Chief Advancement Officer

Job Description

OVERVIEW OF THE OPPORTUNITY

Mount Saint Joseph High School (MSJ), a premier Catholic, college preparatory school for young men, sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers, seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead its advancement efforts.

With a rich history dating back to 1876, MSJ is deeply committed to its mission of fostering a strong brotherhood grounded in faith, service, and academic excellence. The next CAO will have the unique opportunity to build upon the school’s legacy and drive philanthropic engagement that ensures the school’s long-term financial sustainability. This position reports directly to the President and plays a key role in shaping the school’s strategic vision by overseeing fundraising, alumni relations, institutional advancement, and donor engagement.

Additionally, this position affords the new CAO the opportunity to collaborate with the President to evaluate and enhance the overall structure, function, and design of the advancement office. The CAO will help identify operational efficiencies at the executive level and strategically shape the future of advancement at MSJ.

THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

The Chief Advancement Officer serves as the strategic leader of all advancement efforts at MSJ, overseeing fundraising, alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and institutional advancement. The CAO is a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that aligns with the school’s mission and vision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives, including the annual fund, capital campaigns, planned giving, grant writing, and major gifts, ensuring alignment with the school’s long-term goals.
Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, parents, donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners to enhance philanthropic support.
Collaborate with the President, Board of Directors, and Advancement Committee to shape fundraising strategy and drive donor engagement.
Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to the advancement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional development, and high performance.
Oversee donor stewardship, ensuring personalized engagement plans that recognize and cultivate major donors and long-term supporters.
Utilize donor analytics, financial data, and industry best practices to improve fundraising effectiveness and donor retention.
With support of the advancement team, lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of key fundraising events, alumni reunions, and donor recognition programs.
Oversee the marketing and communications team to craft impactful messaging and outreach strategies that align with advancement goals and maintain a strong, cohesive brand identity.
Manage the advancement office budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and alignment with financial objectives.
Prepare and present regular reports to the President and Board of Directors on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and strategic initiatives.
Engage and support board members and volunteers in their fundraising efforts, providing guidance and training to maximize their impact.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

A deep commitment to Catholic education and the mission of Mount Saint Joseph High School.
Bachelor’s degree required (master’s preferred).
Successful experience in fundraising, institutional advancement, or a related field, preferably within an educational or faith-based institution.
Proven ability to build relationships with donors, cultivate major gifts, and execute successful fundraising campaigns.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience overseeing advancement professionals and fostering a results-driven culture.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the school’s mission and vision persuasively.
Experience with donor database management, financial planning, and strategic advancement planning.
High energy, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.

List of 2 items.

HOW TO APPLY
All applications will remain confidential through first-round interviews. The position will remain open until filled; however, priority will be given to applications received by March 31. The start-date for the position is July 1, 2025 - or earlier subject to the candidate’s availability.

Interested candidates are to submit, electronically, the following materials:
- Cover letter aligning your experiences with the advancement needs of MSJ.
- Current resume with all relevant experience.
- List of three references, including names, relationships, phone numbers, and email addresses (no references will be contacted without your knowledge and approval).
Materials are to be addressed to the “Mount Saint Joseph Advancement Search Committee” and sent electronically, as one PDF file, to:

Patrick Slattery, Ed.D
Executive Director
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
pjslattery@xbss.org
443-939-0124

If you do not receive an email confirming receipt of your materials within 24 hours, please call Patrick Slattery directly. He is assisting Mount Saint Joseph with the search process, while Brendan Donohue, the school’s President, serves as the hiring authority.
SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary is competitive and negotiable, with a full benefits package. Salary is commensurate with background, education, and experience.