Position Summary

Marian Catholic High School seeks a dynamic, mission-driven, and relationship-focused leader to serve as Vice President of Advancement. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President of Advancement provides strategic leadership for all fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing, communications, and community relations efforts in support of the school’s Catholic and Dominican mission.

The Vice President of Advancement is responsible for advancing the school’s culture of philanthropy, strengthening constituent relationships, increasing philanthropic support, enhancing institutional visibility, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability through annual, major, planned, and capital giving initiatives.

This position serves as a key member of the President’s leadership team and collaborates closely with the Board of Directors, administration, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends of Marian Catholic High School.

About Marian Catholic

Marian Catholic High School, rooted in the Dominican tradition, inspires students through prayer, study, community, and preaching to grow in faith, achieve academic excellence, and become compassionate, courageous leaders committed to Christian Service.  The school's culture of excellence begins in the classroom and extends to its winning athletic teams, accomplished performers, and nationally renowned band. Marian Catholic builds character through faith, service, and a commitment to developing the whole person.  The school's diversity provides students the opportunity to learn from and build lasting relationships with peers of different backgrounds and cultures. Graduates leave Marian Catholic prepared academically, personally, and spiritually to meet the challenges of college and adulthood.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the school’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with the President and Board of Directors to establish fundraising goals, campaign priorities, and long-range advancement plans.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President regarding donor relations, community engagement, and institutional advancement opportunities.
• Build a strong culture of philanthropy across the Marian Catholic community.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts including annual giving, leadership gifts, major gifts, planned giving, grants, sponsorships, special events, and capital campaigns.
• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospective benefactors.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with professionalism and care.
• Oversee donor recognition programs and stewardship initiatives.
• Prepare fundraising reports, gift projections, and campaign progress updates.

Alumni & Constituent Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, grandparents, parish communities, and friends of Marian Catholic.
• Oversee alumni programming, reunions, networking events, and volunteer engagement.
• Foster meaningful partnerships that increase school support and visibility.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Advancement

• Oversee institutional communications, publications, digital outreach, website messaging, and social media strategy.
• Ensure consistent branding and storytelling that highlights Marian Catholic’s mission, achievements, and student success.
• Promote enrollment support efforts through collaboration with the Admissions and Enrollment team.

Leadership & Operations

• Supervise and promote talent development of Advancement Office personnel of four direct reports and related support staff.
• Oversee advancement budget, RaisersEdge donor database systems, gift processing, and reporting procedures.
• Ensure best practices in fundraising ethics, confidentiality, and data management.
• Coordinate the work of the Board of Directors Outreach Committee.
• Represent Marian Catholic High School at select community and civic events.

Compensation

Starting base salary no less than $130,000 with opportunity for higher base salary depending on experience, education level, and credentials.  A competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D, short term and long-term disability, and a generous allotment of paid leave time.

Application Process

Please submit a completed application and supporting documents through Frontline. You can access the application on the Marian Catholic website at the following link: https://www.marianchs.com/about/employment.  For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Michael Riordan, President via email: mriordan@marianchs.com.  All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Marian Catholic does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, development, fundraising, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Proven success in major gift fundraising and relationship management.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and achieve measurable goals.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.

Preferred

• Experience in Catholic schools, higher education, or faith-based nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of donor databases, CRM systems, and fundraising analytics.
• Familiarity with campaign planning and planned giving strategies.
• Understanding of the Chicago Southland community and Catholic school landscape.

Personal Characteristics

• Mission-driven and faith-filled leader
• Person of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
• Energetic, visionary, and results-oriented
• Warm, approachable, and relationship-centered
• Collaborative leader who inspires trust and generosity