Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home
Full-Time, Exempt | Reports to: Vice President for Development 

Position Summary

The Associate Vice President of Development (AVP) is a key leadership role responsible for advancing the mission of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home by growing philanthropic support, cultivating strong donor relationships, and helping execute a comprehensive development strategy. The AVP of Development will oversee critical fundraising initiatives—including annual giving, major gifts, events, campaigns, and donor stewardship—and will serve as a visible ambassador for MDCA&CH across the community and region.

Working collaboratively with the President, Vice President for Development, and the Executive Leadership Team, the AVP will play a central role in expanding resources that support academic excellence, spiritual transformation, residential care programs, campus improvements, scholarships, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Leadership & Strategy

• Support and help implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the institution’s strategic plan.
• Manage components of capital campaigns, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee annual giving initiatives, including direct mail, online giving, Giving Tuesday, and donor acquisition.
• Collaborate with the President and VP for Development on high-level donor strategies and key solicitations.
• Track and measure progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular reports.
  
  

2. Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects (typically $10,000+).
• Conduct regular donor visits, prepare proposals, and coordinate personalized stewardship experiences.
• Build meaningful relationships with individuals, churches, corporations, foundations, alumni, and community partners.
• Represent MDCA&CH at events, church presentations, community gatherings, and donor engagement opportunities.
  
  

3. Development Operations & Team Support

• Provide leadership in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including the President’s Dinner, benefit dinners, golf tournaments, and other campus events.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging across development materials.
• Work with the development support team to maintain accurate donor records, gift acknowledgments, and reporting processes.
• Ensure strong coordination with the Children’s Home, Residential Program, and Academy operations regarding development priorities.
  
  

4. Campaigns, Grants & Special Initiatives

• Assist in the creation of case statements, proposals, grant applications, and campaign collateral.
• Help manage donor naming opportunities and capital project fundraising efforts.
• Support the development of scholarship funds, estate planning initiatives, planned giving, and endowment growth.
  
  

5. Mission-Driven Leadership

• Serve as a visible ambassador for MDCA&CH’s Christ-centered mission and values.
• Support the spiritual culture of the institution and uphold Christlike service, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Partner with faculty, staff, and resident care teams to understand the life-changing work happening on campus and translate those stories into donor impact opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
• Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
• Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Ability to travel regularly for donor meetings, church visits, and events.
• Commitment to Christian values and the mission of MDCA&CH
• Ability to exercise good judgement
• Exhibit a strong faith and exemplary lifestyle
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships
• Ability to accept direction and professional development
• Active member of the Church of Christ - All applicants must be members of a local congregation of the Churches of Christ and able to sign and abide by the MDCA Statement of Faith in order to be considered.

Preferred

• Experience in faith-based or educational fundraising.
• Familiarity with capital campaigns and major gift pipeline development.
• Knowledge of donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud).
• Experience presenting to groups (churches, civic organizations, donors, boards).
  
  

Core Competencies

• Relationship Builder: Capable of fostering deep, meaningful connections.
• Strategic Thinker: Understands long-term planning and goal alignment.
• Mission Advocate: Passionate about Christian education and children’s care ministry.
• Professional Presence: Confident, articulate, personable.
• Organizational Excellence: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and reliable.
• Team-Oriented: Works joyfully and collaboratively across departments.
  
  

Work Environment & Expectations

• Regular local and regional travel.
• Occasional evening/weekend responsibilities for donor visits or campus events.
• Able to represent MDCA&CH with integrity, humility, and servant leadership.
  
  

About Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home

Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home is committed to educating, equipping, and empowering children and youth through Christ-centered academic, spiritual, and residential programs. Serving families for more than 80 years, MDCA&CH is a beacon of hope, excellence, and faith development in Central Florida and beyond.