Job Title: Director of Advancement
Reports To: Principal and Pastors
Employment Type: Twenty Hours per Week
Position Overview:
The Director of Advancement is a key member of the leadership team at St. Joseph/St. Robert School, a Catholic elementary school committed to fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to support the school’s mission through fundraising, alumni relations, donor stewardship, and marketing initiatives. The Director of Advancement will lead efforts in managing a capital campaign, coordinating the annual appeal, cultivating relationships with alumni, and growing the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donor base.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising & Development
- Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive capital campaign to support school growth and infrastructure projects.
- Lead and manage the school’s annual appeal, setting goals, creating materials, and engaging donors.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential major gift donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Develop and expand the EITC program by building relationships with businesses and educating them on program benefits.
- Research and identify grant opportunities as well as develop and write grant proposals.
Alumni Relations
- Establish and maintain meaningful connections with alumni through regular communications, events, and engagement opportunities.
- Create and manage an alumni database to track engagement and contributions.
- Plan and execute alumni-focused events, such as reunions and networking opportunities.
Donor Stewardship
- Build and nurture strong relationships with current and prospective donors through consistent communication and personalized outreach.
- Oversee donor recognition efforts, including thank-you notes, acknowledgment events, and reports on the impact of giving.
Marketing & Communications
- Collaborate with the school’s leadership to develop and execute marketing strategies that promote the school’s mission and initiatives.
- Create compelling materials for fundraising campaigns, newsletters, and social media platforms.
- Manage the school’s website and social media presence as it pertains to advancement efforts.
Data Management
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donations, donor information, and fundraising activities using advancement software or databases.
- Provide regular reports to the principal and school leadership on progress toward fundraising goals and campaign milestones.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Work closely with the principal, administration, Home and School Association, and volunteer committees to achieve advancement goals.
- Serve as a visible and enthusiastic representative of the school in the broader community.
- Attend and support school events, particularly those tied to advancement efforts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., communications, marketing, nonprofit management).
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related role, preferably in a school or nonprofit setting.
- Proven success in managing capital campaigns, annual appeals, and donor cultivation.
- Strong understanding of EITC programs and their benefits – training available for this.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in advancement databases and tools.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Catholic values and traditions, with a commitment to supporting the school’s mission.
- Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and meetings.
Compensation:
$30,000 with the option of benefits
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Jennifer Durkin, Principal at jdurkin@stjstr.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
St. Joseph/St. Robert School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices.