Executive Director of Advancement for Parishes (EX)

The Executive Director of Advancement is a member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive institutional advancement program for the School and Parish. With the support of the Pastor and School President, the Executive Director of Advancement will implement a multi-level advancement plan that includes alumni, family and community engagement, fundraising vision, and communications and marketing for St. Mary’s School and Parish. The Executive Director will also collaborate with Parish communications and marketing staff, and the enrollment management and admissions directors. The Executive Director of Advancement reports directly to the Pastor and collaborates closely with the School President, while leading and managing the Advancement team. Direct reports on that team will include the Director of Development, Alumni Engagement and Events Coordinator, the Administrative Assistant for Advancement, Digital Media Coordinator, the Data Research/Analyst, and the Social Media Coordinator.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee the activities of the Director of Development, in the areas of annual giving, major gifts and capital campaigns. This includes, but is not limited to, prospect identification and research, cultivation, solicitation, gift processing, database management, acknowledgements and stewardship.
• Identity potential major donors – individual, corporate and foundation. Cultivate and steward prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communication with them.
• Identify local business owners and other alumni, parishioners, and current families.
• Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective donors.
• Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
• Set priorities to meet specific financial annual goals in development, enrollment and communications/marketing which will be tracked for year end performance.
• Work to create and support a culture of philanthropy within the parish and schools.
• Promote understanding, acceptance and support of the vision and mission statements and objectives of the parish and schools.
• Assist with events within the Development Office function – securing sponsors, event planning details and more.
• In coordination with the Director of Development and the Alumni Engagement and Events Coordinator, identify opportunities engage St. Mary’s alumni in event attendance and participation, volunteering, giving and alumni reunions.
• In coordination with the School President, manage communications and marketing, development and admissions
  Work with Controller on proper recording of donations.

 Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of professional advancement experience in major gifts, campaigns or planned giving, communications and marketing or enrollment management.
• Ability to effectively communicate the values and mission of St. Mary’s Parish and Schools.
• Superb interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Highly self-directed with an attention to detail.
• Demonstrates excellence in organizations, managerial and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally.