Director of Development and Admissions

Estimated Starting Date: January 8, 2025

About Us

Since 1949, Edmonton Christian Schools has been committed to providing high-quality, Christ-centred education to students across the greater Edmonton area. In partnership with Edmonton Public Schools, the Edmonton Society for Christian Education oversees the Christian Alternative Program within our two K-9 schools and a high school. With approximately 1,500 students enroled annually, Edmonton Christian Schools stands as one of the largest Christian school programs in Canada. Our mission is clear: “Responding to God’s grace, Edmonton Christian Schools challenges students, through Christ-centered education, to actively play their role in God’s story.” By nurturing a passion in our students to shape culture and work alongside Christ in the renewal of all things, we believe that ECS’s work can and will have a transformative, world-changing impact.

About You

As a candidate for this role, you are a dynamic and relational leader passionate about driving growth and prosperity in our organization, which has built a legacy of excellence over the last 75 years. You thrive in engaging with an increasingly diverse community, united by a shared commitment to the transformative impact of Christian education. As a key member of our leadership team, your expertise will shape development strategies and programs that ensure Edmonton Christian Schools (ECS) remains strong and forward-focused in its mission. Your interpersonal skills will invite prospective donors, students, and families to partner with us, advancing our shared vision.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Admissions will lead and organize large-scale fundraising campaigns and events, including our annual membership drive, auction, and other fundraising events. You’ll work closely with board members, manage our annual fund, and foster meaningful relationships with donors, staff, and volunteers. As a key figure in donor engagement, you will oversee an alumni program, using prospect research and managing the donor pipeline to identify and cultivate both current and prospective donors. Alongside these efforts, you’ll maintain an accurate and detailed donor database, allowing for effective relationship-building and timely recognition of contributions.

In this role, you will also be the lead in “telling our story” to engage and inspire our community in support of our mission. To accomplish this, you’ll collaborate with our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, who will assist in creating content for campaigns, email communications, reports, and other materials to ensure our messaging is clear, consistent, and compelling. You will also have the opportunity to provide insights on donor engagement trends, allowing us to refine and optimize our fundraising efforts.

In the Admissions component of your role, you’ll actively engage with prospective families, responding to inquiries, coordinating school tours, and leading new family information sessions. Representing the school at Open House and other promotional events, you’ll help prospective students and families understand what sets Edmonton Christian Schools apart and determine if we’re the right fit for their educational goals. You will also play an integral role in welcoming new families to the Society and Edmonton Christian Schools, helping them understand our mission, vision, and the role of the Society while encouraging their active participation in and support of our community. Throughout the admissions process, our office administrator will assist with basic correspondence, ensuring smooth communication and support.

Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., business, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or education).

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of fundraising experience in a nonprofit or related setting.
• Proven success in individual giving, planned giving, and/or monthly giving programs.
• Demonstrated success in donor prospecting, stewardship, and recognition.
• Experience managing donor pipelines, and familiarity with fundraising software and databases.
• Prior experience working in a K-12 school setting (preferred).
• Experience managing complex projects with specific targets and deadlines.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of basic fundraising principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage individuals at all levels.
• Proficiency in Google Suites and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex tasks efficiently.
• Attention to detail while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on building relationships and teamwork.
• Ability to work well across departments to achieve common goals.

Personal Characteristics:

• A strong faith in Christ and a passion for Christian education.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and adaptable to shifting priorities.
• Friendly, patient, and an excellent listener.
• A positive, solutions-based attitude, and a desire to contribute to a healthy organizational culture.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and be coached.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend events as required.
• An understanding of the collaborative dynamics in a small office environment, with the flexibility to support team members and contribute across roles as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a salaried position with comprehensive benefits and a salary range (starting at $79,500) to match experience and expertise.  

This role occasionally requires evening and weekend attendance for key events or donor meetings. To support work-life balance, the workdays are flexible, and the schedule can adjust to accommodate personal needs and varying workload demands throughout the year. Our office prioritizes a flexible work-life balance and actively supports family life, recognizing the importance of maintaining both professional excellence and personal well-being.

Apply

Applications will be accepted through December 6, 2024.

Applications or questions about this position can be directed to Maureen Vaags-Nyhof, Executive Director of ESCE. (mvaags-nyhof@edmchristian.org)