Director of Development at Pacifica Christian High School-Orange County – Newport Beach, California

Pacifica is known for its Christ-centered mission, academic distinction, and deeply relational community—but also for forging a distinct path in the landscape of high school education. This identity was not formed by accident. It is the fruit of bold vision, steadfast leadership, and the generosity of those who have believed in something greater for the next generation. United by this shared commitment, we’ve built more than a school—we’ve formed a place where young people learn to think and live well to the glory of God.

Embark on a transformative journey with Pacifica Christian High School (Pacifica), where education is about more than achievement—it’s about joyful formation: teaching students to think and live well, to the glory of God. Founded in 2015 with 48 students, Pacifica has grown into a thriving community now at our founding goal of 372 students, with a growing alumni base already numbering in the hundreds. We are a young school with uncommon momentum and a future still being built.

In just ten years, we have built one of the most distinctive places for teenagers to think and live well. At the center is a core curriculum grounded in Christ and Holy Scripture and rooted in the great books tradition. Across more than 50,000 minutes of rich dialogue, students wrestle with big ideas, grow in conviction, learn to disagree with grace, and pursue what it means to live well in our world. Many graduate with a year of college credit already in hand and step onto campuses ready to think for themselves, stand firm in what they believe, and engage others with wisdom and charity. Their next steps include Harvard University, University of Virginia, Duke University, Westmont College, Wheaton College, University of Notre Dame, Yale University, Biola University, and Baylor University, to name only a few. Today, nearly 400 alumni are living, studying, and leading around the world, starting businesses, building families, strengthening the church, and living lives of purpose.

That same momentum is visible beyond the classroom, across the life of the institution. In 2021, Pacifica completed a successful capital campaign—raising nearly $15 million to built the Harold Brown Center for Learning, a flagship expression of our commitment to academic excellence. In 2023, we launched the Pacifica Endowment, which is already approaching $1 million. This winter, we opened the Triton Lab, ushering in a new era for Triton Athletics with a home for strength, conditioning, and recovery. Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we are pursuing ambitious goals of $3 million for the Pacifica Fund, alongside more than $2.2 million in financial aid commitments.

With the launch of our new Strategic Vision— Rallying the Really Human Things—Pacifica is entering a defining season. This Vision is our roadmap: shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ, rooted in the richness of the liberal arts, and ignited with joyful purpose. It calls us to the courageous, hope-filled work of cultivating what is most human, most enduring, and most needed in our time.

We are preparing for a second decade marked by significant opportunities: the potential acquisition and renovation of the Triton Event Center campus, strategic growth of the endowment, and multiple capital initiatives that will shape our mission, sustainability, and long-term impact. This is a rare chance to help build—not merely maintain—an Advancement program with real imagination, conviction, and scale.

Pacifica is seeking an entrepreneurial, relational, and strategic Director of Development to lead philanthropic growth at a pivotal moment in the school’s history. This leader will build trust-based relationships with families, donors, and alumni; strengthen a culture of joyful generosity; and design and execute fundraising strategies that support Pacifica’s mission and long-range vision.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraising professional who is energized by a high-trust environment, inspired by a Christian vision of formation, and motivated by the opportunity to shape what Advancement can become in a young, thriving institution. The Director of Development will provide strategic direction and leadership to the Advancement function—partnering closely with the Head of School, Administrative Leadership Team, and key Board leaders—while building systems, rhythms, and a high-performing approach to annual giving, major gifts, and long-term campaign planning.

This role reports directly to the Head of School, serves on the Administrative Leadership Team, and oversees the Advancement Office. With a spirit of collaboration, optimism, and excellence, the Director will take ownership of ambitious goals, including $3M in annual giving and the pursuit of up to $40M in potential campaign projects over the next decade. This is an opportunity for a builder—someone who can lead strategy and execution, cultivate deep relationships, and help chart Pacifica’s future with clarity and conviction.

Core Beliefs

Pacifica's Core Beliefs and Approach to Teaching and Learning serve to provide clarity on who we are including our mission, purpose, and approach to student formation. Please read this document and use it to respond to questions in the application.

• Develop and execute comprehensive advancement strategies to increase philanthropic support for Pacifica’s mission and programs.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with patrons and major donors, alumni, parents, and other key stakeholders to maximize philanthropic support.
• Lead the planning and implementation of capital campaign strategies, annual giving programs, and special fundraising events.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner and advisor to the Head of School, collaborating closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to align advancement strategy, donor engagement, and public representation with the school’s strategic priorities and fundraising goals.
• Manage the Advancement Team, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure the team’s success.
• Oversee management of donor databases and gift processing systems to ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Work closely with communications and marketing team members to develop compelling messaging and materials that effectively communicate the school’s impact and funding needs.
• Represent Pacifica at community events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance the school’s visibility and reputation.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising and communications efforts, tracking progress toward goals and making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in advancement and philanthropy, continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Pacifica, with a passion for education and youth development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset, capable of developing and executing effective fundraising strategies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, with a high level of professionalism and integrity.
• A commitment to excellence and spirit of optimism and possibility about achieving great things during a time of profound disruption and opportunity in the education space.

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree in related can be helpful) alongside a curious mind who enjoys learning.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in advancement/fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful campaigns.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated success inspiring and motivating a team to realize ambitious goals.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases and CRM systems, as well as proficiency in Google Suite and other relevant software.

• A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment can begin.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.