Director of Advancement

JOB PURPOSE:

The Director of Advancement provides leadership and direction for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising activities, gift solicitation and stewardship, as well as the planning and execution of the school marketing and enrollment efforts. Other responsibilities include church and school development, database management, communications and constituent relation activities that build positive relationships with school families, parishioners, donors, volunteers, staff, businesses, and community members that creates a climate for school/parish growth.

The individual holding this position is responsible for the strategic oversight, development, and implementation of an advancement/marketing program for Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School. The primary objective is to secure the financial revenues required for Sacred Heart to carry out its mission and specific program goals by building positive relationships with school families, parishioners, donors, volunteers, staff, businesses, and community members. The Director must provide leadership and direction and collaborate with the principal in the areas of marketing, public relations and all new fund-raising initiatives.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Development /Stewardship

• Plan, manage, and implement annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaign. This includes but is not limited to prospect identification and research, cultivation, solicitation, gift processing, database management, acknowledgments, and stewardship.
• Educate and engage key volunteers (e.g., Development Committee/Marketing Squad) in implementing mission-based fundraising and participation in school/church events.
• Responsible for the planning, management, promotion and implementation of all fund-raising and friend-raising initiatives including the annual gala, and parishioner events.
• Works to create and support a culture of philanthropy within the school and parish.

Marketing and Communications/Enrollment Management

• Working closely with the Development Committee/Marketing Squad and key volunteers, coordinate the external and internal marketing initiatives that attract and retain students in sufficient numbers to support the programs of the school.
• Responsible for the planning, management and implementation of the marketing, recruitment, and retention of students. This includes but is not limited to open houses, campus visits and tours, re-registration, promotion, and marketing materials creation.
• Responsible for supporting and maintaining content and professional writing and design standards for all communications. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Print publications including school newsletter/magazine, marketing materials, giving program brochures and direct mail pieces
  • Schools’ websites, Facebook, and other social media outlets.
  • Electronic communications including online newsletter, surveys, and email
  • Media relations and coverage of school and parish events including promotion and communications to local media and archdiocesan communication vehicles.

• Attend all CSCOE squad meetings and implement best practices.
• Plan Open House events, minimum 2-3 a year.
• Create an annual marketing plan with CSCOE to retain and recruit students.

Constituent and Alumni Relations

• Identify, recruit, and engage volunteers for development and enrollment efforts including prospects, parents, alumni, grandparents, students, faculty and staff, new parishioners, etc.
• Volunteer planning and management
• Event planning, management, and implementation
• Work closely with the School Advisory Committee, parish and parish councils, staff, and volunteers to assist them in school/parish activities and events

Governance and Strategic Planning

• Promote understanding, acceptance and support of the vision and mission statements, and objectives of the school and parish
• Set priorities to meet annual goals in development and enrollment
• Work closely with the Development Committee/Marketing Squad to set and achieve goals and objectives
• Serve as staff liaison to the School Advisory Committee and other parish committees as required

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General Work Standards

• Recognize when situations require more effort.
• Satisfy responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Provide an example of punctuality and attendance.
• Generally, ensure work is completed as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of all work data

Software Used at Sacred Heart

• CRM (Salesforce), Parish Soft, TADS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.

Other Advancement duties as assigned

***The responsibilities listed above are representative of the position and are not all-inclusive.

• Strong fundraising and gift solicitation background
• Strong communication skills – both written and oral
• Experience in enrollment management, development, sales, marketing, communication, and/or volunteer management.
• Ability to communicate a passion for the Catholic faith and Catholic education
• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in developing and accomplishing organizational goals

• Confidentiality, integrity, and honesty
• Detail orientated
• Ability to build a team, effectively recruiting and managing volunteers

• Ability to conceptualize and execute strategic plans, the ability to interact confidently and effectively with parish and school constituencies
• Experience in a parochial or not-for-profit environment preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in related field strongly preferred
• 3 years or more of fundraising experience is preferred
• CRM (Salesforce) knowledge and experience is a plus

• Catholic preferred.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Karen Bursey, Principal. kbursey@sacredheartschoolrobbinsdale.org