Chief Advancement Officer-The John Carroll School, Bel Air MD

******Interested applicants should email a résumé, cover letter, and three professional references for consideration to Vicki Thacker: vthacker@johncarroll.org******

The John Carroll School seeks a dynamic and results-driven Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead and grow the school’s advancement efforts. The CAO is responsible for the strategic leadership of fundraising, alumni engagement, communications, and donor relations in support of the school’s Catholic mission and growth.

The Chief Advancement Officer will cultivate a culture of philanthropy, strengthen relationships with alumni and benefactors, and secure financial resources that support the school’s academic excellence, faith formation, and student opportunities.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the school’s mission and strategic plan.

• Serve as a member of the school’s Executive Leadership Team.

• Partner with the President, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees to advance fundraising growth objectives and initiatives.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, and planned giving.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and benefactors.

• Manage the donor database and track advancement metrics.

• Develop compelling cases for support and fundraising materials.

Alumni, Parent, and Community Engagement

• Engage alumni and parents as mission partners.

• Coordinate alumni programs and reunions.

Communications and Marketing

• Oversee advancement communications, social media, and donor reporting.

• Promote the school’s mission, achievements, and impact to internal and external audiences.

• Collaborate with admissions to support enrollment initiatives.

Events and Stewardship

• Direct fundraising events and donor appreciation programs.

• Ensure strong stewardship practices that recognize, grow, and retain donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit leadership experience.

• Proven success in securing major gifts and managing development programs.

• Strong understanding of Catholic education and commitment to the mission of Catholic schools.

• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and leadership skills.

• Experience with donor management systems and advancement analytics.

Preferred Qualities

• Practicing Catholic or strong familiarity with the Catholic educational mission.

• Experience working with nonprofit boards, alumni communities, and volunteers.

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Health, retirement, and other benefits.

• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in advancing the John Carroll School experience.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter

• Résumé

• List of three professional references

Pay Range: 100,000-$160,000, Annualized