Advancement Director

Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids Schools•Grand Rapids, MI

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

West Catholic High School is seeking an Advancement Director who will be responsible for advancing the mission of West Catholic through the solicitation of major gifts, fundraising strategy, alumni relations, and the development of funds to support operations. The Director of Advancement will work collaboratively with other areas of operational vitality at West Catholic as we further the school’s mission. The following are characteristics of an ideal candidate: -Passionate about West Catholic and the mission of Catholic education -Innovative and responsive to manage a hard-working team and build a strong rapport with colleagues and members of the community. -Collaborative through effective listening and proactive communication. -Eager to promote the mission of West Catholic to form Disciples of Christ through a dynamic, excellence-driven Catholic education.

Requirements

Dedication to the mission of Catholic education.
Three years of relationship management experience.
One year of supervisory experience.
Maintain, or willingness to become and maintain, certifications and training necessary for Catholic school institutional advancement.
Minimum bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Willingness to work off-site when necessary and travel 2-3 weeks per year.

Nice To Haves

Practicing Catholic preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the financial needs of the school, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and special events.
Leads a team of employees for their hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision and performance reviews.
Establishes standard operating procedures, work performance standards, work schedules, and basic job descriptions for development staff.
Develops procedures for the processing of gifts to the school.
Coordinates meetings with benefactors.
Collaborates with the school leadership team for the cross-departmental work of events, communications, and relationship management.
Maintains databases of all donor information, alumni information, and data trends of philanthropic giving to the school.
Stays informed on emerging practices in nonprofit institutional advancement strategy.
Manages and enhances the school’s alumni relations, fostering connections and engagement with former students through events, newsletters, social media, and alumni networks.
Is present at major events in the greater Grand Rapids area for the development of alumni relations and donor relations.
Works in conjunction with the development committee of the governing board.
Meets regularly with the President/CEO and attends all appropriate meetings with the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Maintains and implements the advancement plan that includes communication timelines, development strategy, and avenues for maintaining donor relationships.
Upholds the mission of West Catholic to form Disciples of Christ through a dynamic, excellence-driven Catholic education, with value placed on the dignity of work and the dignity of the human person.
Performs other duties as assigned by the president.