Duties
The Director of Advancement owns the school's philanthropic relationships (donors, alumni, parents of alumni, parishes, and the broader community of supporters) and the revenue those relationships produce. Advancement complements tuition revenue and provides the margin that sustains mission, supports the substantial financial aid the school extends, and funds investments the operating budget cannot cover. In a Catholic school, advancement is a relational ministry as much as a fundraising function; the Director invites others into the work of Christian education as partners and witnesses, not merely donors.
- Annual giving. Owns the annual fund: the predictable, recurring philanthropic revenue that supports operations and tuition assistance.
- Major gifts and capital initiatives. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual donors capable of meaningful gifts; leads capital efforts when initiated by the Head and diocese.
- Alumni relations. Builds and sustains the alumni network as a community of Schlarman graduates who carry the school's formation into their adult lives and remain connected to its mission.
- Donor stewardship. Ensures every donor is thanked, recognized, and kept connected to the impact of their giving, particularly the impact on students whose education is made possible by tuition assistance.
- Grants and foundation giving. Pursues institutional funding from foundations, corporate partners, and grant programs aligned with the school's mission, including Catholic and diocesan philanthropic resources.
- Events and visibility. Designs the events and touchpoints (galas, reunions, parish appearances, public moments) that build the school's philanthropic and community presence and witness to its Catholic identity.
- Partnership with the Head of School. Prepares the Head for donor conversations and ensures the Head's time is spent on the relationships where it most matters.