Director of Advancement

Position Overview 

The Director of Advancement’s primary goal is to spread the mission of the RCCSS to the wider community in order to obtain funding and improve community relations. This is accomplished through relationship building and strategic fundraising programs. This position requires a dynamic individual with excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as a strong commitment to Catholic education.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Fundraising Strategy

• Consult with the Superintendent to create fundraising strategies to meet annual goals and long-term financial objectives  
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, foundations and corporations
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, such as the Cavalier Weekend, special events and other fundraisers 
• Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements 

Maintain donor and alumni relationships:  

• Develop and maintain long lasting and fruitful relationships with donors; ensuring timely and personalized communication to express appreciation and provide updates on the impact of contributions  
• Build and maintain an alumni database; review prospective lists prior to solicitation for all  fundraising activities of the school  
• Collaborate with school leadership to identify opportunities for donor and alumni engagement; Organize alumni events, reunions, and networking opportunities to encourage participation and support.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage alumni and foster a sense of connection and pride in the school community, including the alumni webpage and Cavalier Alumni magazine.

Improve the public profile of the RCCSS:  

• Represent RCCSS in public and community forums, including local media
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of this community as well as knowledge about  education, and specifically, Catholic education  
• Give tours and organize open houses to develop relationships with prospective families  

Financial Management and Leadership:  

• Monitor revenue and expenses related to fundraising activities and initiatives, providing regular reports to school leadership 
• Develop and manage the Advancement Office’s  budget, ensuring proper use of resources
• Lead the Advancement Office staff in an energetic drive towards goals

Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in business, social service, nonprofit management or related field  required, or 5-8 years related work experience  

Experience:  

• Strong understanding of Catholic values and commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
• Experience using and interpreting relevant metrics of fundraising and enrollment  Strong understanding of Catholic values and commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate the school's vision and impact to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, and special events.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors, volunteers, alumni, and other stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement creative fundraising strategies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and fundraising software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect) preferred.

Skills:  

• Must show the essential marks of Catholic faith. The ideal candidate will live a life inspired by a  supernatural vision, founded in Christian Anthropology, animated by communion and community,  imbued with a Catholic word view, and sustained by Gospel witness. 
• Understanding of the principles and techniques of successful non-profit development; including,  the various types of giving, marketing, communications, and grant procurement  
• Strong understanding and proven experience in cultivating positive relationships with donors 
• Must be comfortable speaking in public  

Additional Position Details:  

• Fundraising for, or other conflicts of interest, involving entities outside the RCCSS will not be allowed.  

Physical requirements 

• Employee should be able to navigate stairs, walk between school buildings, lift 10-20 pounds frequently,  and 40 pounds occasionally. Must be able to communicate clearly in English.  

Supervision Received 

Superintendent  

Supervision Exercised 

Advancement Office staff  

The RCCSS reserves the right to alter this position’s job description/job duties to meet the needs and goals  of the system.