Director of Advancement

Saint Dominic Academy seeks an experienced fundraising professional to serve as Director of Advancement as the school approaches its 150th anniversary. A visionary leader, the successful candidate is creative, energetic, organized, technically savvy, and confident in fundraising, while being collaborative and excited to engage in a larger school community. The strong candidate advances the mission of the Academy by maintaining a charismatic presence within and beyond the school community.

The Director of Advancement is both a strong leader and a doer, responsible for designing and managing all aspects of fundraising, including the Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Special Events, Grants, campaigns, and communication. This job is accomplished through the individual’s own direct efforts as well as through managing others and effectively leveraging the skills and volunteer contributions of parents, alumnae, board members and staff.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate current fundraising strategies, fundraising plan and donor relationships, including donor recognition and stewardship
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan based upon proven methods to meet annual and long-term financial goals in conjunction with effectively deploying the Head of School and Board of Trustees (e.g.: annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, and future capital campaign)
• Works with the Board of Trustees to reach fundraising goals, by engaging the Board in fundraising activities, and in identifying new individual and other funding prospects
• Lead the strategic solicitation of gifts of all sizes, planned giving, grant writing, corporate sponsors and foundations.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, foundations, alumnae
• Cultivate donor relationships and prospects in collaboration with the Head of School and the Board Advancement Committee.
• Provide detailed and updated fundraising reports, written updates, proposals and presentations consistently to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees
• Plan, coordinate, attend and support all fundraising events and initiatives such as the Gala, alumnae reunions, network events, career fairs, and social gatherings to foster connections among alumnae and between alumnae and the Academy
• Develop and implement strategies to engage and connect with alumnae, fostering a sense of community and support for the Academy.
• Develop a deeper engagement of the school’s young alumnae, and strengthen relationships and programmatic opportunities for young alumnae to give back to their alma mater.
• A self-starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals in a timely manner and without day-to-day supervision.
• Enthusiasm for being part of the school community and for all girls education.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to adapt to changing environment and priorities
• Oversee the Advancement, and Marketing and Communications Associates
• Manage the marketing and communication plans that enhance the Academy’s visibility and donor engagement. Oversee the production of newsletters, annual reports, social media, and website content.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in advancement/development with an emphasis on individual and major giving
• Demonstrated senior leadership with strategic policy, and budget planning experience
• Excellent understanding of principles and techniques of Development activities including annual giving, major giving, planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, marketing and communication, and grant procurement
• Proven success in directly soliciting and closing major gifts
• Proficiency in and the ability to leverage data in support of decision making and strategic planning
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated creativity and the ability to craft engaging and compelling content for various communication channels including newsletters emails and social media
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and strategies with the ability to effectively engage alumnae, community members, and partners in philanthropic activities and campaigns
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with and motivate staff, Board members and community volunteers
• Innovative and entrepreneurial, with demonstrated problem-solving approach to complex issues.
• Ability to reason, think creatively and work well under pressure
• A self-starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals in a timely manner and without day-to-day supervision.
• Enthusiasm for being part of the school community and for all girls’ education.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to adapt to changing environment and priorities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year