Alliance for Catholic Education
Job Title: Director of Advancement
Location: Sacred Heart School, Winnetka, IL
Position Overview:
Sacred Heart School is seeking an experienced and organized Director of Advancement to lead the school’s admissions, enrollment, and fundraising efforts. This unique role will involve overseeing all aspects of admissions and enrollment, from inquiries to final registration, while also contributing to the academic and social development of the school community. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated leader who can effectively manage the admissions process, foster community relationships, and support the Catholic mission of the school.
Key Responsibilities:
• Admissions & Enrollment (Primary Role):
o Serve as the primary lead for admissions and enrollment, managing all aspects of the process, including responding to inquiries, coordinating tours, and organizing open houses.
o Develop and maintain admissions records, registration lists, and data to ensure smooth and timely enrollment.
o Facilitate communication with prospective families and guide them through the application process, ensuring a positive and welcoming experience.
o Organize and manage student shadow days, follow-ups, and personalized outreach to prospective families.
o Collaborate with the Principal to provide regular admissions updates to the school board, focusing on trends and data to inform strategic decisions.
• Fundraising & Stewardship:
o Responsible for overseeing and implementing fundraising strategies to support Sacred Heart School.
o Manage a school fundraising calendar across the various organizations to assure no overlap in events or donor solicitations
o Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni, donors and sponsors while actively researching new prospects, and identifying new connections
o Master an understanding of the programs, framework, mission and outcomes of our student, alumni and partner school relationships to effectively share with donors
o Oversee budgets for our fundraising activities and create and maintain a budget for our Annual Fund.
o Manage all aspects of donor records including oversight and maintenance of donor file systems and processes
o Manage the development of digital fundraising content in partnership with our Director of Marketing.
o Seeks out and writes grant applications in collaboration with staff.
o Provide input and insights to further develop the team’s fundraising strategies
• Community Engagement:
o Lead the planning and execution of community events, such as Catholic Schools Week and Open Houses, working closely with the Parent Association (PA) and other stakeholders.
o Build meaningful relationships with families and staff to promote a strong, supportive school culture that reflects the values and mission of Sacred Heart School.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in education, with leadership or admissions experience preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple responsibilities, particularly in admissions and enrollment
• Commitment to the Catholic mission and values of Sacred Heart School