Director of Advancement - Marian High School

Job Description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting directly to the Principal, the Director of Advancement will serve as the strategic leader for Marian's philanthropic initiatives and community outreach. As a key member of the school's leadership team, the Director will oversee fundraising, alumni engagement, major-donor development and donor stewardship, supporting and advancing the school's Catholic educational mission and vision as well as the Marian Way.

The Director will lead a committed team that includes a development services specialist, a director of alumni affairs and a director of major giving. In partnership with the Principal and the Advisory Board, the Director will also provide leadership, strategy and implementation for the school's emerging capital campaign.

KEY AREAS OF IMPACT
- Mission-Driven Advancement Leadership: Support and advance Marian's Catholic educational mission, vision and the Marian Way.
- Capital Campaign & Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives, including the annual fund, capital campaigns, planned giving, endowment growth, grant writing and major gifts.
- Major Gifts & Donor Stewardship: Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, parents, donors, corporations, foundations and community partners.
- Alumni Engagement: Build stronger relationships with Marian's graduates and create meaningful opportunities for alumni to reconnect and give back.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead and supervise a team of three to five people responsible for advancement services, alumni engagement, the annual fund, community engagement and events, and major giving.
- Executive & Board Collaboration: Work with the Principal and Advisory Board to shape fundraising strategy and drive donor engagement.
- Data, Systems & Operations: Use donor analytics and best practices to improve fundraising effectiveness and donor retention; manage the office budget.
- Vision & Storytelling: Articulate an ambitious case for support for Marian's future and collaborate with marketing and communications on messaging.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Practicing Catholic with successful experience in fundraising or institutional advancement, preferably within an educational or faith-based institution
- 2-5 years experience, with 1-2 years proven experience in fundraising, advancement, major gifts, or alumni relations
- Proven ability to build donor relationships, cultivate major gifts and run successful fundraising campaigns
- Experience leading advancement professionals; capital campaign experience is a plus
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Strong leadership and team-management skills, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and experience with CRM operation and use

START DATE
January 2027

TO APPLY
Review the full search prospectus and apply at:
https://partnersinmission.com/marian-director-of-advancement

Questions? Contact Evan Wescott, Partner, Partners in Mission: ewescott@partnersinmission.com, 215.495.7941

About the Employer

Partners in Mission Leadership Search is the retained search division of Partners in Mission, the nation's leading full-service consulting firm focused exclusively on advancing excellence in Catholic leadership, advancement, and mission. As partners to our clients' missions, we value, understand, and embrace the vital role Catholic institutions play in the life of the Church and remain committed to ensuring their strength and vitality for years to come. Engaged by dioceses, religious communities, schools, apostolates, boards, and other Catholic organizations, our team of dedicated search consultants has identified and secured mission-driven professionals to serve in a wide range of executive and leadership positions from Massachusetts to Hawaii.