Director of Community and Development

Director of Community and Development

Location: North Side Community School, St. Louis, MO
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, On-site

Position Summary

The Director of Community and Development leads all fundraising, donor stewardship, event coordination, and community partnership efforts for North Side Community School. As a key member of the Leadership Team, this role is vital to securing public and private funding, cultivating meaningful relationships, and promoting the school’s mission throughout the St. Louis community.

This position is also responsible for producing North Side’s Annual Report and a monthly update to funders and community stakeholders. This is a hands-on, on-site role requiring initiative, strong communication, relationship-building, and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Development

• Develop and execute an annual development plan to raise $750,000+ in unrestricted and programmatic funding

• Identify, cultivate, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors

• Research and submit grant proposals aligned with school priorities; manage timely reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records using DonorPerfect and platforms like YourCause, Benevity, United Way, and Candid

• Prepare and distribute personalized donor acknowledgments and impact communications

• Author and distribute a monthly newsletter to funders and community supporters

Annual Report

• Lead the writing, design, and production of North Side’s Annual Report

• Collect student success stories, performance data, donor acknowledgments, and financials

• Ensure the report reflects the school’s mission, impact, and gratitude toward supporters

Community Partnerships & Outreach

• Serve as the main point of contact for community partners and resource organizations

• Build partnerships that support student/family services, enrichment, and school visibility

• Represent North Side at events, partner meetings, and networking opportunities

Event Planning & Volunteer Committees

• Plan and execute the annual fundraising gala and additional community/donor events

• Coordinate the Young Friends Board’s engagement and fundraising efforts

• Serve as staff liaison for the Development Committee and Gala Committee

• Support school-based events including Welcome Week, holiday celebrations, and staff recognition

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 3 years of fundraising experience (donor cultivation, grant writing/reporting)

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects

• Experience creating newsletters, reports, or donor communications

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with DonorPerfect and basic design tools is a plus

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Commitment to educational equity and the mission of North Side Community School

About North Side Community School

North Side Community School is a tuition-free, public PreK–8 charter school located in the City of St. Louis, serving approximately 500 students across three campuses. Founded in 2009, North Side is consistently ranked among the top public schools in both St. Louis and Missouri.

The word “community” is at the heart of who we are—small class sizes, incredible teachers, and engaged families working together to help every child thrive. 100% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and many come from the most underserved neighborhoods in the city.

We believe every child deserves a caring, rigorous, and nurturing environment—and every day is a fresh start full of possibility.

Compensation & Benefits

North Side offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including support for continuing education and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Side Community School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.