Careers

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Anticipated Openings
Openings for the 2026-2027 school year
 
 

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Director of Development

    Full-Time
    Reports to: Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management
    Lacordaire Academy, Montclair, NJ
    Start Date: July 1, 2026

    Position Overview

    The Director of Development serves as the senior leader of the Development Office and reports to the Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management.
    This individual’s primary responsibility is to build and grow a major gifts program, while also overseeing annual giving, alumni engagement, and fundraising events in support of the Academy’s overall philanthropic goals.
    The Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, supervise development staff, and ensure strong coordination, accountability, and forward momentum across all advancement initiatives.
    This role is designed for a polished, highly organized advancement professional who is comfortable in donor-facing environments and confident in leading conversations around giving.
    Primary Responsibilities

    Major Gifts (Primary Focus)

    • Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects
    • Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in partnership with senior leadership
    • Develop and execute individualized strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation
    • Identify and support major gift opportunities for senior leadership

    Fundraising Strategy and Annual Giving

    • Develop and implement an annual development plan aligned with institutional priorities
    • Provide strategic direction for the annual fund, with execution supported by the Assistant Director of Development
    • Oversee tracking and reporting of progress toward fundraising goals
    Alumni Engagement
    • Provide strategic direction for alumni engagement initiatives, in partnership with the Assistant Director of Development and the Development and Alumni Engagement Associate
    • Support the development of alumni volunteer and ambassador programs
    • Partner with Communications to elevate alumni visibility and storytelling

    Events and Donor Experience

    • Provide leadership and direction for all fundraising events, in partnership with the development team
    • Ensure events are financially sound, mission-aligned, and relationship-driven
    • Represent the Academy confidently and professionally in both formal and social settings
    • Build strong relationships with parents, alumni, and community partners

    Team Leadership

    • Supervise the Assistant Director of Development and the Development and Alumni Engagement Associate
    • Establish clear performance goals and accountability systems
    • Ensure strong coordination and communication within the Development Office
    Qualifications
    • 5–10 years of experience in development, fundraising, nonprofit advancement, or related field
    • Experience participating in or leading major gift cultivation and solicitation
    • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
    • Excellent organizational and project management abilities
    • Professional presence and confidence in donor-facing environments
    • Ability to balance strategic thinking with effective execution
    • Experience with Blackbaud and Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred, with the ability to effectively use and interpret data to support fundraising efforts
    • Commitment to the mission of Catholic independent education

      Benefits

      Lacordaire Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package. In addition, the Academy values work-life balance and provides:
      • Summer hours schedule
      • Two-week summer campus closure (in addition to regular vacation time)
      • School holidays, including Winter Break and Spring Break (in addition to regular vacation time)
      • Flexibility for remote work when responsibilities allow
      • A collaborative, mission-driven environment within a small, relationship-centered school community

      How to Apply

      Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
      scallahankeefe@lacordaire.net
      Attn: Saydi Callahan Keefe
      Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management
Teaching at Lacordaire
Desired candidates interested in joining our teaching team will be individuals who:
 
  • Uphold the mission, beliefs and values of the Academy and the Dominican spirit
  • Engage joyfully in their work
  • Value and celebrate diversity and commit to creating a sense of belonging for all
  • Be committed to lifelong learning for students and self, and seek ongoing opportunities for professional growth
  • Exhibit flexibility, initiative, motivation, and the ability to be a team player
  • Support and develop a challenging, innovative, and engaging curriculum
  • Collaborate with the evaluation and design of department curriculum
  • Apply knowledge of best practices in instruction, assessment, & classroom management
  • Strive to create a supportive and inclusive classroom culture
  • Identify and support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs
  • Contribute to community building by serving as a student advisor and activity moderator
  • Actively collaborate, seek partnerships, and communicate effectively with all constituents
  • Demonstrate strong organizational, interpersonnel, and communication skills
  • Maintain a spirit of humor and compassion

Take the Next Step: 

Lacordaire Academy values all employees and candidates as unique individuals, and we welcome the variety of experiences and perspectives they bring to our community. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
 
Interested applicants should forward their resume, cover letter, and copy of certifications to the Associate Head of School, Suzanne Bilicska, at sbilicska@lacordaire.net.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Employee Benefits

    Lacordaire Academy is a special place to work and grow as a professional. We value the work and dedication of our teachers, staff, and administrators, and as a result are continually seeking ways to acknowledge and recognize them.
     
    Full time employee benefits include, but are not limited to:
    • Small class sizes in a supportive, faith based environment
    • Life & AD&D Insurance
    • Health and Dental Coverage
    • 403B plan options with employer contributions
    • Tuition remission for children
    • Tuition reimbursement for ongoing education
    • Opportunities to engage in professional development
    • Working in the beautiful township of Montclair, easily accessible by train and bus lines, and located off of many major highways, the area has lots to offer including entertainment, dining, shopping, culture, arts, nature, and more!
Lacordaire Academy is an independent Catholic school, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell. The Academy has a long standing legacy of excellence in curriculum and community, serving a diverse student population of students in our coed PreK through 8 and our all girls 9th through 12th grade. Guided by our mission, we aim to develop critical and innovative thinkers who are empowered and equipped to be global citizens of strong moral character.

Contact

155 Lorraine Ave. Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
(973)-744-1156
info@lacordaire.net

Our Mission

Empowering students to become confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition
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