMINICAN ACADEMY
Fundraising & Major Gifts
• Carry a personal portfolio of major-gift relationships and personally solicit and close
gifts.
• Serve as the school's spokesperson in its philanthropic efforts and build new individual
and institutional relationships.
• Guide the President in successful engagement with the school's major donors.
• Direct donor research, cultivation strategy, and stewardship aligned with D.A.'s mission
and history.
• Cultivate present and prospective donors both locally and nationally.
Team Leadership & Operations
• Lead all aspects of the development plan: major gifts, annual appeal, grant writing,
alumnae engagement, and events.
• Supervise, evaluate, and develop Development Office team members.
• Ensure accurate gift recording, timely acknowledgment, and effective use of the donor
database.
• Oversee foundation giving, including grant writing, budgets, funder contact, and follow up.
Community & Engagement
• Direct programming for alumnae engagement and the school's special events.
• Collaborate with Communications on the annual report, alumnae magazine, and
appeals.
• Be a present, engaged presence at school-wide events as an ambassador for the
mission.
• Work collaboratively across offices and with faculty to support school initiatives.
The Ideal Candidate
A forward-facing leader with real hustle
• A closer, not just a cultivator. A forward-facing presence with genuine hustle, who
converts relationships and warm leads into gifts and follows through to the ask.
• Visionary and strategic. Sees the whole board, sets an ambitious plan, and has the
discipline and metrics to reach it.
• Financially fluent. A strong sense of budget and reporting, and a natural, credible
partner to the Vice President for Finance.
• An authentic ambassador. Believes in Catholic, Dominican education and can speak to the Four Pillars with warmth and conviction.
Search managed by Catholic Recruiter Associates 7
Director of Development | DOMINICAN ACADEMY
• A storyteller and listener. Understands donors' values and tells D.A.'s story in a way
that moves people to give.
Qualifications
• 5 to 10 years in nonprofit development with increasing fundraising and supervisory
responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in major-gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Proven ability in grant and proposal writing and securing commitments from
individuals and foundations.
• A belief in Catholic Dominican education and the pillars of prayer, study, community,
and service.
• Ability to cultivate donors locally and nationally, with a high degree of
professionalism.
• Strong CRM skills with Raiser's Edge experience preferred; CFRE certification
preferred.
• A Bachelor's degree required, along with an uncompromising sense of discretion and
confidentiality. Some evening and weekend work is required.
Search managed by Catholic Recruiter Associates 8
Director of Development | DOMINICAN ACADEMY
Salary: Commensurate with background and experience. Comprehensive
benefit program (details will be furnished to finalist candidates).
Application Deadline: August 15, 2026
(We reserve the right to shorten the deadline for applications
if we have sufficient interest. Please apply early to ensure your
background will be considered.)
For consideration, please email resume to:
Marie Keith
Vice President, Education
Catholic Recruiter Associates
Marie@CatholicRecruiter.com
Note: Only those selected for an interview with the search
committee will be contacted.
This position serves a vital religious function that supports the
mission and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.