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School Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Partnering with the Head of School and school development committee to facilitate solicitations of school parents * Develop donor cultivation and solicitation strategies to increase participation and ...

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Support the development and implementation of school improvement plans aligned with district goals. *Collaborate with the district instructional coach and reading interventionist to strengthen ...

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School Development information

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$79.5K

$142.1K

$178.5K

How much do school development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for school development in the United States is $142,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in School Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in School Development, you need expertise in educational program planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by a degree in education, administration, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems, grant writing tools, and event planning software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, project management, and strategic thinking skills help build partnerships and advance school initiatives. These competencies are vital for securing resources, fostering community support, and driving the school's growth and improvement.

What is school development?

School development refers to the process of improving and advancing the quality of education, infrastructure, and overall environment within a school. This can include efforts such as curriculum enhancement, professional development for teachers, facility upgrades, community engagement, and implementation of new educational technologies. The goal of school development is to create a better learning environment for students and to support the long-term success of the institution. School development often involves collaboration between school leaders, teachers, parents, and the wider community.

What are some common challenges faced in a School Development role and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in School Development often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of various stakeholders (administrators, teachers, parents, and donors), securing consistent funding, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. These challenges are typically addressed through clear communication, effective project management, and strategic planning. Team members frequently collaborate across departments and may use data-driven approaches to prioritize initiatives and demonstrate impact, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and goals.

What is the difference between School Development vs School Administration?

AspectSchool DevelopmentSchool Administration
Primary FocusCurriculum improvement, strategic planning, school growthDaily operations, staff management, policy enforcement
Required CredentialsEducation degree, leadership certifications, experience in curriculum designEducation degree, administrative certifications, experience in school management
Work EnvironmentSchool districts, educational organizations, consulting firmsSchool campuses, district offices, administrative departments

School Development focuses on enhancing educational programs and strategic growth, while School Administration handles daily operations and staff management. Both roles require education credentials, but their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is the highest paying job at a school?

The highest paying job at a school is typically the superintendent or school district administrator, who oversees multiple schools and manages budgets, policies, and staff. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, with salaries varying based on district size and location.

What jobs can you get with child development?

A degree or background in child development can lead to jobs such as preschool or childcare teacher, early childhood education specialist, child life specialist, or developmental therapist. These roles often require knowledge of child growth, communication skills, and sometimes certifications like CPR or teaching credentials.
More about School Development jobs
What cities are hiring for School Development jobs? Cities with the most School Development job openings:
What states have the most School Development jobs? States with the most job openings for School Development jobs include:

Elementary School Development Director

Diocese of Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Elementary School Director of Development/Advancement 
Full-Time
City & State: Carlisle, PA
School: St. Patrick School
PAYROLL GRADE:  14                                                                                      FLSA STATUS:  Exempt
NATURE OF POSITION: The purpose of this position is to develop and implement a comprehensive development program for the school/parish.  The Development Director involves a diversity of parish community membership which includes: faculty, staff, students, families, parishioners, as well as the general public, in accomplishing the development program's mission.
REPORTING FUNCTION: Reports to pastor and/or principal
JOB DESCRIPTION: Duties may include any or all of the following:











  • Collaborates with the Pastor and/or Principal in implementing the educational mission of the parish, by participating in the comprehensive planning, implementation, and evaluation of the parish's/school's goals, with specific focus on the parish's/school's development plan. Incumbent also collaborates in regional/deanery planning and development efforts as appropriate.
  • Directs the parish's/school's Development Plan. Incumbent accomplishes this by establishing short (annual) and long (3-5 year) range goals and objectives for the Development office based on the parishes/school's long range plan. Incumbent may assist the Pastor and other parish/school leadership in developing the parish's/school's long-range plan. Incumbent facilitates the development and publication of an articulated, written case statement about the parish/school which tells the story of Catholic education and also includes the parish's/school's philosophy, values, mission, and public and community contributions.
  • Assures the development and implementation of a comprehensive public relations and communications plan. This includes relating with these publics: parish leadership; former and current students; parents of current, former, and future students; school faculty and staff; members of the parish; and local civic and business leaders and residents.
  • Assures the establishment of an Annual Appeal/Fund Program for the parish and school. Incumbent plans, directs, and assures the implementation of this annual campaign.
  • Coordinates the establishment of an Alumni Association. Incumbent accomplishes this by developing effective communication systems with alumni to provide ongoing current information between the school and the alumni, and by attracting alumni support for fundraising activities and the annual fund program.
  • Assures the establishment of an Endowment Fund. Incumbent plans and directs the implementation of this program which provides opportunities for potential donors to invest in the parish/school through options such as major gifts, bequests, and deferred giving.
  • Assures establishment of EITC funding for scholarships.
  • Assures the establishment of a Student Recruitment program. Incumbent accomplishes this by researching and identifying prospective students, by prompting and hosting various recruitment activities or special events; i.e., home gatherings, open house, on-site visits to feeder day care and preschools, and making telephone and in-person contacts/calls. Incumbent also promotes recruitment efforts for the school through press releases, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, newsletters, etc.
  • Serves as staff to the Parish/School Development Committee. Incumbent participates in the recruitment and selection of members, assures members understand their responsibilities, and collaborates with the Committee Chair in preparing the agenda and in assigning and monitoring task completion.
  • Assures the establishment of a Major Gifts/Corporate Sponsorship Program by researching, cultivating, soliciting, and pursuing major gifts from private or corporate donors. This may include grant writing, personal solicitation, or matching appropriate potential donors with "askers."
  • Coordinates all fundraising activities for the parish/school. Incumbent collaborates with parish leadership, Parents' Club, School Commission, and other fundraising groups in the parish/school to develop a planned, consistent, and organized approach to fundraising, including monthly calendaring of events.
  • Performs other work-related duties as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of fund development (major/planned giving), with ability to organize, create, and implement development efforts through use of marketing techniques.
  • Knowledge of church organizational and operational procedures is required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally (including oral presentations) and in writing. Position requires creativity, decision-making, interpersonal skills, use of discretion, teamwork, negotiation, independent judgment/action, problem analysis, service orientation, and public relations to foster the Church's mission and Parish/School relations.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects/priorities.
  • Incumbent must be competitive and resourceful in an organization that has an infinite amount of needs and a finite amount of financial resources.
  • Perform basic math and be proficient with gift planning software such as Crescendo or PG CALC.
  • Knowledge of calculator, basic computer software, and all basic office equipment is required.


EDUCATIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in communications, finance, and/or marketing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a comparable field with five to eight years' experience in a comparable position.
  • Experience in the Development field preferred.
  • Experience running direct mail and advertising campaigns for planned giving required.
  • Continuing education is required to maintain knowledge of tax codes affecting charitable giving and maintain a level of knowledge and skills required to serve as a Development Director. This is accomplished by reading material related to the profession, by attending workshops or conventions, and by participating in local, regional, and diocesan professional organizations as approved and as appropriate.
  • This position requires specific knowledge of the Catholic Church's organization and procedures or experience in a complex multi-unit organization (preferably nonprofit) with a service orientation.
  • Practicing Catholic required.
  • Position requires a valid driver's license.
  • Bilingual in Spanish is desirable.