Director of Advancement

Description

Employment Status: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal

 *Full-time Benefits may include: Paid Holidays/Holy Days, 403b Retirement, 401 (a) Pension Plan, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Employee Assistance Program, Short-term/Long-term Disability. *Benefits may vary based on employment status and location. 

JOB SUMMARY:   The Director of Advancement promotes the mission and growth of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School through strategic leadership in enrollment growth, development efforts, marketing, and community engagement. As a growing Catholic classical school, St. Peter the Apostle is entering an important season of expansion and seeks to significantly increase enrollment while establishing a strong foundation for long-term financial sustainability.

The Director will develop and lead a proactive, relationship-driven enrollment strategy designed to attract mission-aligned families, increase awareness of the school throughout the parish and broader community, and guide prospective families from initial inquiry through enrollment. This individual will serve as one of the school's most visible ambassadors, clearly communicating the distinctive mission, vision, and educational philosophy of Catholic classical education.

In addition to recruitment efforts, the Director will oversee fundraising, donor cultivation and stewardship, marketing, and related events. The Director will build meaningful relationships with current and prospective families, parishioners, benefactors, community leaders, and other stakeholders who can contribute to the school's growth and success.

The ideal candidate is a joyful, practicing Catholic who is passionate about Catholic education, energized by building relationships, skilled in strategic planning and execution, and eager to help grow a new school. This individual will report directly to the School Principal and work collaboratively with the Pastor, school leadership, parish staff, School Board, Parent Service Organization (PSO), and community volunteers.

CATHOLIC MISSION

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic classical education and the mission of the school and parish
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Religious Standards for Catholic School Employees and policies and procedures of the school and the Archdiocese
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff 
• Works as a team player within a fast-paced, startup environment 

Development and Fundraising

The Director will establish and lead a development program that builds a culture of philanthropy and secures the financial resources necessary to support the school's mission and future growth.

• Develop an annual development plan, in collaboration with the Pastor, Principal, and School Board, with specific and measurable fundraising goals and objectives.
• Lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive annual giving campaign designed to increase participation and philanthropic support from a variety of community stakeholders.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospective benefactors, developing meaningful relationships rooted in the mission and long-term vision of the school.
• Serve as the lead for major school advancement events, including the annual school gala, Festival of Heroes, and other special initiatives.
• Coordinate grant applications, proposals, reporting requirements, and ongoing relationships with grant-making organizations.
• Establish and lead a volunteer Development Committee.
• Develop strategies to engage parents, grandparents, parishioners, and community members in supporting the school through their time, talent, and treasure.
• Maintain accurate donor records and oversee the use of appropriate donor management systems and stewardship practices.
• Establish and monitor annual fundraising goals, evaluate campaign performance, and report progress to school leadership and the School Board.

Admissions and Enrollment

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual enrollment and recruitment strategy in collaboration with the Principal, establishing specific, measurable enrollment goals by grade level.
• Proactively identify, cultivate, and recruit prospective families through parish outreach, community networking, digital marketing, referral initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive admissions process that provides prospective families with a welcoming, personal, and mission-centered experience from initial inquiry through enrollment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective families, responding to inquiries and coordinating prospective family events, such as open houses, information nights, school tours, and community outreach activities that introduce new families to the school.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase family referrals and leverage the enthusiasm and networks of current parents, parishioners, alumni families, and community supporters.
• Ensure that all admissions materials, communications, and interactions effectively communicate the school's Catholic identity, classical curriculum, educational philosophy, and value proposition.

Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations

• Develop and execute an annual marketing and communications plan aligned with enrollment and development goals.
• Clearly articulate and promote the distinctive identity of St. Peter the Apostle as a Catholic classical school.
• Manage the school website to ensure accurate, engaging, and compelling information for prospective and current families.
• Manage the school's social media presence, developing a consistent calendar of engaging content that highlights school life, academic excellence, student formation, Catholic identity, and community activities.
• Manage the production and distribution of marketing materials, including brochures, advertisements, newsletters, event invitations, flyers, parish bulletin announcements, and digital communications.
• Maintain consistency and integrity in the school's branding, messaging, and public presentation.
• Develop compelling stories, testimonials, photographs, and other content that communicate the impact and appeal of the school's educational mission.
• Coordinate school communications, including newsletters, email campaigns, and other appropriate communication channels.
• Identify opportunities for positive media coverage and develop relationships with local media outlets and community organizations.
• Coordinate sponsorship opportunities, community partnerships, and other public relations initiatives that increase awareness and support of the school.
• Ensure that marketing and communications efforts are coordinated with the parish and reflect the shared mission and identity of the school and parish.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church and a working knowledge of Catholic education and the Church's mission in education.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, education, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships, recruiting prospective families, managing enrollment pipelines, and/or achieving fundraising goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with prospective families, benefactors, parishioners, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and execute initiatives independently.
• Demonstrated competence in digital marketing, social media management, website administration, event planning, and communications strategy.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, admissions or enrollment databases, donor management platforms, Microsoft Office, and other relevant technology.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to evaluate enrollment trends, assess recruitment effectiveness, and measure fundraising performance.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school leadership, parish personnel, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support admissions, fundraising, and school events.
• Must pass archdiocesan Safe Environment Requirements and background screening
• Must pass Texas DPS Fingerprint-based Applicant Clearinghouse screening
• Must pass the Do Not Hire Registry background screening

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise as needed. 

 The Archdiocese of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.