At Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (CRJ), we provide a career-focused, college preparatory education rooted in the Catholic tradition, welcoming students from economically limited backgrounds. Our approach integrates rigorous academics, a four-year work experience program, and comprehensive college support. We empower students of diverse faiths to achieve lifelong success through collaboration with educators, businesses, and communities. CRJ students consistently surpass their peers in postsecondary success.
Who We Are:
- Mission-Driven: We provide opportunities for everyone to develop in the faith traditions in which each roots one’s soul, and we encourage the integration of Jesuit spirituality and Catholic ideals into our service to benefit our young scholars.
- Growth and Recognition: CRJ has a partnership with Loyola University Maryland, providing a 100% tuition discount for employees enrolled in a graduate program pursuing an advanced degree. Teachers receive a $2,500 retention bonus every five years as appreciation for their continued commitment.
- Corporate Work-study Program: Our Corporate Work-study (CWSP) offers students a unique, student-centered, real-world professional opportunity that plays a crucial role in their formation. CWSP serves as a bridge, demystifying the professional world for our students.
Position Summary
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School plays a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of the school through comprehensive fundraising strategies, donor relations, and external communications. The CAO is responsible for developing and executing the school’s advancement plan, which includes major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, special events, and alumni relations. This position is critical to advancing the mission of the school, which provides a quality, college-preparatory education to students from underserved communities through the innovative Cristo Rey work-study model.
What You’ll Do
Fundraising and Development
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a fundraising plan aligning with the school’s mission and goals.
- Major Gifts: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Annual Giving: Oversee the annual giving program, ensuring consistent and effective donor engagement.
- Planned Giving: Develop and manage a planned giving program to secure long-term financial support.
- Corporate and Foundation Relations: Cultivate and manage relationships with corporate and foundation partners, aligning their philanthropic goals with the school’s needs.
Donor Relations and Stewardship
- Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring high engagement and satisfaction.
- In collaboration with the VP of Finance and Operations, monitor restricted gifts and prepare a schedule of net asset releases for the annual audit.
- Stewardship: Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship program to acknowledge and recognize donors at all levels.
- Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors on the impact of their gifts and the school’s progress.
Communications and Marketing
- Brand Management: Lead the school’s marketing and communications efforts to enhance its visibility and reputation.
- Public Relations: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the school’s advancement efforts, representing the school to external audiences.
- Collateral Development: Oversee the creation of compelling fundraising materials, including brochures, newsletters, and annual reports.
- Creates and manages an annual development plan.
Leadership and Management
- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the advancement team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Budget Management: Develop and manage the advancement budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and other executive leaders to align advancement activities with the school’s strategic priorities.
Board Engagement
- Board Relations: Support the President and Board of Trustees in cultivating and engaging board members in fundraising efforts.
- Committee Leadership: Lead and support board committees related to advancement, such as the Development Committee.
Who You Are
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts. Experience in educational or non-profit organizations is highly preferred.
- Skills:
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to build relationships and influence key stakeholders.
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, planned giving, and donor stewardship.
- Familiarity with the Cristo Rey model and a commitment to its mission.
- Attributes:
- Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach.
- High level of integrity and a passion for education and social justice.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.