Position Overview:
The Director of Advancement is a key member of the Owensboro Catholic Schools (OCS) Leadership Team, responsible for advancing the school’s mission and ensuring long-term sustainability through strategic leadership in fundraising, enrollment, marketing, and community engagement.
This role integrates faith and leadership by ensuring that Catholic values and teachings are reflected in all advancement initiatives, communications, and decision-making. The Director of Advancement collaborates closely with school leadership to shape strategic priorities, strengthen relationships, and promote a vibrant, mission-centered culture across all PreK–12 programs.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as an active member of the Leadership Team, contributing to school-wide decision-making and long-range strategic planning.
- Lead, develop, and evaluate the advancement team by setting clear goals, delegating responsibilities, and providing ongoing feedback.
- Establish priorities and guide advancement efforts in alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and values.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with the Chief Education Officer and leadership team to align advancement initiatives with institutional growth goals.
Advancement & Fundraising
- Design and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy to support school priorities and long-term sustainability.
- Lead annual giving campaigns, major gift cultivation, donor stewardship, and capital campaign initiatives.
- Oversee the planning, development, and timely execution of advancement communications, including appeals, publications, and alumni materials.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with alumni, parents, parish communities, and local partners.
- Create meaningful engagement opportunities that deepen connection to the school’s mission.
- Identify and pursue grant funding, sponsorships, and partnership opportunities.
- Establish and manage systems, policies, and procedures that support effective advancement operations.
- Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies to increase participation, engagement, and philanthropic support.
Enrollment & Marketing
- Develop and implement strategic marketing and enrollment initiatives to attract, retain, and engage mission-aligned families.
- Collaborate with principals and school leaders to support recruitment and retention across all campuses.
- Oversee communications and public relations efforts to enhance visibility and promote the value of Catholic education.
- Analyze local, regional, and national trends and provide data-driven recommendations to support sustainable enrollment growth.
- Ensure a welcoming, responsive, and mission-centered experience for prospective and current families.
- Strengthen relationships with parishes/pastors, school communities, and the broader Owensboro community.
- Oversee alumni engagement efforts, including events, reunions, and publications.
Position Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of three years of relevant experience; experience in nonprofit or education settings preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to develop and successfully implement strategic plans.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Effective leadership and team management skills, including supervising and developing staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse constituencies.
- Ability to analyze complex issues and develop practical, mission-aligned solutions.
- Proficiency in standard computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel).
The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check and complete Safe Environment training for the Diocese of Owensboro before employment can be granted.
Full-time employees are eligible to receive a 50% tuition discount and a 35% After School Program discount.
Owensboro Catholic Schools is an equal opportunity employer that provides a wide range of benefits.
