Advancement Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Advancement Manager to lead our fundraising and relationship-building efforts. In this vital role, you will develop and execute comprehensive strategies to secure funding, cultivate donor relationships, and promote our school's mission through innovative marketing and engagement initiatives to drive sustainable growth. The ideal candidate is passionate about nonprofit management, Catholic education, possesses exceptional communication skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment committed to making a meaningful impact.

Role Requirements:

Development & Donor Relations

Manage and grow relationships with donors, volunteers, partners, and community stakeholders through personalized engagement strategies
Steward existing donors through regular communication, acknowledgment, and relationship-building
Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective individual donors
Support grant research and application processes
Assist with planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual gala
Maintain accurate donor records and giving history in the school's CRM system
Collaborate with the board on major gift cultivation strategies
Admissions

Develop and execute a recruitment strategy to add approximately 20 students annually over the next several years
Cultivate relationships with prospective families, parishes, feeder schools, and homeschool communities throughout the greater Knoxville region
Coordinate open houses, shadow days, and other admissions events
Manage prospective family communications and guide families through the admissions process
Track enrollment pipeline and report regularly to school leadership
Qualifications Desired:

Service-focused individual, with appreciation for classical education and the school's mission
Experience in fundraising, admissions, sales, marketing, or relationship-based work
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
Organized and able to manage multiple priorities independently
Comfortable with public speaking and community engagement
Familiarity with CRM or donor management software, preferably Bloomerang
Connections to the Knoxville-area Catholic community a plus

About the Employer

Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is a Classical high school in the Catholic tradition located in the greater Knoxville area. Our school offers an integrated, college preparatory curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classics, the school develops complete thinkers who learn to draw on faith and reason for the purpose of building a culture of life.