Director of Advancement

Location: Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School – Methuen, MA Department: Advancement Reports to: President About Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School (NDCR) Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School, located in Methuen, Massachusetts, is a private, Catholic, college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The school proudly serves over 290 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As a member of the national Cristo Rey Network—a growing alliance of 41 high schools across the United States—NDCR combines rigorous academics with a distinctive Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). This innovative model allows students to gain valuable real-world experience through professional work placements, while helping to fund their education. NDCR prepares students not only for college but for life, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty through education, faith, and opportunity. Position Summary: The Director of Advancement will lead strategic efforts to elevate the visibility, engagement, and philanthropic support of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. In partnership with the President, Board of Directors, and Advancement team, this role will champion a dynamic and mission-aligned culture of giving that sustains and grows the future of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. Key Responsibilities: • Increase each year the current levels of donor giving and identify and secure high-level donors. • Partner with the President, Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, and Advancement team to inspire a school-wide culture of philanthropy and storytelling. • Develop and implement a plan for donor engagement strategies that include building meaningful relationships with major and prospective donors. • Craft and execute personalized outreach, proposals, and campaigns for Major Gifts and Planned Giving, and schedule high-level donor meetings and cultivation with the President. • Participate in monthly Zoom meetings with Cristo Rey Network Advancement members. • Participate in weekly Senior Leadership Team meetings. • Produce informative Board reports for the President upon request • Review and revise the yearly Advancement Plan. • Support the President and the VP of the Corporate Work Study Program in engaging CEOs and executive leaders of CWSP partners, ensuring strong communication and relationship-building, especially as related to the Annual Gala. • Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communication in creating communication letters for major campaigns and the Annual Gala. • Collaborate with Advancement Team members to plan and execute signature advancement initiatives, including the Annual Appeal and Gala. • Direct the daily operations of the Advancement Office, overseeing systems, staff collaboration, and performance goals to ensure excellence and long-term growth. • Conduct strategic analysis of donor giving, donor retention, and new donor orientation. • Oversee the Scholarship Program including communications with scholarship donors and the Thank You Letter Campaign from student scholarship recipients. Experience & Skills: ➢ Education: A master’s degree (Preferred experience in non-profit and fundraising). ➢ Proven track record (5 years) in advancement, fundraising, development, or related marketing/communications leadership roles, preferably in education or nonprofit settings. ➢ Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts and building long term donor relationships. ➢ Strategic thinker with the ability to design and implement multi-channel engagement strategies across print, digital, and in-person platforms. ➢ Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking. ➢ Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. ➢ Experience leading or collaborating on Capital Campaigns, and donor communications. ➢ Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems (e.g., eTapestry), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Forms. Familiarity with donor analytics and reporting. ➢ Passion for Catholic education and a deep alignment with the mission of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. ➢ Team player who can collaborate and work well with others ➢ Ability to analyze database information for research and planning purposes. ➢ Send Cover Letter and Resume to: Sr. Mary Murphy, SNDdeN at Mmurphy@ndcrhs.org

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000