Director of Advancement

Archdiocese of Detroit•Warren, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Regina High School seeks an accomplished, mission-driven advancement leader to serve as Director of Advancement and lead the school's philanthropic vision and advancement strategy. Working in close partnership with the President, the Director of Advancement serves as Regina's chief ambassador for philanthropy, building meaningful relationships that inspire investment in the school's Catholic, Franciscan mission and long-term future. This executive leader champions Regina within the community, cultivating relationships with alumnae, parents, grandparents, foundations, corporations, and friends of the school while advancing a culture of generosity rooted in faith, trust, and purpose. The Director of Advancement develops and executes comprehensive strategies for annual giving, major gifts, capital initiatives, stewardship, alumnae engagement, planned giving, donor communications, and institutional marketing. As a member of the President's Cabinet, this leader helps shape the strategic direction of Regina High School while ensuring every advancement initiative reflects the school's mission, vision, and values. Regina's mission is to form young women of faith, intellect, and character through a rigorous education rooted in the Franciscan tradition.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible advancement leadership experience.
Demonstrated success securing major philanthropic gifts.
Experience leading comprehensive fundraising programs.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic campaigns.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong executive presence and relationship-building abilities.
High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Ability to inspire confidence among donors, trustees, volunteers, and colleagues.
Experience supervising professional staff.
Familiarity with Catholic education or mission-driven nonprofit organizations preferred.

Nice To Haves

The ideal Director of Advancement is more than an accomplished fundraiser. They are a relationship builder, strategic thinker, storyteller, and champion for Catholic education. They possess the confidence to engage philanthropists, the humility to serve alongside colleagues, and the vision to inspire others to invest in Regina's future. They understand that transformational philanthropy begins with authentic relationships built over time. They communicate with warmth and credibility, earning trust through integrity, consistency, and genuine care for others. Above all, they believe deeply in the transformative power of Catholic education and embrace Regina High School's Franciscan commitment to forming young women of faith, intellect, and character. Their leadership reflects the school's emphasis on human dignity, academic excellence, conviction, compassion, leadership through service, and joyful purpose.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with Regina's strategic plan.
Partner closely with the President to identify philanthropic priorities and funding opportunities.
Build a sustainable culture of philanthropy throughout the Regina community.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Board of Directors on advancement strategy.
Establish measurable goals and regularly evaluate progress toward fundraising objectives.
Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational philanthropic investments.
Develop comprehensive donor cultivation strategies that lead to long-term relationships.
Lead capital campaigns and comprehensive fundraising initiatives.
Expand planned giving opportunities and legacy society participation.
Serve as a visible ambassador for Regina High School throughout southeast Michigan and the Catholic community.
Foster strong relationships with alumnae, parents, grandparents, benefactors, foundations, clergy, and community leaders.
Collaborate with volunteers and the Board of Directors to strengthen philanthropic engagement.
Represent Regina with professionalism, warmth, confidence, and integrity.
Provide strategic oversight for institutional marketing and communications to ensure every message reflects Regina's identity and mission.
Strengthen institutional brand awareness.
Develop compelling fundraising campaigns.
Communicate donor impact.
Enhance stewardship communications.
Tell authentic stories that inspire engagement and generosity.
Lead, and develop a high-performing Advancement initiative.
Foster collaboration across Admissions, Marketing, Finance, and Academic Leadership.
Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Utilize data, analytics, and CRM systems to inform decision-making and measure effectiveness.