Chief Advancement Officer - Mount Saint Joseph High School
Mount Saint Joseph High School
Application
Details
Posted: 24-Feb-25
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Type: Full Time
Salary: $115k-$135k
Categories:
Development/Fund Raising
Salary Details:
Salary is negotiable for candidates with additional experience and/or advanced degree(s)
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
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.
ABOUT MOUNT ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Located in Baltimore, MD, Mount St. Joseph is a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School that emphasizes a holistic education focused on academic rigor, faith formation, and service to others. With an enrollment of over 800 students, MSJ offers a robust college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a nationally recognized DePaul Program for students with mild learning differences, and a wide range of extracurricular and athletic opportunities. The school fosters a spirit of brotherhood and collaboration, preparing students to lead lives of humility, trust, zeal, compassion, and simplicity.
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.
A deep commitment to Catholic education and the mission of Mount St. 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.
Joining Mount Saint Joseph High School means becoming part of a community that embodies a strong sense of brotherhood, academic excellence, and spiritual formation. As the Chief Advancement Officer, you will have the opportunity to lead fundraising efforts that transform students’ lives by increasing access to scholarships, enhancing facilities, and expanding programs. You will collaborate with dedicated faculty, staff, and an engaged alumni network, working together to uphold the school’s mission. At MSJ, faith, service, and education are the foundation of everything we do, providing a meaningful and rewarding environment to make a lasting impact.
This role is particularly exciting because the new CAO will be stepping into a well-established and highly successful advancement program. The former CAO served the school for 23 years, building an exceptional foundation in fundraising, donor relationships, and alumni engagement. The new CAO will have the opportunity to build upon an already thriving advancement office, continuing its growth and strengthening its impact on the MSJ community.
As the school nears its 150th anniversary, the new Chief Advancement Officer will play a vi...tal role in shaping the celebration, ensuring it honors the school’s legacy while strengthening its future. Through strategic engagement and thoughtful stewardship, the CAO will help the school make the most of this milestone, fostering support that sustains its mission for the next 150 years.