Director of Advancement

Job Description

Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School seeks a Director of Advancement to lead all fundraising, stewardship, and community engagement efforts in support of our mission to form students in the Truth through prayer, study, community and service.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director oversees a three-person advancement team (Associate Director, Events Coordinator, and Advancement Assistant) and builds relationships with parents, alumni, and benefactors to strengthen the school's financial foundation and future.

Rooted in the Catholic call to stewardship, this role is one of strategic leadership - helping others participate in the Church's mission of Catholic education through their generosity.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision
--Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement plan supporting the school's mission, enrollment goals, and long-term strategic vision.
--Integrate Catholic values and the spirituality of stewardship into all advancement initiatives.
--Work closely with school leadership and the Advancement Committee of the Board to align advancement strategies with institutional priorities and the school's strategic plan.
--Build a culture of gratitude, mission awareness, and donor vocation throughout the school community.

2. Major and Planned Giving
--Lead, mentor, and support the Associate Director in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors and prospective benefactors.
--Personally manage a portfolio of 30-50 high-capacity donors and prospects, maintaining regular contact and conducting at least 5-10 donor meetings per month.
--Develop and oversee a planned giving program that invites donors to leave a legacy of faith through bequests and estate gifts.

3. Annual Fund and Campaigns
--Oversee the design and execution of the annual fund, ensuring growth in participation and dollars raised each year.
--Lead or support special initiatives such as giving days, capital campaigns, and endowment growth efforts.
--Collaborate with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging across appeals, newsletters, and digital platforms.

4. Events and Community Engagement
--Plans donor cultivation events, alumni gatherings, and community celebrations that reflect the joy and hospitality of the Gospel.
--Supervise the Events Coordinator with planning and execution of the Annual JP Gala, JP5K and Fun Run, and Golfing with Wolves events.
--Partner with parent and alumni associations to deepen engagement and strengthen lifelong relationships with the school.
--Ensure that all events are aligned with the Catholic identity and mission of the school.

5. Stewardship and Data Management
--Guide the Advancement Assistant in maintaining accurate donor records, gift processing, and acknowledgment systems.
--Oversee timely and personalized stewardship communications that express gratitude and demonstrate the impact of giving.
--Use data-driven analysis to evaluate advancement activities and identify growth opportunities.

6. Leadership and Formation of Staff
--Provide ongoing formation, professional development, and spiritual encouragement for advancement team members.
--Foster a collaborative, mission-driven office culture centered on prayer, excellence, and integrity.
--Model servant leadership and ensure accountability for clear goals and measurable outcomes.

Qualifications
--Practicing Catholic with strong commitment to Catholic education.
--Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred (Business, Nonprofit Management, Education, or Theology).
--5+ years of advancement or nonprofit leadership experience.
--Proven record in major gift fundraising and team leadership.
--Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
--Experience with Raiser's Edge or ease in learning database software.

Compensation and Benefits
--Salary: $95,000-$125,000, commensurate with experience.
--Comprehensive diocesan benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plan.
--Paid vacation, holidays, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter (expressing your alignment with Catholic mission), resume, and three references to: search.committee@jpthegreat.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis to fill an open position.

About the Employer

Rooted in the Dominican tradition of prayer, study, community and service, Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School is committed to the formation of youth with special emphasis on the ethical development of the students. We strive to provide an environment where students can grow in the image of Jesus Christ while developing intellectual, theological, and moral virtues. As a school within the Arlington Diocese, we prepare each student for a life of faith, service, and integrity.