Director of Advancement, Sacred Heart Schools

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton

 

The Position:                                          Director of Advancement

Reports to:                                              Director of Schools                         Location:                                                 Atherton, California

 

THE ORGANIZATION

Mission

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton (SHS) is an independent, Catholic school as interpreted and lived by the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ). Their mission is “to cultivate in our students a personal and active faith in God and to lay the foundation for a meaningful life.”

Overview

Since 1898, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton has embraced its historic legacy, which traces its roots back to 18th century France. Grounded in the heritage, ministry, and spirituality of their founding Order—the Society of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ)—and the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, their bold mission demands that as a school and as a community they remain clear about the sacred charge they have been given to educate, inspire, and prepare students to transform the world in which they will enter.

The core of their educational experience, therefore, is to ensure that all SHS students:

• develop the habits of mind that enable skillful reflection and analysis;
• become ever more aware of truth, love, and freedom;
• discover the significance of their lives, and devote themselves to others;
• are able to recognize and encounter the love of Jesus;
• let their lives be shaped by an active faith.

To achieve this mission, SHS is guided by an educational philosophy—articulated in the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education which gives purpose to objectives and inspiration for all that they do on a daily basis.

Operations and Organizational Structure

Established on its present site in 1898, the Atherton campus of Sacred Heart for years was under the leadership of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ). The school's first headmistress was Rev. Mother Jane Fox, who was instrumental in all aspects of the school's earliest days. For more than eight subsequent decades, the direct RSCJ line successfully led the school, expanding academic programs, growing enrollment, and developing the physical campus. The first formal "head of schools" title was given to Sr. Nancy Morris in 1971. Over the ensuing years, she was succeeded by RSCJ and the first laymen heads, including present Director of Schools, Richard A. Dioli.

As the number of active RSCJ has decreased over time, the number of lay faculty, staff, and administrators necessarily grew. Today, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is predominantly employed with laymen, though RSCJ presence and charism remain a SHS cornerstone -- through the universal Goals and Criteria which guide all Schools of the Sacred Heart worldwide, the ongoing relationship with the RSCJ Provincial for U.S.- Canada and Network of Sacred Heart Schools, RSCJ serving in campus ministry and formation to mission, and the more than 50 Sisters residing at Oakwood Retirement Center, located on campus.

Organizational Culture

As a preschool, elementary, and high school, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton has the unique opportunity to guide a student’s formative educational process, from the earliest years to young adulthood. The school is led by Director of Schools, Richard Dioli, who has served for 30 years at SHS, including the past 12 in his current leadership role. He manages and is supported by the School Administrative Council (SAC), Board of Trustees, Parents’ Associations, and Alumni Association. The culture is student-centric, as well as being one of collaboration, mutual support, and excellence. Staff turnover is low as that the culture engenders loyalty and professional satisfaction. The level of collegiality is high; innovative and creative thinking is welcomed and encouraged.                                                                     

For additional information please visit the SHSA website:  www.shschools.org.

THE POSITION

The Director of Advancement is responsible for oversight of all development and campaign functions of SHS, including but not limited to the supervision of the Institutional Advancement department staff, coordination of all giving programs and grants, oversight of development publications and communications, as well as maintenance of the website and marketing for the Admissions department.

SHS is almost to the completion of its second Capital Campaign in ten years. The Director of Advancement will lead the completion of the campaign, working with SHS’s fundraising consultant, to finalize and secure remaining gifts.

In addition to finalizing the campaign, the Director of Advancement will develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan for the future; work with staff to implement best practices in donor operations and relations; as well as align the SAC, Board of Trustees and the Parents’ Associations’ committees to support Advancement. Best practices in donor operations includes tracking trustee giving and proactive trustee stewardship.

The Director of Advancement will work collaboratively with SAC members, faculty, and the Director of Schools in creative and innovative ways to further and enhance SHS’s advancement initiatives and activities.

Responsibilities

General Duties

• Oversee the Institutional Advancement department and its staff. Provide management and leadership of the department, including driving staff professional growth and development.
• Provide visionary and inspirational guidance to the department resulting in a high degree of engagement. 
• Plan and oversee all fundraising activities among all SHS constituencies. Create alignment with various constituencies, both internal and external.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees' Committee on Development as well as volunteer campaign leadership during the campaigns and other programs.
• Liaise with Investment, Finance, Marketing, Strategic Planning Board committees and represent the development/communications/marketing point of view in these committees.
• Develop and implement strategic planning initiatives for development, communications, and admissions.
• Coordinate fundraising initiatives with the Lower/Middle School (Pre K-8) and the Sacred Heart Preparatory (9-12) Parents' Association leadership.
• Work with the Committee on Trustees to identify potential trustee candidates.
• Provide support staffing and guidance to the Director of Schools.

Campaign and General Development Activities and Communications

• Oversee the successful implementation and completion of fundraising efforts including the capital campaign, annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, and fundraising events.
• Partner with the Director of Schools, the Board of Trustees, and SHS senior management on fundraising goal-setting.
• Review and approve activities regarding prospect management issues and questions.
• Oversee the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations.
• Provide managerial oversight to the Advancement Writing Manager and New Media Manager in the production of the SHS Annual Report and All-Schools Magazine, the schools’ website design, marketing, and content and other communication programs.
• Oversee the identification, recruitment and on-going activities of volunteers.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and sub-committee chairs on all matters related to marketing and development.
• Oversee prospect identification, research, cultivation and solicitation processes.
• Oversee the proposal development process for individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Approve coordination of the logistics of solicitation activities by volunteers and staff. Approve milestones and schedule of all solicitation programs.
• Provide assistance with the donor stewardship program.
• Work with senior staff to develop and generate reports to be used throughout the campaign for both Trustees and volunteers.
• Provide regular presentation and updates to the Board of Trustees. 

Administration and Operations

• Serve as a member of SHS' senior administrative team, School’s Administrative Council (SAC).
• Create and monitor the Institutional Advancement departmental budget.
• Work with the business office in overseeing gift processing and reconciliation.
• Participate in the annual departmental audit in coordination with the Business department.
• Provide statistical data and complete annual surveys for independent school associations as requested by the Director of Schools.
• Foster relationships with faculty and staff related to development.
• Promote professional standards and personnel development by participating in local and national associations that offer support and professional assistance.
• Represent SHS at various functions and events during the year. 
• Assume other special assignments as requested by the Director of Schools.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Education:  Undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree in business or a related field is a plus. 

Experience:  A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in a non-profit environment with a track record of success.

Extensive experience securing major gifts and solid campaign experience. Demonstrated ability to manage fundraising programs.

Experience in developing prospect strategies, briefing documents, and talking points for volunteers, administrators, and staff.

Strong management experience. Ability to visualize and implement staffing to accommodate departmental goals.

Demonstrated ability to manage fundraising programs.

COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be:

• An excellent leader of people, processes, and strategy. 
• Able to think and plan strategically and creatively.
• Able to communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, alumni, donors and representatives from the business community.
• A champion of the organization and its success, and regularly celebrate wins, communicating those accomplishments both internally and externally.
• Able to work independently and within a team-oriented environment. 

The successful candidate will possess:

• A clear commitment to the educational philosophy of the school as articulated in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools and professional behavior based on it.
• Proven strong leadership skills and ability to develop changes to existing programs and implement new programs and successfully manage the changes within the department.
• The ability to direct a high-functioning team, maximizing their strengths while challenging and nurturing their professional development and growth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience conceptualizing, writing, and coordinating campaign materials. 
• Willingness to be an active, enthusiastic member of the SHS community. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Raiser’s Edge.
• Demonstrated excellent attendance and punctuality for events and for regular work.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Regularly lifts up to 20 pounds.
• Generally works in standard office conditions and climate.
• May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during special activities and fundraising events.
• Works in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to comfortably and regularly travel across a 64-acre campus.

COMPENSATION

A compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits package, will be offered, commensurate with experience.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact:

Claire LeTard

Principal

985.773.3326 direct

claire@carlsonbeck.com