Director of Institutional Advancement

Archbishop Wood High School

655 York Road

Warminster, PA 18974 

Archbishop Wood High School is increasing the number of full-time frontline fundraisers and is elevating the conversation about philanthropy through a strategic planning for development process led by the president, trustees, and school leaders. With an emerging strategic plan for development, Archbishop Wood High School is charting a roadmap and leadership investment to guide and focus fundraising activity over the next several years. By demonstrating what it means to give back and inspiring others to do the same, Archbishop Wood High School will aspire to reach its overarching vision of becoming a leading philanthropic organization that attracts transformational support locally and beyond the region.

About the Position

Archbishop Wood High School seeks an experienced, highly motivated, goal-oriented and energetic fundraiser with a proven track record of closing annual and major gifts and exceeding measurable performance goals. The Director of Institutional Advancement and Major Gifts will join and lead a growing team focused on advancing a donor-centric mission and building a vibrant team who will enthusiastically and strategically increase philanthropy and accelerate current momentum to propel Archbishop Wood High School’s reputation and potential to new heights.

We are seeking a professional with a highly collaborative spirit, strong communication and relationship-building skills, a forward-thinking approach, the ability to relate to multiple constituencies and to represent Archbishop Wood High School with tact, diplomacy and passion. The successful candidate will be able to convey enthusiasm for the mission and role of Archbishop Wood High School and work with the President to be able to convey detailed knowledge and passion about Archbishop Wood High School’s top priorities.

The Director of Institutional Advancement works in consultation and in close coordination with school leadership to design and implement a comprehensive development program to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors for major gifts in support of Archbishop Wood High School priorities. The Director works in a collegial and supportive manner with colleagues and donors to maximize giving to Archbishop Wood High School and coordinates with The Director will oversee alumni engagement, parent programs, development services, stewardship/donor relations/protocol and communications teams to implement effective recognition and messaging. 

Responsibilities:

• Coordination with President to develop a comprehensive understanding of the educational, professional development, facilities and financial needs and goals of Archbishop Wood High School.
• Secures major gifts and develops future major donors by pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of private support from individuals.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 125 individuals who are believed capable of making commitments of $25,000 or more, based on giving patterns, prospect research, and other indicators.  This portfolio will evolve steadily as individuals are brought to closure, referred to other development officers, or dropped from the portfolio for lack of capacity or inclination.
• Maintains an active schedule of pre-planned face-to-face meetings with individuals, averaging fifteen (15) or more such meetings per month.
• Prepare and present a minimum of 24 proposals ($25K+) annually.
• Secure an average of 10 referrals per month.
• Stewards donors through ongoing communications, recognition activities, invitations to key events, and interaction with beneficiaries of their support.
• Promotes Archbishop Wood High School’s priorities and image to constituents.  Serves as front line representative to promote goals and objectives.  Maintains current knowledge of school priorities.  As appropriate, and with the knowledge of the President, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards prospects.
• Adheres to performance goals and standards for development professionals as specified under Office of Development Major Gift Officer guidelines.  Any changes during employment to these guidelines will be disseminated in a timely manner.
• Follows Office of Development’s procedures with regard to prospect management and documenting contacts. Responsible for oversight and submission of all relative fund-raising reports, statistics, projections and publications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 3-8 years of professional experience in development, with a strong working knowledge of the principles and practices of major gifts in education or comparable complex organization.

• Highly motivated self-starter who is engaging, resilient, and resourceful with the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Excellent ability to set priorities, plan long-term, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and perform in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
• Detail oriented with a methodical approach to work.
• Superb analytical thinking skills with ability to assess situations and react appropriately.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of business implications of decisions and ability to align work with strategic goals.
• Skilled at relationship management, collaborating with colleagues, and encouraging and facilitating open communication.
• Ability to liaise in a professional manner with all levels of staff, management, donors, and external contacts.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Attends Archbishop Wood High School sponsored events as required.
• Solid working knowledge of fundraising databases, preferably Raisers’ Edge NXT.
• Highly skilled at MS Office Suite

The ideal candidate will possess the following additional qualifications:

• Major gift fundraising experience
• Marketing and presentation skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Candidates interested in the position of Director of Institutional Advancement should submit their cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Gary Zimmaro, President at   gzimmaro@archwood.org

The deadline for application is September 30, 2024

Interviews will be granted to the most qualified applicants.

PA required clearances and Safe Environment Certification and official transcripts will be required before employment can begin.

As a religious organization, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is also bound by Canon Law and Catholic teachings.  For this reason, there may be occasions when an employee’s failure to adhere to the truths of the Catholic faith are a factor in employment-related decisions.  In the event an employee fails to adhere to, or takes a position publicly that is contrary to, Catholic doctrine and teachings, or any policy or procedure maintained by the Archdiocese, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Employment practices will not be influenced by an individual’s legally protected status or any other basis as may be required by local, state and/or federal law as those laws apply to the Archdiocese. 

Any employee with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the workplace is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of Human Resources.  Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal.  Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Office of Catholic Education at 215-587-3700.