DuPage County ROE
Vice President/Director of Advancement
DuPage County ROE, Wheaton, Illinois, United States, 60189
Position Type:
Other/Other
Date Posted: 6/25/2025
Location: St. Francis High School
District: DuPage County ROE St. Francis High School, an independent Catholic school in Wheaton, IL located in the Diocese of Joliet, is seeking a Director of Advancement. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President/Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a broad and comprehensive fundraising program to support the school's strategic priorities and cultivate a culture of giving and gratitude across all constituencies. The Vice President/Director of Advancement has oversight of annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, special events, alumni relations, parent clubs, donor stewardship, database management, and gift processing.
The successful candidate is a dynamic relationship-builder adept at building new relationships on behalf of St. Francis High School, strengthening existing relationships, and working closely with the President to expand the school's base of support. Additionally, he or she will demonstrate strong leadership in directing and mentoring a strong advancement team of committed professionals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
In partnership with the President, create a comprehensive advancement strategy that aligns with the school's strategic plan and priorities. Oversee all aspects of the school's advancement efforts: including annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, special events, alumni relations, parent clubs, donor stewardship, database management, and gift processing. Execute an annual development plan forecasting goals against prospects-that will increase overall support, expand alumni participation, and deepen stewardship efforts to ensure donor retention. Lead advancement staff in accomplishing the school's strategic fundraising goals. Manage robust personal donor portfolio and successfully execute cultivation and solicitation strategies through visits, events, correspondence, and regular calls. Support the president in managing president's donor portfolio. Work closely with the President, Advancement Committee, and President's Council. Collaborate with Board of Directors, administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors. Partner with other offices in developing advancement communications and publications, including the annual report. Liaise with multiple constituencies including the Board of Directors, committee members, faculty and staff, alumni, current and past parents, foundations, corporations, Diocese of Joliet, and members of the community at large. Represent St. Francis High School at school functions and other events.
Requisite Experience & Competencies: The following qualifications, while not exhaustive, are those St. Francis High School looks to find in the ideal candidate:
Strategic mindset. At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in fundraising, relationship management, and/or building and sustaining long-term revenue generating relationships. Ability to create and execute the goals of a comprehensive fundraising plan. A self-starter and data driven decision maker who leverages data to inform strategy and measure success. Significant experience and proven ability to lead team of dedicated advancement professionals. Adept and experienced in direct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals. Experience with Board and volunteer management. Experience creating and managing budgets, and fiscal management. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (face to face, oral, written). Knowledge of fundraising best practices and techniques with focus on capital and annual campaigns, and major gifts. Capital campaign experience preferred. Embrace and support the mission of St. Francis High School and Catholic education. Strong project management skills to efficiently manage multiple competing complex tasks. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times. Experience maintaining donor records using Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge database (or other fundraising/relationship management software). Able to work evenings, weekends, and work holidays as needed. Occasional travel. Proficient with Microsoft Office. Bachelor's degree required. All St. Francis High School employees must pass required background checks in accordance with policies of both St. Francis High School and Diocese of Joliet.
To Apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information (name, phone, email) for four (4) professional references. References will not be contacted without the permission of the candidate.
All application materials must be submitted via email to: pkerr@sfhscollegeprep.org Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
About St. Francis High School Founded in 1956, St. Francis High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory learning community that promotes spiritual, academic, physical, and social development in the daily presence of Jesus Christ. The school was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned a Microsoft Showcase School designation for seven consecutive years and counting. With approximately 700 students in grades 9-12, the school is distinguished by its exceptional academics, distinctive community spirit, and unique opportunities: minds and spirits thrive inside the classroom as well as on the stage and field. Animated by the Franciscan values of love of God and service to others, the SFHS community is characterized by passion, energy, and warmth. Spiritual growth is a core part of the St. Francis High School experience, and 93% of the student body and 68% of the faculty are Catholic. The size of the school allows students to be known individually by teachers and faculty, cultivating academic engagement, participation, and leadership among students of all grade levels.
Date Posted: 6/25/2025
Location: St. Francis High School
District: DuPage County ROE St. Francis High School, an independent Catholic school in Wheaton, IL located in the Diocese of Joliet, is seeking a Director of Advancement. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President/Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a broad and comprehensive fundraising program to support the school's strategic priorities and cultivate a culture of giving and gratitude across all constituencies. The Vice President/Director of Advancement has oversight of annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, special events, alumni relations, parent clubs, donor stewardship, database management, and gift processing.
The successful candidate is a dynamic relationship-builder adept at building new relationships on behalf of St. Francis High School, strengthening existing relationships, and working closely with the President to expand the school's base of support. Additionally, he or she will demonstrate strong leadership in directing and mentoring a strong advancement team of committed professionals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
In partnership with the President, create a comprehensive advancement strategy that aligns with the school's strategic plan and priorities. Oversee all aspects of the school's advancement efforts: including annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, special events, alumni relations, parent clubs, donor stewardship, database management, and gift processing. Execute an annual development plan forecasting goals against prospects-that will increase overall support, expand alumni participation, and deepen stewardship efforts to ensure donor retention. Lead advancement staff in accomplishing the school's strategic fundraising goals. Manage robust personal donor portfolio and successfully execute cultivation and solicitation strategies through visits, events, correspondence, and regular calls. Support the president in managing president's donor portfolio. Work closely with the President, Advancement Committee, and President's Council. Collaborate with Board of Directors, administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors. Partner with other offices in developing advancement communications and publications, including the annual report. Liaise with multiple constituencies including the Board of Directors, committee members, faculty and staff, alumni, current and past parents, foundations, corporations, Diocese of Joliet, and members of the community at large. Represent St. Francis High School at school functions and other events.
Requisite Experience & Competencies: The following qualifications, while not exhaustive, are those St. Francis High School looks to find in the ideal candidate:
Strategic mindset. At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in fundraising, relationship management, and/or building and sustaining long-term revenue generating relationships. Ability to create and execute the goals of a comprehensive fundraising plan. A self-starter and data driven decision maker who leverages data to inform strategy and measure success. Significant experience and proven ability to lead team of dedicated advancement professionals. Adept and experienced in direct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals. Experience with Board and volunteer management. Experience creating and managing budgets, and fiscal management. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (face to face, oral, written). Knowledge of fundraising best practices and techniques with focus on capital and annual campaigns, and major gifts. Capital campaign experience preferred. Embrace and support the mission of St. Francis High School and Catholic education. Strong project management skills to efficiently manage multiple competing complex tasks. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times. Experience maintaining donor records using Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge database (or other fundraising/relationship management software). Able to work evenings, weekends, and work holidays as needed. Occasional travel. Proficient with Microsoft Office. Bachelor's degree required. All St. Francis High School employees must pass required background checks in accordance with policies of both St. Francis High School and Diocese of Joliet.
To Apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information (name, phone, email) for four (4) professional references. References will not be contacted without the permission of the candidate.
All application materials must be submitted via email to: pkerr@sfhscollegeprep.org Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
About St. Francis High School Founded in 1956, St. Francis High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory learning community that promotes spiritual, academic, physical, and social development in the daily presence of Jesus Christ. The school was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned a Microsoft Showcase School designation for seven consecutive years and counting. With approximately 700 students in grades 9-12, the school is distinguished by its exceptional academics, distinctive community spirit, and unique opportunities: minds and spirits thrive inside the classroom as well as on the stage and field. Animated by the Franciscan values of love of God and service to others, the SFHS community is characterized by passion, energy, and warmth. Spiritual growth is a core part of the St. Francis High School experience, and 93% of the student body and 68% of the faculty are Catholic. The size of the school allows students to be known individually by teachers and faculty, cultivating academic engagement, participation, and leadership among students of all grade levels.