Associate Director of Advancement

Notre Dame School of Milwaukee • West Milwaukee, WI

9d

About The Position

The Associate Director of Advancement supports Notre Dame School of Milwaukee’s fundraising, communications, and donor engagement efforts. The role coordinates grant development and reporting, develops written content, and assists with appeals, donor 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.

This position is suited to an organized, collaborative professional with strong writing skills who can manage multiple deadlines and contribute to a range of advancement projects. Graphic design experience is a plus but is not required. Work includes office-based writing and research, meetings, campus visits, and event support, in collaboration with Advancement staff and colleagues across NDSM’s campuses. Occasional evening or weekend participation is needed for school or fundraising activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, English, journalism, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Professional experience in advancement, fundraising, grant writing, communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated 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 both 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

• 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 communicating NDSM’s mission and impact.
• Draft content for 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 through preparation of materials and assistance 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level