Director of Advancement
About the role
Saint Viator High School is a Catholic, college preparatory community committed to forming young people with character, purpose, and faith. As we continue to grow enrollment, strengthen our philanthropic culture, and advance a bold vision for the future, we are seeking a dynamic and mission-aligned Director of Advancement to help lead our next chapter.
Key Responsibilities
Help foster a collaborative, high trust, high accountability culture.
Oversee daily operations of the advancement office and ensure alignment across all revenue-generating activities.
Manage a talented team, including Advancement Specialist (FT), Major Gifts Officer (FT), Events Specialist (PT), Alumni Relations Specialists (PT), Prospect Research and Campaign Support Consultant (PT).
Partner closely with the VP of Advancement on capital campaign strategy, execution, and donor recognition.
Lead the Annual Giving program, including three annual appeals and the Day of Giving, ensuring compelling messaging and strong year-over-year growth.
Oversee planning, strategy, and execution of two signature fundraising events, ensuring both revenue and community engagement goals are met.
Assist with donor stewardship systems, including acknowledgments, donor walls, naming opportunities, and the annual impact report.
Ensure a consistent, mission-centered donor experience that strengthens long-term loyalty.
Support and lead select alumni events, strengthening lifelong connections to Saint Viator.
Collaborate with internal partners to build a vibrant, inclusive alumni engagement strategy.
Work closely with the VP of Advancement and VP of Brand & Marketing to develop a comprehensive annual communications plan with compelling calls to action.
Lead planning and strategy for the Institutional Advancement calendar in coordination with the school calendar.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and revenue tracking across all advancement revenue streams.
Explore the role of AI and emerging technologies to scale and modernize advancement operations.
Key Characteristics
Intentional, thoughtful, hard-working, analytical, communicative, adaptable, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and hands-on.
A leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment and brings both strategic vision and operational excellence.
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 5 years of advancement experience, preferably with identifiable growth.
Demonstrated proficiency in managing teams effectively, offering constructive feedback and coaching while offering the team reasonable autonomy.
Prioritizes proven ability to manage multiple events/projects simultaneously, including processes to support all advancement activities.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and present to others.
Experience with Blackbaud and most notably Raiser’s Edge.
Value Catholic education with a commitment to lifting up the Viatorian mission.
Team player with an ability to work collaboratively and positively with others.
Preferred experience in a high school advancement operation.
Experience working inside a capital campaign.
Experience managing people and processes within philanthropy.
Salary Range
$85K to $100K - depending on experience.