Description
Position: Director of Mission Advancement
Reports to: Head of School
About St. Mary’s Academy
St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) is a Catholic High School for young women, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Together with the students’ families, the administration, faculty and staff are committed to forming a Christian community that nurtures and challenges each young woman to attain her full potential. This effort is consistently characterized by respect for the individual, service to the “dear neighbor,” academic excellence; preparation for higher education and the empowerment of young women who are inspired to take their places in an ever-changing world. This education promotes the formation and integral development of young women from various backgrounds and cultures and provides opportunities for the development of contemporary leadership while preserving the spirit that has made St. Mary’s Academy unique.
Job Summary
The Director of Mission Advancement manages all development systems and strategies, including alumnae relations and management and event management and annual fundraising appeals. The exceptional candidate maintains a holistic view of St. Mary’s Academy, which includes an understanding and appreciation of the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the mission of St. Mary’s Academy and the rich legacy of educating young women for 134 years in Inglewood and surrounding cities. The Director of Mission Advancement will work with school staff, parents, and volunteers to secure new donors with a focus on increasing unrestricted funding and alignment for long-term financial stability and growth.
Essential Responsibilities
Alumni Engagement
● Work with the Head of School to provide opportunities for alumnae and current students to foster mentor-mentee relationships.
● Oversees the alumnae engagement events with a focus on Homecoming, Anniversary Celebrations, and other engagement events.
● Maintain a social networking presence geared to Alumnae (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
● Manage and implement ways to engage alumni in e-communications, including the Echo newsletter and monthly e-communications.
Fundraising Strategy
● Develop and lead an annual mission advancement plan and strategy including alumnae, individual, corporate, and congregational donations, grants, direct appeals, and fundraising events.
● Identifies, solicits, and cultivates individuals, foundations, and corporate donors using various tools and appropriate approaches.
● Acts as liaison with individuals, foundations, and corporate directors or their representatives.
● Nurture outreach with current donor relationships and strengthen the development of how SMA appreciates donors.
● Oversee grant writing efforts and ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements.
Leadership and Management
● Serves as a contributing member of the Leadership team and regularly attends all faculty/staff meetings.
● Develops annual goals for Mission Advancement in collaboration with Administration and Finance Office and presents them for approval to the Head of School.
● Manages the Mission Advancement department budget.
● Oversees the processes of gift reporting, donor acknowledgment, accounting, and data management.
● Cultivates and stewards relationships with staff and Board.
● Prepares and presents quarterly reports for the Board regarding progress toward achievement of goals, trends in fundraising, and any analysis requested.
● Oversees the Annual Report of Donors and all Mission Advancement publications.
● Prepares and reviews monthly financial reports to reconcile Mission Advancement Office records with the Finance Office.
● Create, train, and manage students to be Advancement Ambassadors so there is student-led presence at necessary and related Advancement events.
● Organize, facilitate, and maintain student correspondence and engagement with donors.
● Complete other related tasks as assigned by the Head of School.
Requirements
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required:
● Bachelor’s degree required.
● 5 years or more of relevant experience with a proven track record of fundraising for educational institutions or non-profit organizations.
● Detail-oriented with strong interpersonal and organizational skills with an ability to achieve cross-functional teamwork.
● Ability to think strategically and work creatively and proactively.
● Excellent oral and communications and presentation skills.
● Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and participate in school-wide community events.
● Strong organizational skills to perform all duties clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner.
Compensation and Benefits
● Salary is based on prior work experience. Our salary range for this role is $80K-$95K
● Medical, dental, and vision plan options are covered
● Retirement
● Professional Development
● Leadership Opportunities
● Faith Opportunities
Interested candidates should submit a letter of intent and desire to join the St. Mary’s Academy community. Please include ways in which you would contribute to the mission and what elements of your background and experience make you a good candidate for our community. Please also attach a resume with your submission. Intent letter and resume should be emailed to hr@smabelles.org.
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
St. Mary’s Academy (Inglewood)
701 Grace Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90301
mperez@smabelles.org