Director of Advancement

Job Description

LOURDES ACADEMY
250 N. Sawyer St., Oshkosh, WI 54902
Position Opening: Director of Advancement

Reports to: System President
FTE: 1.0
Status: Exempt
Start Date: June 15, 2026

Position Summary:
The incumbent is an integral member of the Advancement/Development Office. This position is responsible for establishing and overseeing annual fund campaigns, fundraising events, system marketing, student enrollment, communications, and website management to advance the mission of Lourdes Academy.

Responsibilities:
Leadership
• Serves as the leader member of the Development Office and collaborates with the Advancement/Development team members.
• In partnership with the System President, Board of Trustees, and Lourdes Foundation, sets metrics and benchmarks conducive to meeting the annual financial goals.
• Provides feedback regarding Development programs as appropriate and requested by the President/Board of Trustees.
• Oversees the Advancement/Development team: Development Coordinator, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Enrollment Coordinator, and Database Coordinator.
• Follows the System's policies and standard processes and respects the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith.

Strategic Planning
• Working with President, creates a comprehensive fundraising program for Lourdes Academy.
• Achieve the fundraising goals of Lourdes Academy through donor development programming, grant writing, fundraising events, and marketing.
• Manages all campaigns and fundraisers for the System. Ensure committees and employees are on task and that all data is tracked for reporting and follow up.
• Communicate and coordinate Lourdes Academy development activities.
• Monitor the administration of policy in the area of development, admissions, marketing, and communications including the System's website and social media.
• Reports and articulates objective progress as needed at meetings.

Resource Development
• Manages, plans, and implements an innovative events, enrollment, marketing, and communications programs as a component of the Advancement/Development team's business development function.
• Is responsible for planning, budgeting, fundraising, and implementing event assignments each year to meet or exceed budgeted projections.
• Coordinates public awareness of Lourdes Academy and its financial needs through communication and through active involvement in the community.
• Participates with other staff in promoting good teamwork.
• Recommends measures to improve methods, performance and quality of product or service, and suggest changes in working conditions to increase efficiency.
• Coordinate and track the annual fund and faculty/staff campaign. Does this belong in this position or the Advancement position?

Marketing & Public Relations
• Coordinating with Enrollment Coordinator and Marketing Committee, establishes and directs a marketing plan
• Creates communication for the Lourdes Academy System.
• Is responsible for the integrity of Lourdes Academy branding. Ensuring branding is consistent in positioning for the system.
• Oversees website administration. Works with IT, volunteers and staff and/or outside vendors to ensure the website is current and an effective means of communication. Regular updates of content, photos, and videos are important.
• Advocates for the System and serves as an ambassador for the mission of Lourdes Academy.

Qualifications:
• Qualified candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years' fundraising experience, or the equivalent. Non-profit experience a plus.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent knowledge and experience, in Business Communication, Marketing, or related major preferred
• Demonstrated success in managing a team
• Experience working directly with volunteer groups in a leadership role.
• Business planning and execution experience.
• Superior written and oral communication skills and be well versed in negotiating and closing important gifts.
• Must be an articulate spokesperson, able to speak convincingly, knowledgeably, and passionately about Lourdes Academy both publicly and internally, demonstrating a persuasive, appealing and sincere personality.
• Must have motivational skills and the ability to lead while interacting effectively with multiple constituencies.
• Must have a clear understanding and appreciation of the missions, vision, values, and traditions of Catholic education.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Proficiency with hardware/software relevant to job requirements
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentially and professionalism
• Ability to be flexible and change priorities as needed
• Demonstrated experience of effective communication and analytical skills
• Ability and willingness to work nonstandard hours as needed.
• Commitment to the highest standards of customer service.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively with others to promote teamwork and the values of Lourdes Academy.
• Commitment to Lourdes Academy's mission, L.A.W., and its Catholic values is a must.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this position. It is not designate to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of an employee in this position.

The incumbent is able to support, affirm, and uphold, by word and example, the teaching of the Catholic Church.

All positions are contingent upon the successful completion of diocesan background check and VIRTUS Safe Environment Awareness training.

Candidates can submit letter of interest and resume to: lreischl@lourdes.today

Why Join Our Team
As a Catholic school system, there are many opportunities to build relationships with colleagues, students, parents and families, and local clergy, which creates a loving and supportive family atmosphere.
Positions at Lourdes are not just a job. It's a ministry filled with caring and compassionate people who dedicate their time and talent to bringing our students and families closer to Christ.
All the faculty and staff at Lourdes Academy support the System's mission and vision by playing an important role in ensuring student success.

Lourdes Academy System Profile
The Lourdes Academy Catholic school system serves over 700 students in grades PK3 - 12 in the greater Oshkosh area. The school is committed to providing a traditional education in a faith filled environment. Our goal is to make sure our students and staff feel safe, valued and loved.

About the Employer

The Lourdes Academy Catholic school system serves over 700 students in grades PK3 - 12 in the greater Oshkosh area. The school is committed to providing a traditional education in a faith filled environment. Our goal is to make sure our students and staff feel safe, valued and loved.