Interim Director of Advancement

The Frances Xavier Warde School•Chicago, IL

2d•$110,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

This is an interim leadership appointment anticipated to last approximately 6–11 months. The Interim Director of Advancement will provide continuity, strategic oversight, and day-to-day leadership for the Advancement function while FXW determines its longer-term leadership needs and completes the transition to a permanent Director of Advancement. The exact length of the appointment may vary based on the needs of the School. The Interim Director of Advancement is a strategic and experienced leader who serves as a key member of the School’s senior leadership team. This role is responsible for providing continuity and leadership for FXW’s comprehensive advancement program, maintaining momentum toward established institutional priorities, and supporting a successful transition to permanent leadership. In close partnership with the Head of School, the Interim Director advances FXW's mission as an independent Catholic school rooted in faith, inclusivity, service, and academic excellence. The Interim Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of Advancement, including fundraising, marketing and communications, parent engagement, alumni relations, special events, and advancement operations. The role leads and supervises a collaborative Advancement team consisting of the Communications Manager and Social Media and Marketing Manager, Annual Giving and Advancement Data Manager, Alumni Relations Coordinator, and Special Events Coordinator, ensuring continuity, operational excellence, and sustained progress during the leadership transition. Success in this role will be measured by the Interim Director's ability to sustain fundraising momentum, provide strong leadership to the Advancement team, strengthen donor and community relationships, and ensure a seamless transition to permanent leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, development, or related fields, with demonstrated success in major gifts, annual giving, and campaign management.
Proven record of strategic leadership, including experience with policy development, budgeting, and organizational planning.
Strong leadership and management abilities with experience supervising, mentoring, and motivating diverse teams.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising, marketing, and communications strategies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiation, and the ability to inspire and engage varied audiences.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with donor database systems (Veracross or similar), Microsoft Office Suite, and marketing analytics or CRM tools.
Demonstrated ability to quickly assess organizational needs, establish priorities, and lead effectively during periods of organizational transition.
Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines with composure.
Maintains absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude, and communication.
Creative and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, networking, and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Self-starter with the initiative to meet goals and benchmarks without daily supervision.
Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to establish credibility quickly with diverse stakeholders while leading through organizational transition.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in advancement, nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field preferred.
Experience in independent or faith-based schools preferred; familiarity with Catholic education and its traditions is an asset.

Responsibilities

Maintain, implement, and evaluate the School's comprehensive advancement strategy, ensuring continuity of strategic priorities while identifying opportunities and recommendations for the permanent Director of Advancement.
Partner with the Head of School to set and meet annual goals for fundraising, constituent engagement, marketing, and communications.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School, Advancement Committee, and the Children at the Crossroads Foundation (CATC) Board.
Foster a culture of philanthropy grounded in Catholic stewardship and inclusive values, ensuring the “why” of giving is understood and embraced across the community.
Oversee strategic communications planning, ensuring consistent messaging, brand alignment, and mission-driven storytelling across all channels.
Lead all philanthropic efforts for FXW and CATC, including the Annual Fund, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and special events.
Partner with the Head of School to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects; personally manage a portfolio of donors and prospects.
Support the Head of School and external campaign consultants in maintaining momentum and implementing strategies for The Foundations Campaign during the interim leadership period.
Collaborate with the Annual Giving and Advancement Data Manager to establish annual giving goals, donor segmentation strategies, and stewardship plans.
Work with the Finance Department to ensure timely reconciliation of all gifts, pledges, and reports.
Supervise the Communications Manager and Social Media and Marketing Manager in developing integrated strategies that elevate the School’s visibility and reinforce FXW’s mission and values.
Oversee the development of print and digital content for admissions, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives—including the FXW website, newsletters, social media, and annual reports.
Ensure all communications reflect the School’s voice: faith-centered, inclusive, and community-oriented.
Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration to ensure alignment between Advancement, Admissions, and Academics in representing FXW’s value proposition.
Lead, coach, and mentor the Advancement team, fostering a high-performing, mission-driven culture of accountability, collaboration, creativity, and stability throughout the leadership transition.
Build confidence and maintain continuity with donors, parents, alumni, trustees, volunteers, and community partners throughout the interim leadership period.
Build team capacity through professional development and clear performance expectations.
Ensure all team functions, including data integrity, gift processing, and donor stewardship, reflect best practices and operational excellence.
Promote strong communication and coordination across the Advancement Team’s efforts in fundraising, events, alumni relations, communications, and marketing.
Maintain organized records, document key priorities and processes, and prepare a comprehensive transition briefing to support the onboarding of the permanent Director of Advancement.
Serve as a visible ambassador of FXW within the broader community, cultivating strong relationships with parents, alumni, trustees, and external partners.
Partner with the Alumni Relations Coordinator to grow alumni engagement through events, mentorship opportunities, and strategic communications.
Provide strategic guidance for special events (e.g., FXW Gala, Bright Futures Dinner, Grandparents & Special Friends Days, and donor receptions), ensuring alignment with advancement, community-building, and engagement goals.
Collaborate with the Head of School to foster transparency and trust through open communication regarding philanthropy, financial sustainability, and the impact of community support.
Coordinate and support community activities, events, and family engagement initiatives of the PAC Parent Association.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs and priorities of the School.
Complete the required new hire paperwork and mandatory Archdiocese training.
Must clear Background Check/Fingerprints.
Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies.
Required to attend additional training classes as designated by the Security Operations Manager/ Security Lead or Security Supervisor and/or FXW administrative staff.