Director of Advancement

Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Director of Advancement
POSITION OVERVIEW
Mount St. Michael Academy is seeking an ambitious, results-driven Director of Advancement for this progressive, growth-oriented private Catholic school. Reporting to the school President, the Director of Advancement is responsible for developing and managing a strategic fundraising program and enhancing relationships with the school's 10,000+ active alumni and friends. The Director is tasked with building opportunities that will deepen alumni loyalty and strengthen participation, volunteerism, and giving across class years.

ABOUT MOUNT ST. MICHAEL ACADEMY
Mount St. Michael Academy, in the tradition of the Marist Brothers, provides a Catholic, college-preparatory education to young men, grades 6 through 12. For more information, please visit www.mtstmichael.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Development
• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement program encompassing annual fund, major gifts, alumni relations, stewardship, special events, and campaign readiness.
• In Partnership with the President, engage with existing donors to maintain and enhance relationships, identifying opportunities for increased revenue and engagement.
• Partner with the President and Board to shape long-term advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Build and manage a portfolio of prospects, moving them through the full donor lifecycle.
• Build strategies for engagement, and lead work to forge new relationships, including corporate and foundation giving.
• Provide leadership in setting multi-year fundraising goals and performance metrics
• Lead efforts around developing the senior class giving program and other student engagement opportunities.
• Work with the Director of Marketing to produce tailored proposals, pitch decks, reports, and stewardship tools.
• Lead capital campaign planning and execution, including feasibility studies, prospect strategy, volunteer leadership, and gift solicitation, as appropriate to institutional priorities.
• Help fulfill initiatives related to student scholarships.
• Develop and promote a planned giving and legacy giving strategy aligned with the school's mission and long-term sustainability
• Serve as a senior institutional leader and strategic advisor to the President
• Build, mentor, and lead a growing advancement team focused on collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Alumni Relations
• Work closely with the President and oversee the Director of Alumni Relations to design and implement a comprehensive alumni relations engagement plan guided by the school's mission and culture.
• Plan, promote, and execute targeted alumni events offering a variety of programs that support the school's strategic plan and other priorities.
• Grow regional alumni chapters and affinity groups to attract higher participation at alumni events.
• Oversee and ensure accurate and complete alumni database records; track event responses and monitor registrations; work with the database manager to capture alumni contact, biographical, and career information via surveys, correspondence, and personal interactions.
• Work with the Director of Alumni Relations to maintain connections with young alumni and introduce innovative approaches to targeting recent graduates and engaging students as they transition into alumni.
• Maintain and establish relationships with a wide range of alumni - locally, regionally, and nationally; maintain regular communication with alumni via direct contact, email blasts, alumni web pages, and print material.

Special Events
• Provide strategic leadership for the School's upcoming 100th Anniversary (Centennial) celebration, serving as the primary staff lead for planning, coordination, and execution of all centennial-related initiatives.
• Work with school leadership and committee to plan and execute the annual Golf & Tennis Invitational held each spring; actively engage alumni, friends, and school partners to recruit sponsorships and participants.
• Work with the Director of Alumni Relations to plan Career Day by recruiting volunteer alumni and friends to return to campus and speak with students about job paths and career planning.
• Plan and coordinate the Legends of The Mount event. The Legends recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions to the school and to society at large, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the legacy of excellence at Mount St. Michael Academy.
• Oversee the Director of Alumni Relations in executing the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner honoring notable athletes, coaches, and executives.
• Lead efforts for major class reunions, especially for the 50th Golden Anniversary class during graduation weekend, and other anniversary years by developing leadership committees, executing targeted outreach, and planning events from inception through completion.
Marketing
• Coordinate with the Director of Marketing on all internal and external media and develop a marketing plan to support and enhance alumni activities, especially among young alumni and reunion classes.
• Lead efforts to engage alumni through social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and create exciting and innovative content for audiences.

Volunteer Management
• Partner with the Board of Trustees and Advancement Committee to strengthen a culture of philanthropy and volunteer leadership.
• Advance the mission of Mount St. Michael Academy by fostering a culture of stewardship, generosity, and lifelong connection rooted in Catholic and Marist values.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Advancement. Supervisory experience is highly preferred.
• Substantial experience in event planning, particularly in educational or nonprofit settings.
• Demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically within a resource-constrained environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with alumni, vendors, volunteers, and other constituents.
• Demonstrably strong writing skills and the ability to speak in public.
• Extensive experience with The Raisers Edge or a comparable constituent management database.
• Ability to travel (must have a valid driver's license) and work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
How to Apply:
Email your cover letter and resume to LISA.BENNETT@mtstmichael.org, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position. Please indicate Director of Advancement Search in the subject.

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $115,000 and will be commensurate with experience.

Mount St. Michael Academy is an equal opportunity education institution and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, religion, national origin, or physical disability in its activities, programs, or employment practices.

About the Employer

Mount St. Michael Academy, in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church and the Marist Brothers provides a rigorous, value-centered, college preparatory education to a brotherhood of young men in grades 6 through 12. Founded in 1926 in the Northeast section of The Bronx on the border of Westchester County, The Mount opened as a "boarding and day school in the country". Today on 22 lush, green acres, The Mount educates over 700 young men of diverse backgrounds.