The Development / Marketing Director serves as the chief advancement officer of Upper Columbia Academy (UCA), leading and coordinating UCA’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts in support of the school’s mission. This position builds and nurtures meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, church members, foundations, and community partners, fostering long-term engagement and financial support. Marketing responsibilities are described below. This role does not include regular night/weekend supervisory duties or teaching responsibilities. 

1. Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan.
• Lead all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, and special projects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all giving levels.
• Establish measurable fundraising goals and provide regular progress reports to administration and board leadership.
• Collaborate with academy leadership to communicate the school’s vision, impact stories and financial needs.

2. Donor Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, Christ-centered relationships with alumni, parents, church constituents, and community supporters.
• Conduct personal visits with current and prospective donors.
• Develop individualized stewardship plans for major donors.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and meaningful recognition of gifts.
• Plan and coordinate donor appreciation and cultivation events in collaboration with school administration, the Alumni Director and FoundationONE.
• Provide donor hospitality and engagement at key school events 
• Represent the academy in partnership with the principal at meetings, church events, and community events.

3. Marketing and Content Creation (Development Focused)

• Create print and digital marketing materials for fundraising and advancement initiatives.
• Develop written and visual content that highlights mission, impact, and donor support. 
• Prepare development-related social media content for submission to the Communications team for posting.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Assist with donor-focused website content, including giving pages, testimonials, and impact stories.
• Design and prepare print advertisements for us in publications, newsletters and sponsored content.
• Create advertising materials for donor recognition and sponsorships, including yearbook ads and event programs.
• Develop print-ready materials for external publications and partner communications.

4. Foundation One & Endowment Collaboration

• Work cooperatively and strategically with Foundation One to strengthen endowment growth and long-term financial sustainability.
• Coordinate messaging, donor referrals, and estate planning conversations in partnership with Foundation One representatives.
• Ensure alignment between academy development priorities and endowment opportunities.

5. Communications & Reporting

• Collaborate with administration on development-related publications and digital communications.
• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting systems.
• Coordinate donor communications, acknowledgements, and follow-up.
• Partner with FoundationONE, administration, and admissions on messaging as related to available scholarships and tuition affordability.
• Provide regular reports to the academy, school board and conference administrations.

Salary and benefits are based on the denominational wage scale and policies.

The qualified candidate must be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good and regular standing. Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree, and is preferred to be in development, communications, business, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field. Prior experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, or advancement work is preferred. Candidates must already possess, and be able to provide evidence of, the legal right to work and reside in the United States.

Interested applicants must submit a resume with at least 3 references with contact information to Adam Littell at AdamL@uccsda.org. Applicants must also complete the application by going to https://www.uccsda.org/education and clicking on Teacher Application. Please note that interviews may take place before the resume due date.