Director of Advancement

Job Description

Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame, a joyfully Catholic, classical high school, is seeking an experienced, energetic, results-oriented Director of Advancement to strengthen the school's long-term vitality and advance its mission through fundraising, donor stewardship, marketing, communications, and collaborative enrollment support.

As a member of Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame's leadership team, the Director of Advancement will cultivate relationships with benefactors, families, alumni, and parish communities and work closely with the Board of Directors and Headmaster to develop and implement strategies that broaden the school's community of support, promote sustainable growth, and strengthen institutional stability.

Reports to: Executive Committee of the Board of Directors

Primary Areas of Responsibility Development
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual giving, major gift campaigns, planned giving, and mission-appropriate corporate and foundation grant proposals.
• Coordinate and regularly meet with a development committee of volunteer parents, staff and a Board of Directors representative.
• Oversee the school's annual fundraising gala and other major advancement events.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with benefactors, alumni, parents, parish communities, and foundations.
• Identify and pursue new and creative sources of funding.
• Oversee processing of donations, prepare and send gift acknowledgements, and maintain accurate donor records.
• Provide regular reports to the Executive Committee on progress, goals, and opportunities.

Marketing & Communications
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to strengthen the school's visibility and support among key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain consistent messaging that communicates the mission of Chesterton Academy and Catholic classical education across newsletters, promotional materials, annual publications, social media, parish bulletins, and donor communications.
• Maintain and update the school's website and social media platforms.
• Write and distribute news releases highlighting school events and accomplishments.

Enrollment and Recruitment
• Collaborate with the Headmaster and admissions leadership to support enrollment goals.
• Promote Open Houses, information sessions, Shadow Days, and recruitment initiatives.

Qualifications
• Practicing Catholic willing and able to take the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of Catholic classical education.
• Experience in nonprofit advancement, fundraising, communications, marketing, or related fields preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with benefactors, volunteers, parents, Board members, and community partners.
• Experience with donor management software, computer and technical skills.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits
This position may be structured as part-time or full-time, requiring 20-40 hours per week, with the option for a hybrid work arrangement. Some evening and weekend availability will be required. This position offers a salary range of $30,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and work schedule. Benefits include vacation and sick leave, tuition discounts, and access to a voluntary 403(b) retirement plan. Compensation will follow the school's established salary and benefits structure, with the opportunity to earn additional performance-based compensation.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three to five references to Richard Black, Board Chair, at board@chestertonacademyofnotredame.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.

About the Employer

Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord's offer to have life and have it abundantly. Our classical curriculum combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty.