Job Description: Director of Advancement
Cathedral Prep School and Seminary
Position Overview
The Director of Advancement serves as the chief development and external relations officer for Cathedral Prep School and Seminary. This position is responsible for leading and managing all advancement efforts, including fundraising, alumni relations, communications, marketing, and institutional outreach, in support of the mission of the school and seminary. The Director works closely with the Rector/President, Board of Trustees, and Diocesan leadership to cultivate a culture of philanthropy and engagement that sustains and strengthens the institution's Catholic educational and formational mission.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Fundraising and Development
Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
Lead major gift solicitation, planned giving initiatives, and capital campaigns.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
Work with the Rector/President and Board to secure transformational gifts.
Oversee annual giving programs, including direct mail, online campaigns, and special appeals.
Maintain and expand a portfolio of major gift prospects.
2. Alumni Relations
Build and sustain strong relationships with alumni of Cathedral Prep School and Seminary.
Develop programming that fosters alumni engagement, including reunions, events, and networking opportunities.
Encourage alumni participation in mentoring, recruitment, and philanthropy.
Maintain accurate alumni records in collaboration with the advancement office.
3. Communications and Marketing
Oversee institutional communications, including newsletters, reports, website content, and social media.
Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the Catholic mission and identity of the institution.
Collaborate with diocesan communications as appropriate.
Promote the school's achievements, events, and needs to internal and external audiences.
4. External Relations and Community Engagement
Serve as a key representative of Cathedral Prep School and Seminary to parishes, donors, clergy, and community partners.
Strengthen relationships with diocesan offices, Catholic schools, and Catholic organizations.
Promote awareness of the school's mission and impact throughout the Diocese and beyond.
5. Leadership and Management
Supervise advancement staff and volunteers as applicable.
Manage the advancement budget and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
Oversee donor database and gift recording in compliance with best practices.
Provide regular reports to the Rector/President and Board on advancement progress and goals.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
Experience in advancement, fundraising, development, or related field
Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation.
Skills and Competencies
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Strategic thinking and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience with donor management systems and advancement technology.
Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, administrators, and lay leadership.
Personal Qualities
Practicing Catholic, with a deep respect for Church teachings.
Passion for Catholic education and priestly formation.
High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
Energetic, organized, and mission-driven.
Reporting Relationship
The Director of Advancement reports directly to the Rector/President of Cathedral Prep School and Seminary.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a competitive benefits package. Starting rate is $67,000. 00
