Position: Executive Director, Office of Development
Reports to: Head of School
Job Goal
The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the school’s mission by overseeing enrollment management, marketing, fundraising, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can build strong relationships, drive enrollment growth, and secure financial support to sustain and expand the school’s programs. The Executive Director reports to the Head of School.
Job Responsibilities
Enrollment Management & Marketing
Develop and execute a strategic enrollment plan aligned with the school’s mission and goals.
Oversee student recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts, ensuring a welcoming experience for prospective families.
Build strong relationships with prospective and current families, serving as the primary point of contact for enrollment.
Organize and manage outreach efforts, campus tours, admission events, follow-up communications, and student retention initiatives.
Monitor and manage student withdrawal procedures and conduct exit interviews.
Analyze and track annual attrition to identify trends and implement retention strategies.
Create and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to enhance the school’s visibility and reputation.
Oversee digital and print marketing initiatives, including social media, website content, promotional materials, and advertising campaigns.
Develop and manage annual marketing and communications budgets, ensuring alignment with school goals.
Collaborate with the administrative team to ensure marketing and enrollment strategies reflect the school’s mission and values.
Advancement & Fundraising
Lead and manage all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, and capital campaigns, in collaboration with the School Administrative Team.
Plan, execute, and oversee major fundraising events such as the Golf Outing, Annual Gala, Raffle, etc.
Set measurable short- and long-term fundraising goals and provide quarterly updates to the Head of School and Board of Directors.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, benefactors, and community leaders to strengthen financial support.
Implement donor recognition programs, stewardship initiatives, and planned giving opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability.
Partner with the Business Manager to align fundraising efforts with the school’s financial goals.
Establish partnerships with local businesses for financial and in-kind contributions.
Develop and implement strategies to increase parent volunteerism and engagement in fundraising efforts.
Provide monthly reports to the Advancement Committee on fundraising progress and initiatives.
Alumni & Community Engagement
Oversee alumni engagement initiatives, including targeted marketing and outreach.
Organize and manage alumni events such as an alumni Mass and reception.
Establish class representatives to assist with reunions and alumni data collection.
Maintain an active alumni committee to support school development efforts.
Foster relationships with parish communities, local businesses, and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.
Serve as a spokesperson for the school, managing public relations, media interactions, and external communications.
Represent the school at educational, parish, and community events to promote Catholic education and expand engagement.
Work with the School Administration Team to increase benefactor participation in school initiatives.
Collaboration & Strategic Leadership
Lead and supervise a small team supporting advancement and enrollment operations.
Collaborate with Principals and the administrative team to advance strategic plans, particularly in financial development and enrollment growth.
Ensure integration of advancement, marketing, and enrollment efforts with the school’s long-term vision.
Report on enrollment trends, fundraising progress, and advancement activities to the administrative team and Board of Directors.
Attend all school finance and advancement committee meetings as the lead school administrator for these areas.
Participate in all required school meetings and events.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; experience in Catholic school leadership, advancement, or enrollment management preferred.
Proven ability to develop and execute multi-year advancement and enrollment plans, including donor data management, budgeting, and volunteer coordination.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to inspire external participation in development, alumni affairs, and school advancement.
Proficiency in digital media, web-based marketing, and social media strategies; demonstrated success in fundraising, event planning, and donor stewardship.
Ability to build effective relationships with families, donors, alumni, community leaders, volunteers, and staff.
Team player with the ability to work independently and proactively.
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
How to Apply:
Send your cover letter and resume to Human Resources, Danielle Bruce at bruce.danielle@holyfam.org
