Description Holy Cross High School seeks an experienced and visionary Director of Advancement to champion our fundraising and development efforts. In this pivotal role, you will partner closely with senior leadership and the board of directors to secure resources that empower our mission, inspire our community, and advance our legacy in the Greater Waterbury region. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader to make a meaningful impact by leading growth initiatives, strengthening alumni relations, and fostering a culture of giving that supports the long-term vitality of Holy Cross.
The Director of Advancement reports to the President and oversees the annual, planned, and capital giving efforts of the school. You will lead a team, including the Director of Alumni Giving, the Associate Director of Advancement Services, and the Administrative Assistant for Advancement, to set and achieve ambitious goals.
Requirements Primary Responsibilities
Lead and Empower the Advancement Team: Direct and support the work of the advancement team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward support from alumni, parents, and friends of Holy Cross.
Strategic Growth and Analysis: Analyze data to drive the strategic growth of annual giving and participation, develop innovative revenue streams, and report insights to the President and Board.
Major Gift Portfolio: Personally manage a portfolio of select major and principal gift prospects to strengthen and expand our donor base.
Board and Committee Collaboration: Serve as liaison to the Board Advancement Committee, fostering collaboration to achieve giving goals and support key events.
Planned Giving Program: Oversee all aspects of the planned giving program, recruiting and stewarding estate and planned gifts.
Scholarship Giving: Manage the scholarship program in collaboration with the Finance and Enrollment teams, ensuring alignment with donor intent and stewardship of scholarship benefactors.
Budget and Financial Stewardship: Develop, follow, and monitor a fundraising budget that aligns with both advancement goals and the school's financial objectives.
Alumni Engagement and Travel: Represent Holy Cross at alumni events and travel as needed to cultivate, steward, and solicit key supporters.
Communications and Marketing: Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Marketing to create compelling content for campaigns, events, and the Annual Report.
Hall of Honor and Stewardship: Oversee the Hall of Honor Nominating Committee and manage sponsorship acquisition to support advancement goals.
Data and Reporting Management: Oversee production of data, budgets, and reports for annual planning, board presentations, and marketing materials.
Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development and support the development of the advancement staff.
Qualifications
10+ years of development/advancement experience, preferably in an independent school or higher education
Proven leadership experience, with a background in managing advancement staff and collaborating with senior leadership
Strategic and financial acumen with experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring fundraising budgets
Data-driven mindset with proficiency in assessing and reporting on key metrics such as annual giving participation rates and donor conversion
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education and familiarity with the Greater Waterbury region and/or Congregation of Holy Cross is beneficial
We seek a passionate, mission-driven leader who will embrace our school's values and join us in building a lasting legacy for the students and families of Holy Cross High School.
Mission Statement Holy Cross High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school rooted in the educational philosophy of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is committed to the transformation of students in both heart and mind. Guided by Jesus' love for all, Holy Cross nurtures within its students a value system characterized by faith, kindness, courage, compassion, and hope.
Vision Statement Rooted in faith, Holy Cross High School graduates will be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, selfless advocates for those in need, and zealous stewards of the global community. Our Holy Cross family is committed to helping young people to completeness. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we are renewed each year by the talent, experience, and passion of our teachers and staff.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following documents by noon, Friday, December 20, 2024:
Cover letter addressed to the Holy Cross High School Director of Advancement Search, 587 Oronoke Road, Waterbury CT 06708
A statement of leadership philosophy (600-word limit)
A statement describing your approach to advancement work and its place in the life of the school (600-word limit)
Resume
List of three to five references, including name, contact information, and relationship (candidates will be informed before references are contacted)
Please submit all materials in a single Word document or PDF to:
Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino President, Holy Cross High School tpellegrino@holycrosshs-ct.com