Development Director

Director of Development

About the Organization:

The Bridge Academy is a 501c3 not for profit specialized school for students with language-based learning disabilities, like dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit disorder. The Bridge Academy is located in Lawrenceville, NJ and serves students from throughout the state of New Jersey and Bucks County, PA.

Our mission is to educate and empower students with language-based learning disabilities to reach their fullest potential through a comprehensive educational program developed around each child’s individual needs.

It is our individualized approach to teaching students with learning disabilities, combined with the nurturing, emotionally supportive atmosphere at The Bridge Academy that makes our school a uniquely effective learning environment. The school serves students of average or higher intellectual potential who have language-based learning disabilities and do not have behavioral issues as their primary handicapping condition.

About the Role:

The Bridge Academy, a state-approved independent school in Lawrenceville, NJ for students with language-based learning disabilities, seeks an individual with at least 3 years of fund-raising experience in private schools or other non-profit organizations for its Development Department. This is a young development program looking for an energetic, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills to take this program to the next level.  The position is part-time and both remote and in person and with the flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Job Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include working with the Board of Trustees and School Principal to implement and managing a growing and comprehensive fundraising program that includes an Annual Appeal and spring Gala/Auction event. Other responsibilities include school communication and marketing efforts and overseeing other special events (i.e. Special Person Day, alumni event).

• Plan and implement the Annual Appeal, including all direct mail, phonathons and personal solicitations.
• Manage and oversee the Spring Gala.
• Conduct research on current and prospective donors, including all new parents and grandparents each year.
• Create and maintain personal relationships with key donors, parents, and potential prospects, working with the Board President and the School Principal to reach out to these individuals on a 1:1 basis.
• Develop Corporate and Foundation support in the form of direct contributions, grants, or sponsorship of the Gala.
• Maintain donor gifts and address database of all current and past donors, including all parents, former parents, board members, friends, staff.
• Attend and provide monthly reports to the Board of Trustees meetings. 
• Prepare and execute school communication including newsletters, emails, and social media.
• Maintain updates for the development link on the Bridge website, including online giving.
• Prepare the Annual Report.
• Work with school staff to coordinate any special event activities.
• Meet with prospective donors for Major Gifts.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of professional fund-raising experience, including direct solicitation of donors and event preparation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to motivate and manage volunteers for fundraising and special events.
• Experience with donor data bases.
• Knowledge and understanding of language-based learning disabilities is preferred.
• The ability to work independently and within a flexible time frame.

This position is 28 hours a week with a salary around $45,000 with additional benefits.

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter with expression of interest to Kim Bruno at kmbruno44@gmail.com.