Job Title: Assistant Director of Advancement
Department: Advancement
Reports to: Vice President of Advancement
Job Purpose:
The Assistant Director of Advancement at Saint Viator is responsible for supporting the School's efforts in fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and community outreach. This individual will work closely with the Vice President of Advancement to build and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and the broader community to advance the mission of the school. The Assistant Director will play a key role in planning and executing fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives that support the school’s financial needs and strategic goals, all while upholding the values of the Catholic faith.
Key Responsibilities:
● Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives, including annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and special events.
● Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with potential and current donors, ensuring that they are engaged and informed about the impact of their gifts.
● Help organize and manage donor recognition efforts, including the preparation of thank-you letters, recognition events, and reports on giving.
● Support the school’s grant writing and proposal efforts by researching grant opportunities and assisting in writing applications.
● Assist with the coordination of alumni engagement initiatives to foster a sense of community and continued connection with the School.
● Organize alumni events, reunions, and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and encourage alumni participation in fundraising efforts.
● Maintain and update the alumni database, ensuring accurate and timely information about alumni contact details and giving history.
● Create and distribute regular communications, such as alumni newsletters, that highlight alumni accomplishments, School news, and fundraising efforts.
● Support the creation of communications materials to promote the School’s mission, programs, and advancement efforts, including newsletters, brochures, and social media content.
March 2025
● Collaborate with the School’s marketing team to develop compelling content for the School’s website, social media platforms, and other communication channels.
● Assist in maintaining and updating the School’s website and social media pages with relevant content regarding fundraising campaigns, events, and news.
● Ensure that all messaging and outreach reflect the School’s Catholic identity, mission, and values.
● Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, including auctions, galas, donor receptions, and other School-related gatherings.
● Help manage event logistics, including venue selection, catering, invitations, marketing materials, and volunteer coordination.
● Work with volunteers, staff, and leadership to ensure successful and impactful events that promote engagement and raise funds for the School.
● Support the Vice President of Advancement in building strong relationships with the School’s community, including parents, alumni, faculty, and local supporters.
● Ensure that the School’s Catholic identity is incorporated into all donor interactions and stewardship efforts, highlighting the School’s faith-based programs and initiatives.
● Track donor communications and outreach efforts, ensuring timely follow-ups and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders.
● Maintain accurate records of donor gifts, event participation, and advancement activities in the School’s database.
● Prepare reports on fundraising progress, donor activities, and event outcomes for the Vice President of Advancement and School leadership.
● Support the day-to-day operations of the advancement office, including scheduling meetings, organizing files, and managing communications with donors.
● Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Advancement.
Qualifications/Experience:
● Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
● Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, communications, or a similar role (preferably in an educational or Catholic environment).
● Experience managing social media platforms and creating digital content.
● Knowledge of donor relations, fundraising techniques, and event planning.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect) is preferred.
● Experience working in the Advancement office of an education or school setting is a plus; in particular, experience successfully engaging families, alumni and activating volunteer committees.
● Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge donor database software is a plus.
Skills and Abilities:
● Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and engage various audiences.
March 2025
● Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse educational environment.
● Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Working Environment:
● Flexible hours required, including nights and weekends, to meet the demands of special events.
● While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone and keyboard; and reach with hands and arms.
● Moderate lifting is required.
About Saint Viator High School:
Saint Viator High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory community of learning called to provide religious formation and an academic program of excellence to young men and women. Guided by the Viatorian mission, all Saint Viator graduates are equipped to discern who God wants them to be, discover what the world needs, and transform the communities they encounter.
