Director of Community Engagement

POSITION: Director of Community Engagement and Academy Giving

LOCATION: Great Hearts Irving Lower and Upper Schools; Irving, Texas

DIRECTLY REPORTS TO: Headmasters of Great Hearts Irving

FUNCTIONAL REPORTING TO: GHTX Development

SALARY: $50,000-59,000

*Occasional travel within Texas may be required.

About Great Hearts Texas:

Great Hearts Texas is a network of tuition-free public schools dedicated to improving education in Texas. A Great Hearts Texas Academy cultivates great-hearted leaders capable of success throughout their higher education and professional careers. With a curriculum built upon a classical liberal arts tradition and a revolutionary approach to education, Great Hearts Texas nurtures the hearts and minds of students in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

Purpose:

This role sits at the intersection of development and community relations. The Director of Community Engagement and Academy Giving (DCE) advances the academy’s mission by securing financial support through the annual Community Investment campaign and other giving opportunities, expanding outreach when necessary, and strengthening community ties. Reporting to the campus Headmaster, with functional support from GHTX Development as well as Marketing and Enrollment teams, the DCE plans and executes annual Community Investment campaigns, cultivates donor relationships, and fosters partnerships to boost student enrollment and enhance the academy’s reputation. This role requires strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills. The DCE regularly collaborates with faculty, parents, volunteers, and the broader community to align fundraising priorities with the academy’s mission and effectively expand the academy’s brand and outreach.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development:

• Lead the planning and execution of the Community Investment campaign in alignment with GHTX strategies to meet and exceed goals.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with academy families, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to secure financial support.

• Identify and cultivate matching gifts, partnerships, and small grant opportunities toward the Community Investment fund and other fundraising initiatives.

• Using approved platforms, maintain standard operating procedures for gift entry and constituent data records.

• Maintain Community Investment visibility at events, meetings, and other vital channels to foster a culture of philanthropy.

• Report on key metrics and trends to the academy headmasters.

• Attend regular meetings with other Directors of Community Engagement and Academy Giving and central office support teams.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Advance outreach and marketing impact through strategic efforts to increase brand awareness and enrollment demand according to the academy’s goals.

• Drive initiatives to build strong partnerships by assisting the administration in hosting events, family tours, and other programming.

• Manage or support campus communication channels as needed (email, social, website, etc).

• Serve as a key partner to the academy’s Academy Advisory Committee (AAC) and Parent Service Organization (PSO).

• Represent the academy at internal and external functions, maintaining a positive public image.

• Collaborate with GHTX Marketing and Enrollment teams to promote growth and re-enrollment.

Qualifications:

Education: A Bachelor's Degree

Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field.

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and storytelling abilities.

• Strong interpersonal skills with an outgoing, relationship-oriented personality.

• Proven ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to inform strategic decisions.

• Experience in enrollment marketing and community outreach is highly desirable.

• Commitment to Great Hearts Texas's mission and classical education principles.

• Fluency in Spanish is an asset.

• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

• Experience with constituent databases and giving platforms; familiarity with Raiser's Edge and Classy is beneficial.

• Skilled in utilizing email marketing tools and managing social media outlets.

Travel Requirements:

May need to travel locally to meet with academy families, attend school activities, and participate in community events.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform tasks involving standing, sitting, bending, squatting, reaching, and occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds.

It may require moving or positioning equipment for events and activities.

Additional Information:

Must pass a mandatory background screening.

Expected to follow the campus administrative schedule, including participation in summer and winter activities as required.

Serve as a visible and active presence on campus, aligning with the culture and values of Great Hearts Texas.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.