Director of Advancement

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION: DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
ST MARY CATHOLIC PARISH
SUPERVISED BY: PARISH MANAGER

The Director of Advancement for the School and Parish will serve as a key leader in promoting and enhancing the mission of both the parish school and the faith community. This multifaceted role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for fundraising, donor stewardship, marketing, advertising, and admissions. This role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive initiatives that strengthen community engagement, support enrollment growth, and advance the school and parish mission. The Director of Advancement supervises the Admissions Communications Coordinator, who is responsible for admissions outreach, messaging, and communication strategies for the school and parish.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Write and execute an annual Strategic Development, Marketing, & Admissions Plan with specific performance goals, to be approved by the Parish leadership

2. Lead, direct and execute activities called for in the Development Plan which may include:

a) Major Donor Gift Program
b) School Annual Fund Program
c) School Gala & Auction
d) Parish Stewardship Appeal
e) Diocesan Bishop's Appeal at Parish Level
f) Grant Writing Program
g) Fundraising for the School Endowment
h) Planned Giving Program
i) Parish Estate Planning
j) Parish Fall Festival Sponsorship
k) Other Fund-raising initiatives

3. Direct school or parish capital campaigns as needed.

4. Organize and provide support to sustain groups and associations that support the Development function:
a. Alumni Association (including an Alumni Mass) b. Grandparents Association
c. Parish Stewardship Commission
d. Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

5. Identifies, maintains contact with parish and school donors, identifies prospective donors and ways of giving to the parish and ensures appropriate donor recognition and designation of donations to support the parish.

6. Lead and manage the Long-Range Plan Development Sub-Committee.

7. Cultivate, train and direct volunteers to assist in the above activities. Provide direct support to volunteer Chairs for the programs supporting development.

8. Attend various monthly parish meetings and/or submit regular development reports. (ie. School board, staff, finance, etc.)

9. Develop and manage the annual Development budget within approved guidelines.

10. Maintain and increase professional skills by membership in professional organizations and participation in appropriate training.

11. Maintain and operate all Development software programs

12. Coordinate all Development related public relations activities and events.

13. As part of the Development Plan, oversee the development and execution of a Communications plan to promote Development related activities and events (e.g. website, email, print, and social media).

14. Prepares school publications (annual report, annual newsletter, etc.) that reflect the mission of the parish.

15. Report regularly to the Parish / School Administrator and School Principal on the qualitative and quantitative status of fundraising goals.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work closely with the school board, finance board, staff, and volunteers to assist them in their activities
• Work to build an alumni network and parish stewardship
• Seek third-party recognitions, grants, special funding, etc.

OPERATIONS
• Database planning: data acquisition and management
• Database management: oversee the management of databases as it relates to enrollment management and development, especially the updating and maintaining of the alumni database
• General office processes and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must have experience in enrollment management, development, sales, marketing,
communication, and/or volunteer management, preferably in the field of education
• Ability to appreciate and communicate a passion for the Catholic faith
• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in developing and accomplishing organizational and fundraising goals
• Ability to build a team, effectively recruiting and managing volunteers
• Superior communication skills, ability to conceptualize and execute strategic plans, the ability to interact confidently and effectively with parish staff, donors, school administration, the media, and alumni
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and development applications
• Experience in a parochial or not-for-profit environment is preferred
• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Compensation will be based on qualifications and relevant experience

HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references to parishmanager@stmarysoakridge.org

About the Employer

St. Mary Parish is a vibrant Catholic faith community, committed to our Lord Jesus Christ through worship, education, and service.