Director of Institutional Advancement

Visitation School is seeking an experienced and motivated Director of Institutional Advancement to fill a full-time position.  The Director of Institutional Advancement leads our overall advancement activities and constituent relations programs. Reporting directly to Visitation’s Head of School, this role has full responsibility for donor engagement, capital, major and planned gift programs, annual fund, special project fundraising, alumnae affairs, special events, stewardship, Parents' Association, corporate and foundation relations, and management of the day-to-day functions of the Visitation Advancement Team. The Director, in concert with the Head of School and Board of Trustees, plays a leadership role in the development of strategic plans to strengthen financial resources and advance the mission of the school. Additionally, the Director will provide support to the Visitation Board of Trustees’ Development Committee, whose responsibility is to foster and enhance overall giving.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Advanced Degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in comparable educational or non-profit development.
• Minimum 5 years of team management experience to include supervisory or leadership responsibility; experience overseeing an educational-related program preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both verbal, written and listening skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in current advancement practices and procedures.
• Experience designing and implementing short-term and long-term strategic plans.
• Experience working with Board Trustees and managing a Development Committee.
• A proven track record with successful fundraising and annual giving programs.
• Experience leading successful capital campaigns.
• Ability to solicit and secure gifts ranging from cold calls to major gift renewals.
• Good judgment with an aptitude to motivate and inspire people, set priorities, analyze data, prepare conclusions and handle multiple assignments with tight deadlines.
• Excellent, clear and compelling written and oral communications and experience providing credible and authentic presentations to external audiences.
• Advanced working knowledge of data and database management, as well as computer and software applications such as Raiser’s Edge and RE-NXT.
• Be a self-starter who takes initiative in addressing the needs of the school.
• Must exhibit a willingness to work flexible hours in a variety of tasks, including evening and weekend work when necessary.
• Models the highest qualities of integrity and professionalism for staff.
• Proven effectiveness leading staff and building effective teams.
• A strong desire to contribute actively to a community where students are known, loved, and challenged.
• A commitment to Visitation School’s mission and values.
• Able to demonstrate and model the philosophies and spirit of Visitation School. “Salesian Spirituality” reflects gentle strength, dignity, patience and Christian humanism.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, implement and manage all philanthropic activities including but not limited to the annual fund, special events, major gifts, alumni relations and planned giving to meet the agreed upon goals.
• Design strategic, results-driven Advancement plan to meet Visitation School’s Giving Revenue goals.
• Develop and execute all facets of capital and comprehensive campaigns for the school.
• Develop, maintain, and reinforce the relationship between the School and its current and potential families, faculty and staff, alumni and their families, friends and supporters, and the greater community.
• Maintain and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Revitalize donor recognition programs and personalized stewardship efforts.
• Effectively manage and execute all critical channels, stakeholder programs and events that connect the School to its most important constituents in collaboration with key Advancement staff members.
• Leverage the Head of School and other key members of the school leadership team as instruments for donor engagement and solicitation.
• Responsible for the preparation, management and adherence to an annual departmental budget.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications, Finance, Enrollment, and Athletics Departments to align development efforts with organizational priorities.
• Staff appropriate Board Committees and serve as a liaison to the Development Committee.
• Provide ongoing updates, reports and/or requested information to Administration and the Board.
• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team for the school.
• Represent Visitation School through involvement with appropriate organizations: NAIS, ISACS, ICGS, MISF, AFP, CASE, CEFM, etc.

Visitation is an independent Catholic day school with a culture permeated by Salesian Spirituality. We offer a unique combination of learning experiences with an on-site Child Care Center, co-ed Lower School (Montessori preschool through grade 5), an all-girls Middle School (grades 6-8), and an all-girls Upper School (grades 9-12). A member of NAIS and accredited by ISACS, we are located on a beautiful 60-acre campus in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.  Please visit our website at https://www.visitation.net for more information.

Visitation School believes that diversity enriches all in our community, leading to a better, more creative and productive work environment.  Please read our diversity statement to learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualified candidates are asked to send a letter of interest and resume, including three references to recruitment@vischool.org.

Salary Range:  $140,000 – 160,000 annually

Benefits Offered:

• Paid personal, sick time, and holidays
• Medical, Dental, Life and LTD, Vision, and more insurance benefits are available
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution upon eligibility
• Tuition Remission

This posting is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not a comprehensive list of all job responsibilities. Visitation School is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Qualified candidates are asked to send a letter of interest and resume, including three references to recruitment@vischool.org.