Director of Institutional AdvancementPosition OverviewThe Director of Institutional Advancement is a mission-driven and strategic leader responsible for advancing the visibility, vitality, and long-term sustainability of the Academy of the Sacred Heart through philanthropy and constituent engagement. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director oversees fundraising, marketing and institutional advancement, ensuring that these efforts are integrated, mission-aligned, and community-centered.
This role is responsible for strengthening the culture of philanthropy and stewardship across all constituencies and growing revenue to support a flourishing future.
Key Responsibilities
Philanthropy Strategy & Fundraising- Lead the design and implementation of all fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Fund, major gifts, planned giving, foundation grants, and campaigns.
- Develop and manage a major gift pipeline, actively cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donor relationships with alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and Trustees to identify and engage new prospective donors and build long-term donor loyalty.
- Ensure effective donor engagement strategies, robust database management, and comprehensive reporting systems.
- Align fundraising goals with institutional priorities and strategic vision.
Marketing, Communications & Brand Identity- Oversee institutional messaging and brand management across all communications platforms.
- Ensure that the Academy's mission, values, and value proposition are clearly articulated and consistently communicated to all constituencies.
- Collaborate with leadership to share success stories, student outcomes, and the transformational power of a Sacred Heart education.
- Support Advancement events and campaigns with creative content, compelling storytelling, and cross-platform promotion.
- Constituent Relations & Community Engagement
- Lead efforts to strengthen relationships across all constituencies: current families, alumnae, past parents, grandparents, faculty, and local partners.
- Develop and support programming that builds long-term engagement and institutional pride, including alumni reunions, stewardship events, and donor recognition.
- Serve as the point person for volunteer leadership, including Advancement Committee, Benefit Chairs, and class agents.
Leadership, Management & Integration- Supervise the Advancement and Communications teams; provide leadership, coaching, and accountability to staff.
- Serve as a thought partner to the Head of School and Leadership Team, bringing forward ideas, data, and opportunities to expand the Academy's impact.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, transparency, and mission alignment across departments.
- Coordinate cross-functional planning to ensure that advancement and communications are fully integrated into institutional strategy.
- Familiarity with fundraising CRM.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills- Bachelor's required and master's degree preferred
- 5+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector and fundraising required
- School experience
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- Proven success in directly soliciting and closing charitable gifts
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all the school's constituents while maintaining strict confidentiality
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strategic thinker
- Outstanding knowledge of fundraising data software and database management software (Raiser's Edge)
- Experience working with and motivating volunteers and staff members
- Familiarity with the local community
The School NetworkAcademy of the Sacred Heart is one of 25 schools in the U.S. and Canada Network of Sacred Heart Schools and is affiliated with a network of over 200 Sacred Heart schools worldwide. The school's mission is to cultivate in our students a personal and active faith in God and to lay the foundation for a meaningful life.
For consideration 
