Director of Advancement

Job Title: Director of Advancement 

Reports to: Principal

Location: Cardinal Mooney Catholic School | Sarasota, FL

Classification: Salaried/Exempt 

Overview

At Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, advancement is not simply fundraising it is ministry. The Director of Advancement serves as a strategic leader who advances the mission of the school by cultivating meaningful relationships, inspiring philanthropic investment, and fostering a culture of generosity rooted in Catholic stewardship.

Working closely with the Principal, School Advisory Board, alumni, parents, benefactors, foundations, and community partners, the Director of Advancement develops and executes a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy that strengthens the school's long-term financial sustainability while ensuring that future generations of students have access to an exceptional Catholic education.

This position provides visionary leadership for all philanthropic initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, capital campaigns, stewardship, donor communications, advancement operations, and advancement marketing. The Director serves as the school's chief fundraising officer and a key member of the leadership team.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year institutional advancement strategy aligned with Cardinal Mooney's Strategic Plan and Catholic mission.
• Foster a school-wide culture of philanthropy and stewardship among faculty, staff, parents, alumni, students, and friends of the school.
• Collaborate with the Principal to establish annual fundraising priorities, campaign objectives, and long-range advancement goals.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the School Advisory Board Advancement Committee and campaign leadership volunteers.
• Develop measurable annual goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for all advancement initiatives.
• Build, manage, and personally steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Conduct regular donor visits and meaningful engagement opportunities throughout the year.
• Ensure thoughtful recognition and stewardship of all benefactors through timely acknowledgments, reporting, and relationship management.
• Oversee the development of endowed funds and planned giving opportunities.
• Direct all annual fundraising initiatives
• Develop donor segmentation strategies that increase participation and philanthropic investment.
• Analyze giving trends and recommend strategies for sustainable revenue growth.
• Lead all phases of capital campaigns
• Partner closely with campaign counsel, campaign cabinet members, and school leadership.
• Ensure campaign goals remain aligned with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with the Advancement Team to ensure consistent institutional messaging.
• Assist with the development of compelling print and digital materials that communicate mission, impact, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Oversee donor-centered storytelling that demonstrates the transformational impact of giving.
• Ensure advancement communications reflect Cardinal Mooney's Catholic identity and brand standards.
• Supervise and mentor Advancement Office staff.
• Establish clear annual goals and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Manage the advancement budget and fundraising revenue projections.
• Ensure accurate donor records through effective CRM management.
• Maintain compliance with donor intent, gift acceptance policies, IRS regulations, and diocesan financial procedures.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance Office regarding gift processing, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree (required); MA, a plus
• Professional certification (CFRE), a plus.
• A minimum of 3 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.
• Ability to work effectively with School and Diocesan employees, department heads, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.
• Valid driver’s license.

Please note: State of Florida law requires fingerprinting and clearance through the Florida DOE Background Screening Clearinghouse for all school-based positions. For informational purpose only click the link  https://info.flclearinghouse.com/