Director of Institutional Advancement

Position Summary:

Working closely with the school President, Board of Directors and Vice President of the Corporate Work Study Program, the Director of Institutional Advancement helps develop the strategic vision to foster generous, broad-based philanthropic support for the school and its mission. The Director is also responsible for the successful implementation of that vision, by cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual, corporate and foundation donors, designing and directing distinctive events, and generating excitement about a range of ways to contribute to the growth and success of the school. The Director is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field meeting with existing and prospective benefactors.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Coordinates and develops fundraising strategies, focusing on the school’s growth in accordance with the mission and overall marketing strategy of the school.
• Works closely with the President and members of the Executive Team to develop and successfully execute the school’s overall advancement strategy across various disciplines and target audiences.
• Maintains responsibility for the school’s fundraising campaigns, including annual giving, any capital campaigns and other fundraising programs.
• Organizes and manages fundraising events, such as Dancing With the Kansas City Stars, to bring together potential and existing donors with the President, Board, staff, faculty and students, and coordinates volunteer committees that support fundraising events.
• Develops, fosters, and maintains strong relationships with the foundation community. Designs, implements, and manages grant application strategy and process.
• Develops an annual strategic advancement (i.e., fundraising, marketing, communications) plan for approval by the President. Works with the President, board and staff to implement the approved plan.
• Ensures consistent and clear communication about the mission and programs of the school to current and potential donors, and represents the school at public functions and develops community relations.
• Develops, designs, and manages a contact management database and contact management process pursuant to the goals of the Advancement Office and the school.
• Provides leadership and direction in communications and marketing strategies geared toward advancement, admissions and alumni to advance Cristo Rey Kansas City’s mission, vision, and goals among internal and external groups.
• Collaborating with the Social Media and Events Coordinator, manages design, production, and distribution of Advancement-related digital and print media sites/publications, including website, social media, collateral materials, Annual Report, quarterly newsletter, press releases and others
• Oversees for the integrity, consistency, and proper use of the School’s Brand.
• Performs other duties and special projects as required.

Required Skills & Abilities: 

• Ability to effectively lead, develop, and motivate staff members.
• A record of increasing and diversifying financial support.
• Excellent written and public speaking communication skills and strong relationship-building capacity.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite, and familiarity with fundraising databases (e.g., DonorPerfect, Salsa, BetterUnite)
• Pushes for results, strong problem solver with a demonstrable history of successful innovative solutions.
• Action-oriented and collaborative style.
• Passion for Cristo Rey Kansas City’s model, mission, and values
• Sensitivity to and respect for the socioeconomic, racial, and religious backgrounds of the student body.
• Strong interpersonal written and verbal skills, and must be comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups.
• Ability to work independently on projects.
• Keen organizational, leadership, and administrative skills.
• Confident and competent in using various types of technology and software.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to traverse the classroom and adjust one’s tone and height by bending or leaning, in order to communicate with each child.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Nonprofit Development, Business, Marketing, or other related fields is required.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in fundraising with an emphasis on Major Gifts, Event and Campaign Fundraising.
• Demonstrates successful, visionary leadership and management experience.
• Fluent in English, proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
• Received or has the ability to complete Safe Environment Training VIRTUS.

Cristo Rey Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff.