Director of Mission Advancement - Saint Joseph High School

Saint Joseph High School
South Bend, IN
Catholic School Principal and Administration Jobs

Director of Mission Advancement (effective June 1, 2025)                                                       

The Director of Mission Advancement leads the effort to foster lasting relationships, maintain optimal enrollment,  and deepen the culture of philanthropy to position the school for long-term financial sustainability and growth.  The Director provides leadership in the areas of development, alumni relations, admissions/enrollment,  marketing, and communications.  The Director takes a lead role in supporting and strengthening the mission of Saint Joseph High School to transform students in heart and mind, preparing them to serve God, the Church, and the world.  

Responsibilities

Expands and deepens the culture of philanthropy resulting in robust annual and long-term fundraising

  • Establishes efficient and effective advancement operations.  
  • Develops and implements an Annual Giving Plan that establishes fundraising goals and implements innovative strategies resulting in robust annual giving.  This includes:
    • Overseeing annual giving through the Fund for Saint Joseph, SGO, and designated or restricted gifts.  
    • Supporting the coordination of the annual Gala.  
  • Utilizes fundraising data to monitor progress toward goals and adjust strategies accordingly.  Provides data to administration and the school board.     
  • Provides and promotes opportunities for corporate and planned giving. 
  • Advances efforts to grow endowments.
  • Solicits, cultivates and stewards lasting relationships with benefactors, alumni, parents, and friends of the school.  The Director should engage directly with key benefactors and supporters.  
  • Effectively uses donor research to grow donor base and overall giving.  
  • Ensures maintenance of accurate fundraising records.  

Oversees and strengthens operations related to development, alumni relations, admissions/enrollment,  marketing, and communications. 

  • Supervises and evaluates members of the Office of Mission Advancement (Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Relations, Assistant Director of Advancement Services, Director of Enrollment, Director of Marketing, Alumni Coordinator). 
  • Supports the following:
    • The development of positive and lasting relationships with alumni.
    • The establishment of regular and high quality communications with parents, prospective parents, alumni, benefactors, and friends.  
    • Robust and innovative efforts in marketing and public relations.
    • Implementation of an effective Strategic Enrollment Plan that shepherds prospective families, maintains positive relationships with partner/feeder schools, and maintains optimal enrollment.  
  • Manages the Budget for the Advancement Department

Contributes to the long-term planning and success of Saint Joseph High School

  • Supports the implementation of the Strategic Plan and realization of vision and goals.   
  • Contributes to the planning for long-term investment in programs and facilities. 
  • Overseas major fundraising campaigns.
  • Performs other functions as specified by the Principal.

Organizational Structure  

  • Serves as a member of the Administrative Team.
  • Serves as a primary member of the Mission Advancement Committee.  Attends school board and finance committee meetings at the request of the Principal.  
  • Works collaboratively with departments across the school to advance the mission of SJHS and to help grow philanthropic support for the school and programs.   Works especially closely with the Principal, the Director of Finance and Business Operations and the Director of Athletics.
  • Reports to the Principal

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.   
  • Previous experience in not-for-profit advancement/development.  Experience in a Catholic institution is a plus.  
  • Previous leadership and supervisory experience preferred. 
  • Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, communication, collaborative, and leadership/supervisory skills; Ability to be team-oriented and individually accountable; Ample technology skills; Ability to maintain confidentiality.  
  • Valid driver’s license.

If you have questions, please contact Rachel Potter at rpotter@saintjoehigh.com or 574-232-1140.