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Director of Development

Position: Director of Development

Since 1897, Dominican Academy has been educating young women in the Catholic tradition of Saint Dominic, offering a rigorous academic program distinguished by a firm commitment to values of truth, integrity, prayer, community, and service. As a Catholic, all honors high school sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dominican Academy challenges and empowers intelligent young women to become spiritual, intellectual, moral, and socially responsible leaders in a global society.

Position Overview:

Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Development of Dominican Academy has as her/his primary responsibility the sharing of the vision, mission, and values of Dominican Academy through the planning, structure and implementation of the school’s expansive development program. These elements include major gifts, building the school’s endowment, annual appeal, grant writing, alumnae engagement and special events. The Director provides leadership and strategic direction in telling D.A.’s story to our benefactors, families, alumnae and greater community. The Director is well versed in understanding and articulating our mission and the lived experience of our four Dominican Pillars (Study, Service, Community and Prayer) and the Dominican Charism. The Director will work closely and collaboratively with the President, Development Office staff and members of the Board of Trustees to further the mission and financial future of the school.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Manages daily operations for a comprehensive development program including the identification, cultivation, solicitation, maintenance and recognition of major gift donor prospects, and planned and annual giving donors.
  • Implements development activities for foundation giving: grant writing, budget development, coordination of all funder contacts, and grant follow-up.
  • Records all gifts and provides acknowledgements.
  • Oversees writing, editing and production of development publications and social media in cooperation with the school’s communications staff, i.e., the alumnae magazine, annual report, and annual appeals.
  • Prepares reports for the President and the Board of Trustees Development Committee.
  • Attend Board meetings as required.
  • Directs the programming for alumnae engagement and special events.
  • Develops a long-range plan and annual goals for the Development Office working closely with the VP for Finance.
  • Prepares and manages the budget for the functions of the Development Office.
  • Engages with and assists with implementing strategic planning to advance and meet the short and long-term goals of the school.
  • Supervises and evaluates Development Office personnel.
  • Serves as the spokesperson for the school in its philanthropic efforts.
  • Assumes and implements additional duties and responsibilities that may be delegated, from time to time, by the President and Board of Trustees.

General Qualifications:

  • Ability to work collegially within a team of educational leaders, an active group of volunteers and the Board of Trustees.
  • Good listening and storytelling skills.
  • Able to present D.A.’s mission and vision clearly and enthusiastically to donors.
  • Proficiency with all Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge programs and other relevant systems.
  • Effective verbal and written communications skills.
  • Able to manage multiple tasks, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality of information.

Specific Qualifications

  • A strong belief in Catholic Dominican education including the values of prayer, study, community, service and diversity.
  • Knowledge of strategies and techniques for use in major gift donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of research methods to identify foundation prospects, ability in grant and proposal writing, and proven success in generating commitments from individuals and foundations.
  • A high degree of professionalism and an ability to interact with a variety of individuals to significantly increase the visibility of the school.
  • Familiarity with the types and uses of social media to connect with constituents.
  • Ability to cultivate present and potential donors locally and nationally.
  • Evening/weekend work is required.

Education and Experience

  • A Bachelor's Degree
  • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge
  • CFRE certification preferred
  • A minimum 3-5 years demonstrated successful fundraising experience

Salary Range (based on experience)

$110,000 to $125,000



Application Process

Please send a cover letter that expresses the qualities or experience you possess that make you fit for this position and a current resume that includes dates for all degrees, certifications and experience to: Careers@dominicanacademy.org

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications and interviews will take place immediately with the position filled shortly thereafter.

  • Career Type

    Full-time

  • Hiring Period

    Next 1-2 Months

  • Address

    44 East 68th Street


    New York, NY 10065

  • Posted on

    Nov 5, 2025

  • Start Date

    Jan 6, 2026

  • Salary Range

    $110000 - $125000

  • Salary Type

    Annually

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NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Dominican Academy is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to hiring faculty, administration and staff of diverse backgrounds. Our school promotes a respect for individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other state or federally protected classification.