Director of Advancement

Cardinal Mooney High School
Sarasota, FL
Director of Advancement

Position Description

 

Cardinal Mooney High School’s Mission and Programs 

Since 1959, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School has been serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties as the only Catholic high school in the area.  They strive to embrace the whole person while recognizing their unique talents and strengths. Cardinal Mooney is a thriving and growing Catholic high school with approximately 700 students in grades 9-12. Their college preparatory curriculum challenges students to excel.

 

The mission of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School is to be a Christ-centered college preparatory institution that prepares students to serve and lead by nurturing spiritual growth, cultivating the talents of all students, and challenging them to pursue academic excellence.

 

Purpose and Scope of the Position

To support Cardinal Mooney in its mission, the Director of Advancement will be directly responsible for successfully leading, expanding, and implementing a comprehensive advancement program while cultivating a culture of philanthropy.  In collaboration with the Principal and Advisory Board, the Director of Advancement will develop new relationships while maintaining and growing existing ones and building the school’s visibility, impact, and philanthropic resources. This position will be responsible for leading any Capital Campaigns undertaken by Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School.

 

Additionally, the Director of Advancement will be responsible for major and planned gifts, donor cultivation and stewardship, alumni relations, major fundraising events, volunteer cultivation, corporate philanthropic support, constituent communications, and social media functions for Advancement, with the support of Advancement Office staff. The Director of Advancement reports to the Principal. 

The ideal candidate has advancement leadership experience, including the ability to motivate others (e.g. donors, alumni, staff, volunteers, and community leaders) in advancing the school’s mission through their meaningful contribution of gifts and talents, as well as a proven track record in soliciting and securing major gifts and building productive relationships with a variety of constituents.  Experience in advancement for educational institutions is preferred.

Overview:

Philanthropic Revenue and Institutional Advancement

  • Create and lead a metrics-focused institutional advancement program that generates financial support for Cardinal Mooney High School from individuals, foundations, corporations and grants
  • Create a coordinated communication plan, including print and digital tools to advance the philanthropic message, motivate giving, and demonstrate gift impact
  • Partner with the Principal and Board of Directors to articulate institutional needs and lead the growth and implementation of the advancement strategy

 

Specific Responsibilities

Major/ Capital and Planned Gifts

  • Identify and cultivate prospects for transformational and leadership support through philanthropy and engagement
  • Collaboratively lead and execute major capital campaigns
  • Create and maintain a Moves Management plan for prospective major donors
  • Establish a planned gift program through marketing and individualized promotion
  • Develop and execute a robust plan for outreach to Cardinal Mooney’s alumni, including a plan for increasing philanthropic support by alumni
  • Conduct one-on-one and/or small group meetings with prospects and donors

 

Management Team, Board and Committee Guidance

  • Work closely with the Principal and Board to steward and deepen existing relationships and cultivate new advocates and supporters
  • Attend Board meetings to present a thoroughly prepared report on Advancement activities.
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for Cardinal Mooney and articulate its mission to external constituents

 

Internal Management and Infrastructure

  • Train, manage, and mentor volunteers, and support staff in donor cultivation and professional fundraising techniques to ensure support of the school’s revenue growth goals
  • Effectively manage the Advancement Office’s staff, day-to-day operations, as well as budget and fundraising revenue forecasts
  • Oversee the planning of special event activities, including event logistics, and identifying and soliciting major sponsors
  • Ensure consistent messaging and branding in all print and digital donor communication
  • Partner with the finance and accounting staff to sustain efficient, effective, and transparent financial tracking and reporting processes
  • Develop clear processes and collaborate with all other departments within Cardinal Mooney to create an understanding of and appreciation for the advancement function

 

Foundation & Grants

  • Guide the research, proposal, application, and follow-up strategy for outreach to foundations and corporations

 

Additional Job Functions

  • Perform other position-related duties as necessary and/or as assigned by the Principal

 

Attributes:

  • Desire to foster an environment of cohesiveness and collaboration
  • Ability to support and motivate a wide range of individuals – staff, faculty, and volunteers – on all levels
  • Strong organizational skills including goal setting, prioritization, and team management
  • Proactive ability to network and cultivate relationships
  • Exceptional communication and influencing skills: persuasive, credible, and polished in both verbal and written communications
  • Creative, independent, and strategic thinker
  • Self-starter with proven project management skills, and the ability to meet and complete multiple tasks with solid deadlines
  • A commitment to supporting the mission and Catholic values of Cardinal Mooney High School

 

 

Qualifications:

  • BA (required); MA, a plus
  • Professional certification (CFRE), a plus
  • A minimum of three to five years in planning and administering advancement programs
  • Demonstrated fundraising success within a comprehensive advancement program
  • Previous engagement and collaboration with both staff and Board members
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, and CRM software
  • Proven writing skills
  • Evening/weekend work occasionally required as well as travel for prospect meetings
  • Valid Driver’s License

 

 

Salary and Benefits:

  • Full complement of competitive benefits 
  • Salary commensurate with experience

 

 

 

 

 

To Apply

This search is being conducted by the Executive Search Division of Ruotolo Associates Inc.  Inquiries regarding this position are strictly confidential and should be directed to: [email protected].  Interested applicants are requested to submit a resume and cover letter with salary range.  References will be requested of all finalists but may be submitted along with a resume and cover letter.

 

Cardinal Mooney High School is an equal-opportunity employer.