Director of Development

Director of Development
Fortune Academy | Indianapolis, Indiana Full-Time/Exempt Primarily Monday–Friday with required evening and weekend availability for events and school functions.

Join the Mission at Fortune Academy
Fortune Academy seeks a passionate, organized, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, sponsorships, events, grants, and community engagement initiatives that directly support students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences.
The ideal candidate is a confident communicator and proactive fundraiser who can build authentic relationships, expand community partnerships, and successfully secure financial support for the school’s mission.

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Donor Relations
● Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, families, alumni, and community partners
● Lead fundraising campaigns, donor communication, and stewardship efforts
● Confidently solicit donations, sponsorships, and partnerships
● Identify and cultivate new donor and sponsorship opportunities
● Maintain donor records and track gifts through Bloomerang
● Coordinate donor acknowledgments, tax letters, and recognition efforts

Events & Community Engagement
Lead planning and execution for major school events and initiatives, including:
● Iconic Gala
● Through Our Eyes Dyslexia Simulation
● Going Red for Dyslexia
● Bingo and Fall Festival
● Back-to-School, family, staff, and appreciation events
● Graduation support and community engagement events

Responsibilities include:
● Vendor and speaker coordination
● Event logistics and promotion
● Volunteer management
● Sponsorship integration
● Registration, hospitality, setup, and hosting

Grants & Strategic Development
● Identify grant opportunities with school leadership
● Manage grant applications, reporting, and compliance
● Support program outcome tracking and data collection
● Oversee grants such as Executive Functioning initiatives and SSSG Homeland Security Grant

Sponsorships & Community Partnerships
● Secure and steward year-round sponsorships
● Develop relationships with businesses and community organizations
● Coordinate Dine/Shop to Donate partnerships
● Represent Fortune Academy at networking and community events

School & Department Support
Collaborate across departments on:
● Athletics and Performing Arts
● Parent education and alumni events
● Volunteer coordination
● Social media, newsletters, printing, and marketing support
● Guest speaker coordination and board updates

Core Focus of the Role
This is an active fundraising and relationship-building position. The Director of Development is expected to confidently pursue new funding opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, expand sponsorships, and serve as a visible ambassador for Fortune Academy.
Successful candidates will:
Be confident making direct fundraising asks
● Thrive in networking and community engagement
● Build long-term donor and sponsor relationships
● Connect people meaningfully to Fortune Academy’s mission

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
● Organized and detail-oriented
● Relationship-focused and personable
● Confident in networking and fundraising
● Skilled at managing multiple projects and events
● A strong written and verbal communicator
● Professional, adaptable, and mission-driven
● Passionate about supporting students and families

Preferred Qualifications
● Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, event planning, marketing, or community engagement
● Education or nonprofit experience preferred
● Familiarity with donor management systems such as Bloomerang
● Experience coordinating events, volunteers, and sponsorships
● Ability to work flexible evening and weekend hours

Why Fortune Academy?

Fortune Academy is a mission-driven community dedicated to empowering students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences through individualized instruction and meaningful support.
This role offers the opportunity to:
● Make a lasting impact on students and families
● Lead high-impact fundraising and community initiatives
● Collaborate with passionate educators and supporters
● Help shape the future growth of Fortune Academy

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing relevant experience in fundraising, grant management, development, nonprofit leadership, events, marketing, or community engagement.
Please send to:
Hayley Ahearn - Head of School (hahearn@thefortuneacademy.org)
Chelsea Koehring - Assistant Head of School (ckoehring@thefortuneacademy.org)