Associate Director of Advancement

Notre Dame School of Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

The Associate Director of Advancement supports Notre Dame School of Milwaukee’s fundraising, communications, and donor engagement efforts. The role coordinates the grant process, develops written content, and assists with appeals, stewardship, events, and other advancement activities. Working closely with the Vice President of Advancement and the Advancement team, the Associate Director helps connect donors and other supporters to NDSM’s mission and impact. The position is suited to an organized, collaborative professional with strong writing skills who can manage multiple deadlines and contribute to a variety of advancement projects. Graphic design experience is beneficial but not required. The work includes office-based writing and research, meetings, campus visits, and event support, with occasional evening or weekend participation for school or fundraising activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Professional experience in advancement, fundraising, grant writing, communications, or a related field.
Ability to write clear, compelling, and accurate content for different audiences and purposes.
Strong editing and proofreading skills, with close attention to grammar, tone, and consistency.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Ability to gather information through research, interviews, and collaboration with colleagues.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
Strong storytelling skills and ability to communicate human impact and measurable results.
Initiative and curiosity in identifying stories and potential funding opportunities.
Warm, professional approach to working with colleagues and supporters.
Sound judgment when handling sensitive student, family, donor, and financial information.
Collaborative approach and openness to feedback and revision.
Careful attention to detail and reliable follow-through.
Ability to work independently while keeping colleagues informed of progress and information needs.
Flexibility to balance ongoing responsibilities with changing priorities.
Writing samples will be requested as part of the application process.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Grant research and proposal-writing experience.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or another donor management system.
Graphic design and layout experience, including familiarity with Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

Research foundation and corporate funding opportunities aligned with NDSM’s mission and priorities.
Prepare grant proposals, applications, and reports in collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement.
Maintain the grant calendar and coordinate information gathering, internal review, and submission.
Work with Finance and school staff to gather budgets, program information, and outcomes.
Maintain accurate grant records in Raiser’s Edge NXT and assist with funder updates and follow-up.
Gather stories and develop content that communicates NDSM’s mission and impact.
Draft newsletters, e-blasts, fundraising appeals, donor updates, and other materials.
Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Events to prepare materials for print and digital distribution.
Edit and proofread communications for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
Assist with design and layout projects as skills allow.
Assist with annual appeals, donor stewardship, and other fundraising initiatives.
Prepare donor correspondence, proposals, presentations, and recognition materials.
Support Salsa Sampler and other events by preparing materials and assisting with assigned activities.
Assist with prospect research, donor outreach, and follow-up as directed by the Vice President of Advancement.
Maintain relevant donor information and activity records in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Contribute to special projects and other Advancement duties as assigned.